Ask the MB: Slippery Silk Ties
![Ask the MB: Slippery Silk Ties](/images/pics/mandeer-tie-knot.png)
Q: Dear Mandeer,
This silk tie is tied with a four in hand, the only tie knot I know. Any advice on other knots that would work within MB principles with this (or another straight) collar?
It just doesn't grip together like other ties that have a bit more texture. It's a printed silk from Brooks Brothers (pic attached).
Heaven help us if we resort to a Windsor.
—David
A: David, have you considered Scotch tape?
There is certainly nothing wrong with a little slippage at the knot; in fact it's preferred. Take a close look at the mandeer and you'll see a looseness similar to yours. It's artful dishevelment, a core MB principle. Contrast this with, say, Donald Trump's too-straight tourniquet. As the de facto leader of Toolbag Nation, whatever he does, do the opposite.
![](/images/pics/mike-lindell-gross.png)
Just ... gross. And then there's the tie.
The bigger issue with shiny silk ties – besides violating the MB matte vs. gloss principle – is that they give off strong old white man vibes, and none of the good ones. There's Trump, of course, but also take a look at the My Pillow Guy, Senate leadership, or a local Rotary Club meeting. (Now imagine the smell of the excessively-applied cologne. P U!)
Stick with your point collars and four-in-hand knots, David. Donate the printed silks to Goodwill and get into textured neckwear. We have a bunch of options, and it's all we've ever made.