Hermès vs. Charvet Ties: Which brand is better? [2026]
Hermès ties are celebrated for their iconic status, art-inspired printed patterns, and the brand's legendary luxury reputation, often at a higher price point. In contrast, Charvet, one of Paris's oldest shirtmakers, is known for its masterful craftsmanship, hand-stitched details, and a broader array of bold, intricate woven designs at a slightly more accessible luxury price.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right tie for your collection and personal style.
Hermès: The Symbol of Timeless Luxury
Hermès has established itself as the pinnacle of global luxury, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance. While famous for its silk scarves and handbags, the brand’s collection of ties carries the same level of sophistication and artisanal quality. Hermès ties are crafted from premium silk and feature unique patterns that appeal to individuals who value brand heritage, status, and subtly expressive design.
- Product mix: Specializes in premium printed silk ties featuring intricate and often whimsical patterns inspired by nature, art, and the brand’s equestrian heritage.
- Price point: High-luxury positioning, with most ties ranging from $300 to over $600. Prices reflect the brand's prestige and the quality of its silk printing process.
- Quality: Made from smooth, lustrous silk that drapes beautifully. The construction is durable, with meticulous attention given to color fastness and finishing details.
- Sizing/Fit: Tends toward a modern, slightly narrower width, typically around 3.15 inches (8 cm), suiting contemporary and classic suiting styles alike.
- Style & Aesthetic: The overall feel is one of understated elegance and refined taste. Designs are timeless and can elevate both formal and business attire without being overly loud.
- Sustainability: The company is committed to ethical sourcing of its silk and other raw materials, emphasizing responsible manufacturing and long-lasting product quality.
Hermès represents an investment in iconic design and brand prestige, making its ties a go-to for shoppers seeking a recognizable symbol of luxury and classic style.
Shop Hermès: hermes.com
Charvet: The Parisian Master of Craftsmanship
Founded in Paris in 1838, Charvet is celebrated as one of the world's finest shirtmakers and a true specialist in high-end neckwear. With a reputation built on bespoke tailoring and exquisite handiwork, Charvet ties are for discerning individuals who appreciate artisanal detail above all else. Their ties are crafted from exceptional silks and are distinguished by hand-stitching and a wide variety of sophisticated patterns, blending traditional French elegance with personality.
- Product mix: Known for exquisitely crafted ties made from the finest silks, often featuring intricate hand-stitched details and a wide variety of both woven and printed patterns.
- Price point: Positioned in the premium luxury space, prices generally fall between $200 and $400, offering exceptional artisanal quality for the cost.
- Quality: Charvet ties are famous for their remarkable durability, luxurious hand-feel, and robust construction. The hand-stitched seams offer superior longevity compared to many machine-made alternatives.
- Sizing/Fit: Offers a variety of widths to suit different preferences and body types, though traditionally they can be slightly wider than Hermès, often around 3.5 inches (9 cm).
- Style & Aesthetic: Offers a diverse range of styles, from classic conservative patterns to bold, expressive geometric and floral motifs. There is a deep versatility in their catalog for any look.
- Sustainability: Charvet focuses on responsible sourcing for its fine silks and maintains ethical and sustainable production through its French atelier.
Charvet is the choice for the connoisseur who values exceptional, handmade construction and elegant-yet-expressive designs rooted in Parisian tailoring traditions.
Shop Charvet: charvet.com
Hermès vs. Charvet Comparison
Price Comparison
The most immediate difference lies in pricing. Hermès ties occupy the higher end of the luxury market, typically priced between $350 and $600. This price reflects not only the material quality but also the immense brand value and the desirability of their exclusive designs.
Charvet offers a slightly more accessible entry into artisanal luxury, with ties generally ranging from $200 to $400. While still a premium product, Charvet's pricing is more directly tied to its specific craftsmanship and fabric quality rather than overarching brand hype. For shoppers focused on getting the most handiwork and fabric richness for their money, Charvet often presents a stronger value proposition.
Quality & Materials
Both brands produce exceptional ties. Hermès is renowned for its smooth, light, and perfectly printed silks. The brand’s designs are famous for their clarity and color depth, which is a difficult technical feat on silk. They feel incredibly luxurious and are built to last with proper care.
Charvet, however, is often lauded by menswear experts for its construction. Many of their ties are hand-stitched, giving them a resilience and finish that mass production can't replicate. The silk used by Charvet often feels heavier and more substantial, providing a richer texture and a more robust knot. For pure construction purists, Charvet frequently has the edge.
Style & Aesthetic
The design philosophy of each brand is distinct. Hermès relies on elegant, often whimsical printed patterns. Think classic equine themes, intricate microscopic designs, and subtle H logos. The aesthetic is one of quiet confidence and effortless sophistication, making their ties very versatile for business and formal settings without being old-fashioned.
Charvet’s aesthetic offers greater breadth. While they produce classic stripes and pin-dots, they are also masters of intricate woven patterns like medallions, florals, and complex geometrics. Their colors can be both subdued and incredibly bold, allowing wearers to express more personality. If you want a tie that becomes a conversation piece due to its unique pattern and texture, Charvet delivers more options.
Fit & Sizing
Hermès ties generally feature a more modern, consistent width of around 3.15 inches. This width is considered a contemporary standard that works well with the lapel widths of most modern suits. It's a goldilocks dimension - not too wide, not too skinny.
Charvet provides more variety in its widths. You can find options ranging from 3 to 4 inches, though their standard is often slightly wider than Hermès. This makes Charvet a good choice for men with broader chests or those who prefer a more traditional, powerful look from their neckwear. The ability to choose your preferred width provides a slight advantage in custom-tailoring your look.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice truly depends on your priorities in luxury neckwear. Both brands are at the top of their game, but they serve different tastes.
Choose Hermès if:
- You value iconic brand prestige and want a tie that is instantly recognizable as a luxury item.
- You prefer elegant, understated, and often whimsical printed silk designs over woven patterns.
- Your style is classic and refined, and you need a versatile tie for professional or formal settings.
- You consider your tie an investment piece that aligns with a broader luxury lifestyle.
Choose Charvet if:
- You are a connoisseur of craftsmanship and deeply appreciate hand-stitched details and quality construction.
- You enjoy expressing personality through bold, intricate, and often textured woven patterns.
- You want a durable, substantial tie from a heritage atelier with a slightly lower price point than top-tier designer brands.
- You appreciate having more options for tie widths to perfectly suit your body type and lapel size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hermès or Charvet more expensive?
Hermès is generally more expensive. Their ties typically start around $300 and can go up to $600 or more, reflecting the brand's global luxury status. Charvet ties are usually priced between $200 and $400.
Which brand makes better quality ties?
Both make exceptionally high-quality ties, but they excel in different areas. Hermès is a master of printed silk, with vibrant and flawless designs. Charvet is famous for its hand-stitched construction and luxurious, often heavier woven silks, which many argue provide superior durability and knot performance.
What is Charvet famous for in their ties?
Charvet is famous for its uncompromising artisanal construction and its rich, unique patterns. As a historic Parisian shirtmaker, their expertise in textiles and tailoring translates into creating ties with a superior feel, drape, and longevity, often featuring complex woven jacquards and Grenadine silks.
Are a Hermès tie and Charvet tie the same width?
Not always. Hermès ties are fairly consistent, usually around 3.15 inches (8 cm). Charvet offers a greater range of widths, but their standard ties often run slightly wider, from 3.25 to 3.5 inches, catering to both modern and classic preferences.
Are Hermès ties a good investment?
From a style perspective, a Hermès tie is a timeless investment that will not go out of fashion. From a financial perspective, while they hold their value better than most accessories, they are not typically seen as appreciating assets like a Birkin bag might be. Their primary value is in their quality and style longevity.
Which tie is better for a conservative workplace?
Both brands offer excellent options for a conservative workplace. Hermès designs with subtle geometric or micro-patterns are perfect. Charvet offers classic regimental stripes, pin-dots, and medallions that are equally suitable. The choice comes down to whether you prefer a printed or woven texture.
Can you buy these ties online?
Yes, both brands have official online stores where you can purchase their current collections. They are also available through authorized high-end retailers like Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.
How should I care for a luxury silk tie?
Never machine wash a silk tie. If it gets a stain, take it to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics. To remove wrinkles, gently steam it or hang it in a steamy bathroom, avoid direct ironing. Always untie the knot after wearing and hang it or roll it loosely for storage.
