Top 5 Reasons to Shop for Ties on eBay
For years I hated wearing neckties. Not because they were too formal. But because they were always way too long for me. From sixth-grade piano recitals to job interviews in my 20s, my tie would be dangling somewhere around mid-calf area. OK, maybe not quite that bad, but the end result was more dog-on-a-leash than sharply-dressed-man-about-town. Not all short men have this problem, but if you’re short and skinny (or have a skinny neck), I’m talking to you.
I did some research last year, and made a list of brands and tiemakers on the shorter end of the spectrum. So now if I wanted to walk into a store and drop $25-$150 on a new piece of silk to cover up the old adam’s apple, I feel like I could easily find stuff that fits. But recently I’ve found a better way: buying used, vintage ties on eBay.
So, here are my Top 5 Reasons to Shop for Ties on eBay:
- Vintage ties are often much shorter than today’s styles. The majority of current ties average around 58-60 inches. Years ago, people used to be a lot shorter (look at Cro-Magnon man) and a lot more stylish (look at Casablanca)
- EBay sellers almost always list the tie’s exact dimensions. I can’t tell you how invaluable this info is. Once you figure out what length works best for you (for me it’s about 56 inches), never again will you buy another tie that’s too long (or too short). On the other hand, when you buy a brand-new tie, the size usually says “1 Size” if anything — and I’ve found that most clerks don’t even know the actual measurements of their own wares.
- They’re usually cheap. Including shipping, I usually pay $5-$12 a piece. Since it’s an auction site, you can set an ammount you’re willing to spend ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about exceeding your wallet’s limits.
- They’re one-of-a-kind. Well, not always, but the variety of styles, fabrics, cuts, and colors on eBay is unmatched. And there are some absolute stunners on there sometimes.
- Shopping online is easy and quick. I guess this doesn’t need much explanation to folks who are savvy enough to find this blog. But to get eBay-specific, if you’re not willing to wait X number of days for an auction to end, you can always search for one-click Buy It Now items.
Personally, I’ve been obsessed with square-end knit ties (like the one pictured), anything wool, linen or cotton, plaids, tweeds, and tartan.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:52 am
Long ties are a problem for taller guys, too, who like a shorter, more European look. Most ties hit you in the belt buckle unless you have the back piece reaching just as long as the front piece, which is tough to hit on the first try.
I personally don’t think a tie should go below the belly button.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Good point. The current norm for tie length is a bit too long for my taste, too. It’s funny: you look back at old films and they’re wearing a huge range of tie lengths/widths/styles — often within the same movie. Men’s fashion has become super rigid and codified over the past 20 years or so. Not a whole lot of wiggle room.
Also, Reason 6 for buying your neckties from eBay: it’s a buyer’s market these days.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
any idea which seller you’re finding helpful? I’ve had no luck finding around 3-inch ties, the only thing I can think of is to search by skinny brand, eg theory
January 29th, 2009 at 10:03 am
As far as eBay sellers go, the one I most often end up buying from is eauctiondepot1. They have a ton of stuff, super-high ratings, and I think they even may have a deal where if you buy 2 or 3 ties, shipping is free (don’t quote me on that). I don’t actually know anything about them, but my guess is it may be a rather large company, perhaps even an eBay-related franchise or something. I always find lots of good stuff, but maybe it’s how (or what) I’m searching for: Usually, I just search on keywords, whatever I’m looking for (knit, square end, wool, linen, etc.). “Vintage” may be the best place to start. But yeah, another way to go is by brands that you know, which is OK too. Anyway, good luck in your search. And if anybody wins anything good, please feel free to post it here in the comments.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Thank you Josh, I’ll give eauctiondepot1 a try!
May 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I have a vintage DB suit and I want to get a 1940’s swing tie to go with it. I will take a photo in the trousers with suspenders and swing tie standing in front of my vintage car. What is the best tie for this photo?
May 26th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Just purchased several 56″ ties from Eauctiondepot1..they actually had nice prints for older ties. Shipping was free. Thanks for the help.
May 27th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Alan – Nice! Yeah, they have such a huge variety of styles. And they’re always as described. Glad it worked out for you!