I must confess, I am shocked. I just did a tie count and I hit 28, not counting the couple I leave at work for those just-in-case situations. And three bow-ties. I often wonder, what are the essential ties to have in one's wardrobe? My essential ties are a knit navy, a fine silk navy, a grey silk and a couple of patterned ties...for whatever suits my outfit for the day. The rest I wear infrequently, but they are so nice I can't part with them. I could probably get by with 6. Okay...maybe 8.