Image via Complex Original
Normally, ties are the choking collars that signify service to The Man. And they're usually as drab and boring as the jobs that require them. But the holidays are approaching, and starting with Thanksgiving we all have to "look nice" for the alarmingly large amount of time spent with your family or your significant other's family.
Even if you can't express your personal political or social views at the Thanksgiving table because it might lead your grandmother to offend your ethnically ambiguous girlfriend, at least you don't have to look like a boring Suit when you dress up. Some occasions require a tie: your wedding, your funeral, and the holidays. So retain some sense of individuality at these somber events with these 10 Awesome Ties for Guys Who Don't Wear Ties.
The Hill-Side
The Hill-Side is known for producing ties that wouldn't ever be seen in a drab corporate world. Trust us, that's a good thing. The fabric is handwoven in Guatemala and the tie is made in the USA. Most importantly, it's fucking sweet.
Buy It Now at Hickoree's, $83
Jack Spade
As the sage Homer Simpson once said, "Here's to alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." Well Jack Spade is providing a solution to boring-ass ties with this piece that's covered in frosty mugs of brew. Bonus: your religious cousin will know to avoid you from the get-go.
Club Monaco
This tie from Club Monaco combines two of our favorite patterns: polka dots and leopard print. There's a lot going on with this tie, so don't pile on the #menswear with a loud blazer or flagrant pocket square or anything. Save your gluttony for the table and keep the rest of your outfit simple, or else you'll end up looking like the turkey.
Mr. Bathing Ape
Nigo and A Bathing Ape have grown up, and so have you. The resulting Mr. Bathing Ape is putting out sophisticated clothing that hasn't forgotten its flamboyant beginnings. Kind of like how you now black out on whiskey instead of Natty Light.
Urban Outfitters
Paisley is definitely a returning trend, and we're more than happy to rock it in small doses. If your style is on the same level as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, then you might want more paisley. For now, this'll do.
Buy It Now at Urban Outfitters, $36
Norse Projects
This floral tie from Norse Projects is the Danish answer to the wintertime blues. As Seasonal Affective Disorder sets in, and you have to spend the Holiday season with your extended family and also your girl's family, just look down to remind yourself that spring will eventually be on its way. Plus, this tie looks like it was drawn by Maurice Sendak, and Maurice Sendak is awesome.
Buy It Now at Norse Store, $61
Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers
From the mind of Thom Browne, Black Fleece is the fashion-forward collection from Brooks Brothers. If he keeps coming up with pieces like this, then we might be making the trip to Brooks Brothers more often. The made in Italy tie is sure to impress, and will distract people from your gross eating habits.
Buy It Now at Barneys, $125
The Knottery
The Knottery has been putting out quality ties for a few seasons now at a price that makes you think they surely must be joking. Lucky for us, their prices are somehow real. This tri-color knit tie is a unique look, and will undoubtedly trick your girlfriend's parents into thinking you're not broke.
Buy It Now at The Knottery, $35
Mark McNairy New Amsterdam
Since his "Fuck Off" ties might literally shock your 114 year old great-grandmother to death, we recommend donning this trippy tie dye option from Mark McNairy at the Thanksgiving table. Your Republican uncle will want to call you a dirty hippie, but you're wearing a tie, so hopefully he'll just shut up.
Buy It Now at Mark McNairy New Amsterdam, $98
General Knot
We're fans of all things Batik, so we geeked out when General Knot teamed up with Wittmore to drop this very limited edition tie with a vintage print from Indonesia. These are handmade in New England, and might convince your stuffy relatives that your "travel year" was well worth it.
Buy It Now at Wittmore, $108
