Since its introduction by Croatian mercenaries at the French court in the 17th century, the necktie has lived many lives. Once a symbol of high status – its prestige often reflected in the complexity of its knot – it later became an emblem of corporate-wear in the 20th century. Today, the tie is back in fashion, this time with a more playful connotation. British tailor Richard Anderson – who launched his eponymous brand in 2001 – tells us why he decided to offer a bespoke tie service in his atelier at 13 Savile Row…

What inspired you to launch the bespoke tie service?

The decision to introduce our bespoke tie service was driven by both customer demand and our recognition of a gap in the market. Despite Savile Row’s storied heritage, there was a noticeable lack of truly bespoke tie offerings. Having created exclusive in-house tie patterns for years, expanding into a fully bespoke service felt like a natural and exciting progression.

As our business continues to grow, particularly with the expansion of our women’s tailoring, the bespoke tie service allows us to serve a broader clientele. We offer custom widths, lengths and designs to ensure each client achieves a perfectly balanced and sophisticated look. Since its launch, the response has been overwhelmingly positive from both longstanding clients and newcomers alike. Wedding parties and sports clubs in particular have taken advantage of the service by ordering multiple ties for groups, adding a unique, coordinated touch to their events and uniforms. Our clients appreciate the personal, collaborative experience, making the service not just tailored, but truly engaging and unique.

Could you tell me about the fabric used for your bespoke ties?

Our bespoke ties are handmade in Kent using primarily 100 per cent silk, and are each around 36oz, with silks sourced in Yorkshire. We also offer ties made from lightweight suit-fabrics (around 9oz or below), including worsted wools and linens, sourced from the same English and Italian mills we use for our bespoke suits. Each tie is finished in-house with a handwritten bespoke label. A recent highlight was a navy wool jacquard with a tonal floral design commissioned by a customer in the US; he loved it so much that he’s now ordering a matching suit.

Ties are having a moment, on the runway and in everyday style. Why do you think they’re making a comeback?

Being a tailor on Savile Row, ties have always been popular with our customers. What’s interesting now is seeing this trend spread into everyday wear, especially in womenswear. Formality in daily dressing is definitely on the rise as people return to the office full time. Over the past two to three months, we’ve seen tie sales pick up significantly. With offices back and wedding season in full swing, people are keen to smarten up and dress with intention. Young professionals in particular are experimenting more with their office looks, using ties to add a unique touch of personality and style.

In your view, how does a tie elevate a tailored suit?

A tie truly brings the entire look together, it acts as the crucial link between the jacket lapels and the shirt collar, while emphasising the fabric details of the suit and shirt. I often recommend patterns like polka dots or houndstooth in contrasting yet complementary colours to the suit, subtle touches that add personality while maintaining elegance. More than just an accessory, a tie sharpens the silhouette, draws the eye and signals attention to detail. While there’s certainly a place for going tieless, a tie really does complete the outfit and elevate the overall appearance. The choice of tie depends on the occasion – for summer weddings or events, pastels and subtle floral motifs work beautifully; for business, classic, structured ties in darker hues with woven textures are ideal; and for a more casual look, knitted or linen ties offer a stylish, relaxed finish.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect knot for a tie?

My personal favourite is the Windsor knot. The Windsor, or the “Full Windsor” to distinguish it from the half, is a much thicker knot which is a more symmetrical and more formal style. It’s a good choice for weddings and events.

Book your appointment at richardandersonltd.com or call the team on 020 7734 0001. Prices start from £198