If I Could Only Own One Tie

What if you could only own one tie? For some, that would not bother them at all. I have a lot of ties though. It would be difficult to decide which tie would serve me best. However, I came to a conclusion over the weekend.

I preached my first funeral last Friday. I was extremely nervous about everything: officiating the service well, not forgetting to say something, being in the right place at the right time, honoring God and the Gospel, comforting the family, and more. I was also nervous about what to wear because I wanted to be respectful. I do not wear much black, which would naturally be appropriate. I do not own a black suit or a black tie, and was not able to go out and buy such things in a pinch. Thankfully, a black suit and black tie are not necessary. What is necessary, however, is a dark suit and a tie that is unobtrusive, conservative, and classic.

I had no question about which tie I would wear. It is the tie I would have if I could only have one tie. It is the Brooks Brothers BB #1 Repp Stripe tie in burgundy and gold.

Full Disclosure: before I took my first pastorate, I worked at Brooks Brothers in Louisville. Perhaps, I am a bit biased, but I think this is the single most versatile tie anyone could own.

It works with a navy blazer and khakis. It works with a very nice suit. It is distinct, but not overbearing. Plus, since it will get a lot of wear, know that Brooks Brothers makes quality ties that they stand by.

Let me give you a hint on this tie. It is $79.50 from Brooks Brothers’ retail stores. That is a stout price, but like I said Brooks makes quality products, and they stand by them. If you want the retail tie, then go buy it from my friends in Louisville. However, if 80 bucks is (understandably) a little steep for you to pay for a tie, then there is good news for you. Brooks Brothers also has outlet stores. Now, they do not have every repp stripe tie from their retail stores also available at their outlet stores, but this tie is available. The silk is slightly different than the retail tie, but still much better than most other ties. The price tag at the outlet is $45, plus they often have sales that can get it as low as $30. I personally own the tie from the outlet. I purchased it at the outlet in Destin 2 summers ago (before I worked at Brooks), wear it all the time, and it has no visible signs of wear. It was worth 30 bucks.

A special note to Louisvillians: Next time your wife drags you to Ikea in Cincinnatti, shoot a couple exits up and swing through the Brooks outlet there. You can often find great deals therein.

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