Ties will be more hygely popular this Christmas in the UK. And worldwide?

Current fashion trends mean a lot of men will be waking up to find a tie among the gadgets in their stocking this Christmas.

Britain’s leading online tie retailer TieWareHouse is expecting a huge increase in sales of fashion ties, compared to last year.

Tie Warehouse’s Gary Baker said there are two main factors driving sales: “A large proportion of buyers are wives, girlfriends and daughters getting gifts for male family and relatives. But what’s also driving sales is the trend towards men looking smart but casual. We’re starting to see men wear a tie casually as a fashion item, not just at work."

Gary estimates that up to 40% of Tie Warehouse’s total annual sales are done in the run up to Christmas.

Other Christmas tie fashion facts include:

• Novelty and themed ties are big sellers at Christmas

• Fashion & designer ties are also selling well this year

• Cufflinks are proving popular, especially when matched to a tie

• People living overseas often buy gifts on the site to send to friends and family in the UK

Gary added: “Of course this renewed interest in ties is great for our business! We expect to send out several thousand ties this Christmas, as well accessories like tie clips and cufflinks.”