How To Wear and Style Silk Grenadine Ties

Burgundy Grenadine Tie

When it comes to men’s fashion, few accessories match the quiet power and versatile elegance of grenadine ties. Worn by style icons from Sean Connery’s James Bond to modern business leaders, the grenadine tie is the ultimate wardrobe essential for men who value both substance and style. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes grenadine ties so special, why two specific colors—navy and burgundy—belong in every man’s rotation, and why my favorite brand, Aklasu, makes the best grenadine ties on the market today.

What Are Grenadine Ties?

Grenadine fabric is woven using a rare technique called leno weave, which creates a sheer but highly textured fabric. This open weave gives grenadine ties their signature texture and lightness, making them suitable for both formal occasions and more relaxed business settings. Despite their delicate appearance, grenadine ties are incredibly durable, thanks to the high-twist silk threads used in the weave.

Grenadine ties are often categorized by the fineness of their weave. The most common types include:

• Garza Fina: A finer, tighter weave ideal for formal settings.
• Garza Grossa: A larger, more open weave that adds texture and depth, especially when paired with sport coats or textured suits.
• Garza Piccola: A term sometimes used interchangeably with Garza Fina, denoting a smaller weave pattern.

These weaves are crafted using traditional wooden looms, particularly in Lake Como, Northern Italy, where heritage tie makers like Fermo Fossati and Seteria Bianchi have been weaving silk for over a century.

Looking for the right blazer or sport coat to pair with your tie? Read Which to Choose? Gray versus Blue Sport Coat.

The Texture Advantage

The texture of a grenadine tie is what sets it apart from the typical silk tie. Unlike conventional silk ties, which often appear shiny or flat, grenadine ties add subtle visual interest without overwhelming your outfit. The unique texture pairs beautifully with both solid ties and patterned shirts or jackets, creating dimension and balance.

Navy Blue Grenadine

In real life, this means you get a tie that works in almost every situation. Whether it’s a boardroom meeting, a dinner date, or your next wedding, a grenadine tie elevates your look with minimal effort. It’s the definition of a good tie: stylish, understated, and endlessly wearable.

Why Navy and Burgundy Are King

If you’re only going to own two grenadine ties, make them navy and burgundy. Here’s why:

• Navy: A navy tie is the most versatile tie in a man’s wardrobe. It pairs perfectly with a white shirt, charcoal suit, or even a casual sport coat. The deep blue hue grounds the textured weave, making it ideal for conservative business settings while still feeling modern and fresh.
• Burgundy: Burgundy is a rich, refined color that complements a wide range of suiting options. From grey flannel to navy hopsack, the burgundy tie adds warmth and elegance. It’s a good option for evening events and makes an ideal choice when you want to show some personal style without being too loud.

Both of these solid colors are neutral enough to pair with patterned shirts or jackets, and their textured finish means they never look boring.

The Case for Aklasu Ties

Over the years, I’ve worn grenadine ties from some of the best brands in classic menswear: Fort Belvedere, Sam Hober Ties, Chipp Neckwear, and The Dark Knot. But Aklasu ties stand out as the real deal.

Aklasu focuses on timeless style and ethical manufacturing. Their grenadine ties are made in Italy using silk from heritage mills, including Fermo Fossati. They offer both Garza Fina and Garza Grossa options, finishing their ties with subtle self-tipped ends, a hallmark of luxury craftsmanship.

Burgundy, Navy, and Black Bundle

Here’s what I love about Aklasu:

• Clean cloth and finest silk with a matte finish that pairs with everything
• Natural fiber construction for breathability and durability
• Perfect for a four-in-hand knot or even a simple knot
• A focus on solid, highly textured fabric in versatile colors

Whether you’re just starting your tie collection or upgrading your wardrobe, an Aklasu tie is a beautiful tie that holds up across countless wears.

How to Wear a Grenadine Tie

Pair them with a:

• White shirt and navy suit for a boardroom classic
• Grey flannel trousers and a brown sports coat for smart casual days
• Charcoal suit and light blue shirt for formal occasions

Stick to a four-in-hand knot or simple knot to preserve the drape and texture. Because of the open weave, grenadine ties look best when not overly structured—they fall naturally and beautifully.

Knit vs Grenadine

Many confuse knit ties with grenadine ties. While both offer texture, they’re distinct:

• Knit ties are typically made with a tubular knit construction and have squared-off bottoms. They’re more casual.
• Grenadine ties, on the other hand, have pointed ends and are made from woven silk. They bridge the gap between formal and informal.
  

  Beautiful Burgundy

So while a knitted tie is great for weekends or very relaxed workdays, grenadine ties deliver texture with a touch more elegance. For this reason, grenadine ties are often seen as the better investment.

Final Thoughts: The Tie That Does It All

In recent years, men’s fashion has shifted toward a focus on texture and versatility. Grenadine silk ties offer the perfect balance of both. They’re sophisticated without being flashy, textured without being bulky, and versatile enough to complement every look, from business suits to casual blazers.

There’s a good reason these ties have stood the test of time. From Sean Connery’s James Bond to today’s most refined dressers, grenadine ties remain a staple. If you’re looking to simplify your tie rack and elevate your style, start with two: a navy grenadine tie and a burgundy grenadine tie from Aklasu.

These are not just good ties—they’re the epitome of timeless style.