Zip tiers are high flyers: new tie guarantees perfection

But an Edinburgh businessman is hoping his invention of a zip-up tie will solve the problem and revolutionise one of the most traditional elements of menswear.

The SuperTie was recently launched by 29-year-old Chris Gibson from Pilton, and he has already managed to get it onto the shelves of one the UK's most prestigious shops.

It is available in 54 designs and is guaranteed to provide the perfect tie every time.

It has taken Mr Gibson more than three years of research and development before getting his product to market.

Mr Gibson, founder and CEO of SuperTie Ltd, said: "I saw SuperTie as an answer to a problem encountered by professionals. While working as a lawyer, casual policy operates on the office floor but when meeting clients a necktie is essential.

"But, all too often, the rush and pace of office life makes it the last thing on your mind, and a stress when fighting to get it right after three attempts and then making do. The idea was something that combines speed and no hassle, with a guaranteed perfect finish."

Mr Gibson, a qualified solicitor who completed his training at city law firm HBJ Gateley Wareing, set up SuperTie Ltd in February 2008. He has received backing from a number of Scottish investors and has plans to make the tie available to purchase at a number of stores.

The online business has sold more than 1000 SuperTies since the product launched in December last year.

Mr Gibson said the magic of the SuperTie was a zip mechanism housed inside the knot. The zip runs along both sides of the collar, feeding through the knot. It means the wearer can slip the pre-tied tie over the neck and adjust it by pulling the shorter part of the tie.

The first range from SuperTie features silks as well as a wool tartan range. There are three choices of length.

Selfridges was so taken by it that it commissioned the "super deluxe SuperTie", costing 50, for four weeks in the run-up to Father's Day on Sunday.

Mr Gibson, who is originally from Belfast, said: "We are not intending to replace the normal tie. The SuperTie is an additional accessory, for example, if you're running late, but we have already had guys who have admitted that they just prefer wearing this now."

The SuperTie costs 25 plus postage and packaging, and is available from www.supertie.com.