I'll add this: I just bought my first "expensive" tie from Paul Stuart. It's a black grenadine and it certainly looks and feels expensive. The weave is very detailed and the tie is rolled nicely. It will not be mistaken for a cheap $20 tie, though I wonder how many people even notice that sort of thing........

 

Just a select few, including, most importantly, you. Then, a larger cohort, who will think you look very well, but couldn't say why. Then, a much larger number, who will wonder why you're so dressed up. :biggrin2:

 

It seems like for thrifting/ebaying purposes, it would help to know which companies make high quality ties.

Would that work as a quick and dirty solution?

:icon_study:

 

Generally, you can feel the quality of a tie just by holding it in your hands and assessing the weight/heft/hand. I'm not sure brands have a lot to do with anything in this instance. Some of the highest-quality ties I've owned have been "no-name" ties from old men's shops or things from not-particularly-well-regarded designers like Ike Behar. At the same time, a seven-fold tie from a decent Italian company will usually be quite nice, and I've never failed to be wowed by ties from Turnbull & Asser. I think it's all about durability, ability to whip into quick shape when you're ready to go in the morning, and appearance once it's around your neck.