The Grenadine: The Ferrari of Neckties
The grenadine necktie.
The grenadine is elegant, cool, and a sure sign that you require something beyond ordinary. Sean Connery, the ultimate James Bond, used the strengths of the grenadine superbly, creating a classic, sophisticated look.
The solid grenadine, furthermore, is one of the most versatile of ties. On the one hand, it will not clash with other patterns, and on the other hand, its rich texture adds that subtle extra, always the mark of a well dress man. These are the reasons a grenadine is considered a staple menswear item and an essential accessory.
It is surprising, then, that the grenadine is something of a rarity. In fact, there are only two mills in the world that have the looms and skills necessary to weave the grenadine fabric. Both of these mills are located in Northern Italy, which makes the grenadine exclusive, luxurious but surprisingly affordable
Lindman New York is one of the very few neckwear companies able to custom make grenadine ties. This means that you not only get to select the color, but also the length, width, interlining, and tipping. If you are not sure what to chose, we will carefully guide you through the process. We know grenadine.
Sean Connery, wearing a grenadine necktie.
The grenadine is woven on large jacquard looms – two warp (vertical) yarns are twisted around the weft (horizontal) yarns. The result is a fabric that has an open, or gauze, weave, giving it depth and texture that cannot be found in other silk ties.
There are two variations of the grenadine --- Garza Fina (fine gauze) and Garza Grossa (large gauze). The Garza Fina is more formal than the Garza Grossa. Lindman New York carries both weaves, and you can select the one you like best. James Bond, by the way, only wears Garza Grossa.
Its earliest known use of the grenadine can be found in the form of black lace fabric worn in 18th-century France. Some speculate that grenadine originated in Granada, Spain, because of the name, but it has made appearances throughout Europe, and its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery.
Neckties can come either lined or unlined. The lining or interlining is a piece of fabric, usually wool, used on the inside of the tie to give it more body. We here at Lindman New York purchase all of our interlining from a small mill in Italy. It costs a little more but the quality is superior. Because the open weave on a grenadine allows you to see through the tie to some extent, if you want a lining, it will be dyed the same color as the silk shell.
Unlined ties, especially in an airy grenadine weave, have more of a handmade artisanal look, which can also make them appear more casual. Because of the thinness of an unlined grenadine, you will also see the impression of the tie folds on the underside.
The grenadine tie is constructed like any normal tie: it is cut and folded on the bias, and it is finished with a triangular tip.
Some grenadine ties have no tipping, which necessitates hand-rolled edges for an elegant finish. Sean Connery’s grenadine ties in his 1960s James Bond films are made without tipping and are slightly see-thought at the tips.
If you are interested in learning more about grenadine ties, please contact us here at Lindman New York.
We are very pleased to offer two Grenadine neckties for sale. These ties are lined and tipped.
James Bond, perhaps the best dressed of all movie characters, wearing a black grenadine necktie.
Carl Rutberg, Ph.D. is the creative director and founder of Lindman New York, a full service neckwear company focusing on the custom made. Dr. Rutberg has extensive fabric, design, and tailoring experience. In fact, Lindman New York is one of the very few companies in the United States that are able to custom make seven - fold and grenadine neckties For the past 20 years, Dr. Rutberg has been a adjunct professor at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in NYC. There he teaches a course about American history and fashion, and he often incorporates neckwear in his lectures.