The popularity of tie clips brings a nostalgic flair to men's ties for a fun and practical jewelry addition to your wardrobe. So, if you want to add a little shiny to your ties, discover practical advice for how to wear a tie clip for flawless style.
Place the Tie Clip on the Right Spot on Your Tie
Ties are pretty long — they extend for most of your torso, after all. And while you can put your tie clip anywhere along the length of a tie you want, it will look best when you place it in just the right spot so it can do its job in keeping your tie from flapping about or getting misaligned.
A quick and easy tip for placing your tie clip is to count the buttons on your shirt. Insert your tie clip somewhere between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, counting from the top down.
The most common mistake men make when using a tie clip is to clip the tie bar only to the tie. The purpose of the tie clip is to anchor your tie snuggly to your shirt, so it doesn't slip out from under your coat or become crooked.
Chose the Right Sized Tie Bar
It's always better to have a narrow tie bar. The classic look is a tie bar that is the exact width of your tie. However, you can successfully use a tie bar that is 3/4 the width of your tie. This presents a good visual for your fashion style, as well. If you don't have a larger tie bar, you can get by with a tie clip that is just half the width of your tie. However, anything shorter will look odd, and your tie can slip out from a short tie bar.
Make Sure Your Tie Bar Shows When Your Suit Is Buttoned
A fail-safe way to ensure you've placed your tie bar correctly is with a visual once-over. Button your suit. If you can still see your bar clip, then it's in the right spot.
Choose a Style You Like
While a tie clip has a practical function, it is also a snazzy bit of bling. You can choose a decorative tie bar, such as a 14kt gold with a diamond stud, a gemstone bar, or a simple design. It's a great way to show your personal style.
Match Metal Colors for Your Outfit
If you wear cufflinks, match the metal color with your tie bar. You will use a gold bar clip with gold-colored cufflinks and a silver tie clip with silver cufflinks. You should also take into consideration the color of your suit coat buttons, especially if they're metal. If you don't wear cufflinks, then match the metal type of your tie clip with your belt buckle and/or watch.
Related: Effective Home Methods for Removing Stains From Ties
Add a Little Pizzaz With a Chain
When a chain is included with a tie clip, it's used as a tie guard or decoration. The chain should never be taut against your tie. It generally creates a loop below the clip or bar. Some chains are longer and feature an emblem or motif in the center, such as the symbol for an organization or other affiliation. Some chains feature a charm-like symbol.
Wear It Without a Jacket
If you are wearing just a dress shirt with your suit pants, then wear a tie bar. It will keep your tie from flapping about in the breeze and provide a more polished professional look without your suit coat to help keep your tie in place.
Know When You Shouldn't Wear a Tie Clip
There are a couple of times when you don't want to wear a tie clip. If you are wearing a tie with a cardigan, a tie clip is unnecessary since your sweater will prevent your tie from moving about. If you wear a three-piece suit, the vest will anchor your tie in place.
Attach a Slide-Clasp Tie Clip
The slide-clasp tie clip slips over the front of your tie. You position the back clip behind your shirt placket to secure your tie to your shirt. The back of the clip is designed with a slight arch to allow the other end of the clip to grasp your shirt snuggly. This type of tie bar is often recommended for ties made of thinner fabrics.
Attach a Pinch-Clasp Tie Clip
A pinch-clasp tie clip is a good choice for ties made of thicker fabrics. You may discover that a pinch clasp tie clip holds your tie in place better than a slide clasp. Attach the pinch clasp so your tie is secured to your dress shirt. A few simple steps ensure you end up with your tie bar in the most advantageous placement.
- Hold the hinged end of the tie clip between your index finger and thumb.
- Locate the space between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt.
- Position the tie clip between the two buttons.
- Squeeze the hinged end of the tie clip.
- Slip the front of the tie bar over your tie.
- Position the back clip behind the placket of your shirt.
- Release the tie clip hinge.
- Your tie should be secured between the front and back of the clip.
- Your tie should be firmly clipped to your shirt.
- To remove, simply press the two hinged ends together to release the tie clip.
You want to ensure that your tie will give slightly as you move about. When you are placing the clip on your tie, tug up slightly on your tie as you add the tie clip. This ever-so-slight slack in your tie will allow the tie to move with your body and not tug too tightly against your shirt.
Jazz Up Your Tie With a Practical Tie Clip
Whether you choose a classic bar or something fun like a novelty tie clip, you can express your personal style and still look great. This practical jewelry is both functional and fashionable.
