With your Dad’s annual day nearly upon us, are you wondering what to buy for the man who has it all? If flair, imagination, and a taste for the unexpected are in his vocabulary, you may find that our silk accessories make the perfect gift for Father’s Day.
Those Old Father’s Day Clichés
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of standing at a rack of greetings cards, looking for just the right thing to celebrate Father’s Day, you wouldn’t be the only one. Finding something thoughtful among the reams of clichés can at times feel next to impossible - pints of beer, classic cars, football scarves, golf clubs - the whole works.
While these little signifiers might be absolutely perfect for a lot of men, the set of interests you’re given as a man can feel…reductive. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the symbolism of fatherhood and going with something like this, but wouldn’t it be nice if a fuller range of interests were covered? If that were the case, you might be able to find something that feels a little more personal, and a little less off-the-shelf.
The Case for a Cravat
A cravat is a great example of a gift that keeps on giving. This is the very opposite of a consumable, and a fine accessory such as this is not designed for novelty wear. However, it’s possible that many men, especially those who have experienced the necessary frugality of fatherhood, would never dream of buying something so luxurious for themselves. While a car, drill, or even a golf club could be justified as “useful”, a cravat is unlikely to fall into that category for most men.
This, in our view, makes it the perfect gift. It’s a luxury item, sure, but one that has many uses, and is a garment that can enliven an existing wardrobe, or help to steer a new one. Unless you are a true devotée, you’re a lot less likely to buy a cravat for yourself than you are a tie, which puts them comfortably into the territory of “what to get the man who has everything”. It’s a touch of pure and total luxury, with any utility coming later. Needless to say, it also has the air of the unexpected - we find that many men are surprised what a cravat can do for them.
Serious Luxury
A cravat is not frivolous. We sometimes think this bears repeating. A cravat is a serious, debonair and luxurious garment that can be used time and time again, playing an important part in various roles. It can be the leading man or an important character actor in an ensemble piece, but it’s always going to make its presence felt. In short, it takes a man of some seriousness to really pull one off properly. While there is a wit and playfulness that naturally comes with a cravat or ascot tie, it’s important not to mistake this levity for novelty - a cravat, and a man in a cravat, demands to be taken seriously.
Thematic, or Classic?
Many of our accessories have a stylistic theme underlying their design. For example, we have a huge range of Japanese prints, inspired chiefly by mythology and woodblock art. We also have nautical themes, classic cars, hunting scenes and more. These can make for great gifts if they tie in neatly with something that your father is interested in. However, this is not the only route; our classic patterns are classics for a reason, and repeat their usefulness across many different criteria. The context in which the cravat is most likely to be worn might help guide your hand here, with different patterns suggesting different uses a little. Whether you play on thematic interest or simply visual appeal is up to you, but taking them both into account will help guide your hand to the perfect gift.
A Pocket Square’s Subtle Power
Despite our sincere passion for them, a cravat isn’t for everyone - we know that. While we think a cravat could work beautifully for any man, almost without exception, we accept that not everyone is going to be brave enough to dive in head-first. If this sounds like someone you know, a pocket square might be just the gateway you’re looking for. They’re a delicate touch, never being overbearing, and are endlessly versatile in the wearing. Requiring less pure silk to make well, they’re also more affordable, making them a more accessible and subtle “working man’s” luxury.
If a small square doesn’t feel special enough to you, however? Why, we have our large, artist-designed multiway squares, which are the perfect way to express your taste. Designed to be worn many different ways with an intricate design, they work with many different outfits, as well as looking spectacular when presented as a gift. If your Dad is interested in (for example) Arts & Crafts, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints or Art Deco design, one of these could be the perfect present. What’s certain is that a pocket square gives you both versatility and luxury, in a relatively affordable package.
Think of Occasion!
While we’re understandably talking about gift-giving, desire and luxury, there is still a place for practicality at the table. It’s always worth considering the use case for a purchase, even if the only reason is “just because”.
For example, what does your Dad do for a job? Does he have occasion to go out dressed up? Does he have clothes that my choice is going to pair well with? Thinking about these things can make the most of your present, and ensure that he actually gets the chance to enjoy the item you’ve picked out for him.
A Brief Gift Guide
Just in time for Father’s Day, our new summer collection lines are in and perfect for the occasion. Of course, you’re not limited to just these, but we think these designs are a great starting point.
Part of our Gods & Demons series, the Yorimitsu multiway pocket square is offered exclusively in dramatic colourways. Depicting the story of the renowned samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu and the formidable demon king, Shoten Doji, this striking design uses both vibrant and moody colour, working in turn with many different outer layers.
A refined classic, this darker paisley cravat is punctuated by orchid pink detailing, lending the otherwise moody palette a light and versatile touch.
This Southwest-themed ascot tie marries a cowboy and cactus print to a deep blue, offering details that appear almost as photographic negatives of their subjects. The design takes a classic macho motif and turns it on its head, making it a gift of fun and imagination.
A subtle and regal geometric design in vibrant navy blue, the sombre pattern works hand in hand with the bolder colour to really make this cravat shine.
A silk evening scarf always offers something special, and the Huntsman V, with its graduated butterscotch base tone, offers a surprisingly delicate touch too. The intricate digital print, featuring a majestic brown bear hunting in the salmon run, could hardly be more apt for Father’s Day.
The subtle detail that makes all the difference. This navy blue cherry blossom design has been a favourite across our range, and will show its usefulness in a host of outfits, lifting them into the very best versions of themselves.
As ever, these are only suggestions; what we hope to do is give you a range of options that might actually befit the man of the moment, and that might prove suitable for a truly great Father’s Day gift. Whether you’re tired of the cliches, getting something a bit unexpected, or simply treating a man who would never treat himself, we think we might have the perfect present for his Father’s Day.
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