Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global necktie market was valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2023
The necktie market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2023 to 2028
Silk accounts for over 60% of the material used in high-end ties
The U.S. imports approximately 35 million neckties annually
China is the world’s largest exporter of neckties, accounting for over 45% of global volume
Italy produces the highest-quality luxury neckties globally, contributing 20% of high-end tie exports
65% of tie purchases in the U.S. are made as gifts
Online tie sales have grown by over 30% from 2020 to 2023
Men aged 35-54 are the biggest demographic for tie purchases
22% of millennials report wearing ties less frequently than the previous generation
54% of white-collar professionals own more than 10 neckties
80% of executive men wear ties at least once a week
Black and navy are the top two most popular tie colors worldwide
Consumer Behavior and Trends
- 65% of tie purchases in the U.S. are made as gifts
- Men aged 35-54 are the biggest demographic for tie purchases
- 22% of millennials report wearing ties less frequently than the previous generation
- 54% of white-collar professionals own more than 10 neckties
- 80% of executive men wear ties at least once a week
- Black and navy are the top two most popular tie colors worldwide
- Tie width trends shift every 5-7 years based on fashion cycles
- Japan is the second-largest tie consumer per capita after Italy
- 70% of law professionals in the U.S. regularly wear ties
- Pandemic-related casual workwear reduced tie sales by 34% in 2020
- Bow ties represent 10% of the total tie market
- Wedding and formal event purchases represent 25% of annual tie sales
- 51% of women buying ties are purchasing for partners or spouses
- Physical tie stores saw a 12% drop in foot traffic in 2023
- The average man in the U.S. owns 7 ties, down from 10 a decade ago
- 48% of tie wearers match their tie with the color of their shirt
- Satin ties are preferred by 32% of grooms in formal weddings
- 75% of tie sales in December are linked to the holiday gift market
- High school students purchased over 1.2M ties for prom season in 2023
- Nearly 28% of tie consumers follow fashion influencers online
- 43% of retailers report “skinny” ties remain in demand among younger buyers
- The average lifecycle of a tie in a consumer’s wardrobe is 7 years
- 34% of ties are discarded due to stains and cleaning issues
- 20% of fashion students report designing ties in their collections
- Red ties are worn most often during job interviews (43%)
- 58% of office workers in finance wear ties at least 3 times a week
- 29% of groomsmen wear matching ties in weddings
- Dads make up 62% of Father’s Day tie recipients
- Corporate gifting accounts for 6% of annual tie sales
- 85% of ties are still sold in physical stores versus 15% online
- 14% of tie buyers consider eco-certifications during purchase
- Celebrity endorsements increased tie brand recognition by 25%
- Ties branded with company logos are used in 33% of B2B promotional events
- Social media ads drive 39% of first-time tie purchases
- Only 8% of Gen Z consumers report wearing ties regularly
- Branded packaging adds 12% perceived value to premium ties
- Classic wide ties make up 40% of the total tie market segment
- 25% of tie shoppers look for machine-washable options
- Limited-edition tie collections sell out 60% faster online
Interpretation
While the tie may be loosening its grip on younger wardrobes, it’s still cinched tightly around tradition, gifting rituals, and boardroom expectations—proving that style may shift with time, but the power of a well-dressed knot endures.
Market Size and Growth
- The global necktie market was valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2023
- The necktie market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2023 to 2028
- Online tie sales have grown by over 30% from 2020 to 2023
- Custom and monogrammed tie sales have seen a 15% YoY increase
- The U.K. men’s tie market size in 2022 was $150 million
- Hemp and bamboo ties have grown at a rate of 23% annually
- 19% increase in subscription tie delivery services between 2021 and 2023
- The U.S. dry cleaning industry makes $110 million/year from tie cleaning
- Secondhand tie sales increased by 22% in 2022 via online marketplaces
- Formal ties saw a resurgence with a 9% growth in 2021 vs 2020
- Tie rental services have grown 15% YoY since 2021
- Tie resale market projected to reach $50 million globally by 2026
- The necktie industry contributes nearly 0.03% of global fashion revenue
Interpretation
Despite whispers of its demise, the necktie is not only tightening its grip on niche fashion but also knotting together a surprisingly resilient $3.2 billion industry—customized, eco-friendly, and increasingly delivered to your door with a monthly flair.
Material and Production
- Silk accounts for over 60% of the material used in high-end ties
- Polyester ties make up around 35% of the low-cost tie market
- 40% of tie brands now offer sustainable fabric alternatives
- Nearly 38% of ties sold in the U.S. are made domestically
- Tie packaging waste is being reduced by 19% through increased use of recyclable boxes
- 90% of handmade ties are produced in Italy and France
- Digital printing on ties constitutes 11% of new tie manufacturing techniques
- Nearly 50% of tie companies manufacture in Asia to reduce cost
Interpretation
While silk still reigns supreme around the necks of the stylish elite, the tie industry is knotting together tradition, tech, and sustainability—proving that even in fashion’s narrowest niche, the threads of change run deep.
Pricing and Sales Dynamics
- The average retail price of a quality silk tie is between $50-$85
- Luxury neckwear brands can charge up to $220 per tie
- Tie sales rebounded by 18% in 2022 post-COVID
- France ranks fourth in European tie consumption, with $85 million in annual sales
- Interactive mirror tech increased tie sales conversion in retail stores by 12%
- Holiday tie-themed collections generate 18% of Q4 sales
- Augmented reality fitting apps increased tie sales by 10%
- Silk tie prices rose by 13% in 2023 due to raw material cost
Interpretation
In a post-pandemic world where tech meets tradition, the silk tie—now a $220 status symbol enhanced by smart mirrors and AR apps—is knotting together a surprising comeback, with France stylishly holding its own and holiday collections tying up nearly a fifth of Q4 sales, despite a 13% price hike that proves dressing well still isn’t cheap.
Trade and Export
- The U.S. imports approximately 35 million neckties annually
- China is the world’s largest exporter of neckties, accounting for over 45% of global volume
- Italy produces the highest-quality luxury neckties globally, contributing 20% of high-end tie exports
- Italian luxury tie exports exceeded $200 million in 2022
Interpretation
While Americans import tens of millions of neckties—most made in China—it’s the Italians who finesse the fashion battlefield, turning $200 million worth of silk and style into the neckwear of the global elite.
