Men's accessories occupy a unique position in the world of style: they are simultaneously the most personal and the most overlooked category of dress. A well-chosen tie, an exceptional walking cane or a beautifully made umbrella says more about a man's sensibility than almost anything else he wears. These are not afterthoughts — they are the punctuation marks that complete the sentence.
The Philosophy of Men's Accessories
The great tradition of men's accessories is rooted in craft: objects made slowly, by hand, from the best available materials, designed to last decades rather than seasons. This is the opposite of fashion. A walking cane made from carved fruitwood with a silver collar will be as beautiful in thirty years as it is today. A hand-rolled silk tie improves with wearing and pressing. A shoehorn of polished ox horn develops a patina that no new object possesses.
The investment principle applies here absolutely: buy one exceptional accessory rather than five mediocre ones. Related reading: Investment Pieces: What to Buy Once and Keep Forever.
The Silk Tie: A Masterclass
The necktie is the most intimate of men's accessories — it is the one piece that points directly at the face and speaks before a word is said. Quality in a tie is felt before it is seen: a well-made silk tie has weight and drape; it dimples correctly when knotted; it falls straight from the knot to the tip without twisting.
What to look for in a quality tie:
- Material: Pure silk (woven, printed or knitted) is the gold standard. Seven-fold silk ties, where no lining is used and the silk folds back on itself, are the pinnacle of tie construction.
- Construction: Hand-stitching at the back seam and slip stitch (a loose thread that allows the tie to spring back after wear) indicate quality construction.
- Pattern: Stripes (regimental or non-military), geometric repeats, small foulards and plain solid weaves age better than novelty prints.
For handcrafted luxury neckties in pure silk, Tiegent offers an exceptional collection — from classic regimental stripes in burgundy and navy to distinctive floral and geometric patterns, all handmade with complimentary worldwide delivery.
Walking Canes and Sticks
The walking cane is the most aristocratic of accessories — an object that combines function, artistry and singular personal statement. A man who carries a fine cane does not carry it because he needs to; he carries it because he understands that how you move through the world is part of how you present yourself in it.
Materials and forms to consider:
- Handles: Carved wood (walnut, cherry, ebony), horn, bone, silver, brass, gemstone, amber or resin — each creates a completely different character.
- Shafts: Malacca rattan, hickory, chestnut, fruitwood. Each has a different weight and flex. Malacca is the traditional prestige choice.
- Ferrule: The metal tip. Rubber for use; brass or silver for ceremony.
For extraordinary handmade walking canes, Art Walking Sticks creates one-of-a-kind pieces in carved wood and resin, including the remarkable MAGIC Walking Cane series — sculptural objects as much as walking aids. Tiegent's cane collection includes handles in boulder opal, amber and hand-carved wood for those seeking maximum individuality. At Artevaris, our walking cane collection curates the finest European-made options for discerning buyers.
The Luxury Umbrella
A luxury umbrella is not waterproofing — it is theatre. The handle is everything: carved hardwood, polished horn, silver-mounted, engraved, inlaid. The canopy should be in quality pongee silk, heavy enough to feel like clothing rather than an afterthought. The frame should be in fibrecarbon or steel — supple enough to flex in wind without inverting.
For Italian handmade luxury umbrellas, Artisan Umbrellas produces exceptional pieces including solid stick umbrellas with hickory shafts and horn handles, paisley men's models with gold-plated handles, and unique peacock-inspired designs in ostrich leather. Each is a collector's object as much as a weather tool.
At Artevaris, our curated gentlemen's umbrella collection and ladies' umbrella collection offer the finest handmade options for both.
Shoehorns and Shoe Accessories
The long-handled shoehorn is among the most civilised of domestic objects — it protects both the shoe and the back simultaneously. Quality shoehorns are made from polished ox horn, sterling silver, polished brass, or enamelled metal. A beautiful shoehorn beside the entrance hall mirror is as much a display piece as a functional tool.
Browse our luxury shoehorn collection for handcrafted options in brass, enamel and horn. For enamelled animal-themed shoehorns of great charm, Artisan Umbrellas also offers their signature squirrel and Jack Russell designs.
Fine Wallets
A fine wallet is the most private of accessories — rarely seen, but daily handled, daily felt. Quality leather (full-grain calf, alligator, ostrich), minimal stitching, clean card slots that tighten rather than loosen with use: these are the marks of a wallet worth owning for decades. Explore our fine wallet collection.
Gifting Men's Accessories
Men's luxury accessories are among the most reliable gifts for men who have everything. A handmade silk tie, a walking cane, a luxury umbrella — these are objects a man might not buy for himself but will use and appreciate daily. For a full gift guide, see our luxury gift guide for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a silk tie luxury quality?
- Pure silk construction, hand-stitching, a slip stitch, and the weight and drape of quality woven silk. Seven-fold ties — where the silk folds without a separate lining — are the pinnacle of tie craft.
- What wood is best for a walking cane handle?
- Malacca rattan is the prestige shaft choice. For handles: walnut, cherry and ebony are classic; horn, amber and silver mounts are the luxury alternatives. The best handles age beautifully and feel exceptional in the hand.
- How do I choose a luxury umbrella?
- Prioritise the handle material and canopy fabric. A carved wood, polished horn or silver handle commands respect; the canopy should be quality pongee or silk. A fibrecarbon frame provides lightness and flexibility.
- Are men's accessories good gifts?
- Among the best. Unlike clothing, they don't require precise sizing. A handmade silk tie, a walking cane or a luxury umbrella is personal, lasting and immediately usable.
