Perfect Blend: The Irish Poplin Necktie

According to Atkinsons, makers of Royal Irish poplin, Huguenots brought their silk-weaving craft to Ireland in the 17th century, and where they began blending their silk with a fine local wool. The result is a half-silk, half-wool blend that makes for a necktie with great hand and character, one that belongs in every trad’s neckwear collection along with ancient madder, wool challis, and grenadine.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a sampling of Irish poplin ties from traditional retailers. Above, J. Press (click here for J. Press’ full Irish poplin selection).

O’Connell’s (see full selection here):

Sid Mashburn (full selection):

Sam Hober (full selection):

6 Comments on "Perfect Blend: The Irish Poplin Necktie"

  1. MacMcConnell | March 17, 2017 at 3:10 pm |

    My favorite ties are Atkinsons Irish Poplin from O’Connell’s, including the one in the first image..

  2. Alongside shell cordovan, West of England flannel, oxford cloth, Shetland wool, viyella, worsted merino, repp silk, and cotton twill (khakis), a quintessentially Ivy cloth. I’d be glad to learn how far back Irish Poplin goes with J. Press, Brooks (once a staple of their neckwear collection), Chipp, and other stores.

  3. NaturalShoulder | March 17, 2017 at 8:11 pm |

    I purchased my first Irish poplin several years back at the D.C. Press. I remember the salesman telling me how much he loved the hand of the tie and I agree. I think I could be happy with a tie collection of solid grenadine and striped Irish poplin.

  4. Henry Contestwinner | March 18, 2017 at 1:59 am |

    I have half-a-dozen Atkinsons Royal Irish Poplin ties, though two of them are Brooks branded. They’re wonderful in the autumn and winter, which means that they, along with their wool cousins, are going out of the rotation to make way for cotton, shantung, and mogador ties.

  5. Charlotteville | March 18, 2017 at 10:56 am |

    Beautiful ties. They are on sale at Press today and tomorrow (ends 3/19/2017), for anyone who wants to add to his collection.

  6. In my experience Atkinson’s Irish Poplin ties retain their looks much longer and resist stains much better than do repp ties. YMMV.

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