Neckties are an indispensable part of any business or formal attire. But they’re much more than that. It wouldn’t be too much to say that the design of your necktie can totally change people’s impression of you. But with so many different kinds to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when buying a tie. That’s why in this article, we’ll introduce the top 10 most high-class, high-quality, fashionable, made-in-Japan ties you can buy, while also scoring them based on the material, price, and design. We hope that this guide will help you out during your next shopping trip.
1. GOLD BROWN MIYAVI 33 MOMME SILK SATIN | FUJI SAKURA | GUNNAI TEXTILES
Score: ★★★★★
This necktie is made from Gunnai silk, which originates from the Gunnai region around the foot of Mt. Fuji. Gunnai has long been known as a center for textile manufacturing, and for over 100 years now, the Yamazaki Textile company—which had a hand in the production of this tie—has been a part of it all. Gunnai silk weaving was developed between the Edo (1603 – 1868) and Meiji (1868 – 1912) periods, when it became a symbol of the eras’ stylish “iki” aesthetic.
The most striking feature of this tie is the fact that it’s made from silk that has been carefully dyed with Mt. Fuji spring water and woven over a long period of time. The result is this high-quality, high-class silk accessory that feels very pleasant to the touch.
2. Tavarat Tps-069 Business Necktie, 100% Silk, Made in Japan, Nishijin Weave, Heathered Pattern
Score: ★★★★★
This necktie is the product of TAVARAT, an up-and-coming company that started in Osaka in 2014. It’s made from Nishijin silk, one of Japan’s most famous textiles which has been produced in the Nishijin area of Kyoto since the Heian period (794 – 1185).
The necktie is made from a rainbow of silk strands woven tightly together to create one durable accessory. Thanks to the ties' subdued colors, they go well with almost any kind of suit.
3. (PO-FK103)● Turquoise Blue x Off White Petite Pattern Tie on Navy
Score: ★★★★★
This necktie is the product of the tie brand FAIRFAX, which was established 40 years ago. It’s a high-quality item that you will often find in luxurious department stores. The tie is 100% made in Japan, from the material to the cutting and the sewing.
The silk in FAIRFAX ties is known for being thick, durable, and elastic. Elasticity is important in ties. It makes tying them into knots that much easier, and it prevents wrinkling.
4. Michiko London M-72 100% Silk Necktie (Plaid)
Score: ★★★★★
This is a tie by the Osaka-born, world-famous designer Michiko Koshino, who often works with her two equally famous sisters: Junko and Hiroko. Michiko Koshino’s works have appeared in fashion shows in London, Paris, Milan, and the United States, though the designer has also been channeling a lot of her experiences into her work in Japan.
The glossy checkered lines give the tie an almost three-dimensional quality, which instantly draws your eyes to it. The price is also very reasonable, so if you want a tie for a special occasion, you should definitely go with this one.
5. Franco Spada Tie FS003H Authorized Dealer - Grey Solid
Score: ★★★★☆
This is a tie by Franco Spada, which has been in the garment business for 70 years. Franco Spada ties are known for being elegant and high quality, and though their designs are simple, they come in a lot of different colors and styles, ranging from classic to modern.
These ties are made entirely from soft and thick silks acquired from Kyoto’s famous textiles centers Nishijin and Kyotango. You can really feel the elegance and high quality when touching them.
6. CRICKET Jg22150 Vintage Medallion Tie Navy x Olive Italian Fabric Satin Made in Japan
Score: ★★★★☆
This is a tie by CRICKET, which started producing clothing accessories of all kinds in 1960. Chief among them are their classically-designed neckties, made with techniques developed in the mecca of menswear: Italy.
With their unique paisley and flower designs, CRICKET ties add a little flare to any attire. They’re made from imported silk from Italy and the UK, so you can really feel the elegance and high quality when you’re wearing one of these ties.
7. Makers Shirt Kamakura 50oz Silk Twill Solid Men's Necktie, Solid (Plain)
Score: ★★★★★
This is a tie by Maker's Shirt Kamakura, a shirt specialty shop started in Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture) in 1993. It has always been dedicated to producing the finest made-in-Japan goods using only the highest-quality materials and refined sewing techniques. Thanks to their efforts, they’ve managed to create a tie that fits any shirt style.
While the texture of the tie is very pliant, it’s also quite thick and durable, causing the eye to be instantly drawn to it. And with a price of just 5,000 yen, the product is also very affordable.
8. KONDO 3 PIECES KATAKUCHI & GUINOMI 1.0 SUN YOSHINO-SUGI | KUSKA | KYO SASHIMONO (JOINERY)
Score: ★★★★☆
This is a handwoven and handstitched tie, a rarity in today’s world. It’s made from silk that has been painstakingly handwoven to allow a lot of air into the finished material, which protects the silk from damage. The tie is also unique because it incorporates traditional Tango-chirimen weaving techniques.
Tango-chirimen is a textile mainly produced in Kyoto. It produces silk crepe known for its fine, crimped surface, which prevents wrinkling and results in a soft texture. Dyed tango-chirimen is also known for its deep, vivid colors.
9. WACHIGAI-ASANOHA BLUE B | OKANO | HAKATA TEXTILES
Score: ★★★★☆
This tie is made from Hakata cloth, the oldest kind of textile in all of Japan. It’s made by OKANO, which was established in 1897 in Fukuoka, where Hakata cloth was created. Every one of these ties is individually handsewn, which gives it a softness and character that you can’t find with mass-produced ties.
The pattern on the tie is called "Wachigai Asanoha," meaning “intersecting hemp leaf circles.” It was designed by Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most famous woodblock print artists. Hemp leaves are considered talismans that bring good health and a long life, while intersecting circles represent opportunity and human bonds.
10. TIE PAISLEY (LIGHT BLUE) | SHAKUNONE | KAI SILK
Score: ★★★★★
This tie is made entirely from carefully-selected kai silk from Yamanashi Prefecture. The silk here is used lavishly, resulting in a very solid product 1.5 times thicker than regular silk ties.
The tie is made by Shakumoto, a manufacturer established in 1968 which used to produce many different garments and accessories, including ties. In 2006, however, using all of its collective knowledge and skills, the company switched focus and became reborn as a specialty tie manufacturer that’s today praised for its high quality. Shakumoto is now a leading luxury necktie brand.
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*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.