Short answer: Drake's and Lorenzi Como both make handmade silk ties. Drake's is a London house known for ties made in England; Lorenzi Como makes its ties by hand in Como, Italy, the historic centre of European silk weaving, with a focus on unlined 3-fold, unlined 7-fold and grenadine constructions. If you want Italian-woven silk and a true 7-fold at €180, Lorenzi Como is the natural alternative to compare.
At a glance
| Drake's | Lorenzi Como | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is made | England | Como, Italy |
| Construction | Handmade silk ties | Handmade; unlined 3-fold and 7-fold |
| Signature weaves | See drakes.com | Grenadine, jacquard, shantung, twill |
| Silk | See drakes.com | Woven in the Como district |
| Price | See drakes.com for current prices | €160 (3-fold), €180 (7-fold), €200 (grenadine) |
What makes a handmade tie different
A handmade tie is cut, folded and slip-stitched by a person rather than assembled on a production line. The stitch runs loosely along the back so the tie can move and recover its shape after being tied. That is why a handmade tie keeps a clean dimple in the knot and does not twist. Both houses build ties this way; the differences are in the cloth and the construction.
Fabric: English or Italian silk
Como has woven silk since the fifteenth century, and many of the world's best ties use cloth woven in the district. Lorenzi Como works directly with that tradition: grenadine, jacquard and shantung silks from Como, cut on the bias and finished by hand.
Construction: 3-fold vs 7-fold
A 7-fold tie is made from a single piece of silk folded seven times, with no separate lining, so the tie holds its shape through the folds alone. It uses roughly twice as much silk as a 3-fold and drapes softly. Lorenzi Como's 3-fold ties are also unlined. Lorenzi Como makes 7-fold ties and 3-fold ties. For a detailed explanation, read 3-fold, 5-fold, 7-fold or 9-fold ties: what actually changes.
Which should you choose?
- You want an English-made classic from a long-established London name: Drake's.
- You want Italian-woven silk, a Como grenadine or an unlined 3-fold or 7-fold: Lorenzi Como.
- You want to compare weaves before buying: start with our grenadine ties and jacquard silk ties.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an alternative to Drake's ties?
Yes. Small makers in Como produce handmade silk ties, including unlined 3-fold and 7-fold, with Italian-woven silk. Lorenzi Como's 7-fold ties start at €180.
Are Lorenzi Como ties really handmade?
Yes. Each tie is cut, folded and stitched by hand in Como, Italy.
What is the difference between a grenadine and a jacquard tie?
Grenadine is an open, textured weave with a light, airy hand. Jacquard is a woven pattern, smoother and often more decorative. See our grenadine guide.
Explore the full collection of handmade silk ties.
