In an informal poll of stylish men, we found that Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom are tops for ties. Several smaller stores and boutiques get high marks too.

Pirooz Sarshar, cofounder of the Grooming Lounge, likes the selection of plaid ties at Everard’s (1802 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-298-7464).

Sebastian Zutant, a sommelier at Rasika, is partial to Relish (3312 Cady’s Alley, Georgetown; 202-333-5343), which carries British designers like Paul Smith. He also recommends Thomas Pink (1127 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-223-5390), which uses vivid color but still makes ties that look dignified.

Both Tony Summerlin at SRA Touchstone and Bob Knott of Edelman Public Relations like Hermès (8075 Leesburg Pike, Vienna; 703-506-4546). Summerlin likes the quality of the silk and how they tie; Knott likes the vibrant colors.