DO MEN STILL WEAR TIE CLIPS?
While wearing a tie unclipped is becoming more common, many men still wear a tie clip because it holds the tie in place and keeps it secured to the dress shirt.
TIE CLIP OR TIE BAR? WHICH IS IT?
Believe it or not, a technical difference exists between a tie clip and a tie bar. A tie clip has a pinch clasp with a hinge that allows it to be opened and closed. A tie bar with a slide clasp is a hinge-less, single piece that slides in and out of place to secure the tie to the shirt placket.
Now, I often find myself using both terms interchangeably (in fact, you'll see me do it a lot in this article). I'm here to tell you that what you choose to say (clip or bar) doesn't really matter. Sure, some men might make a fuss about whether it should be called one or the other, but what you choose to call it matters much less than the precise application of the device itself.
FUNCTION WITH FLAIR
Tie clips are surprisingly effective ways to add flair to your necktie because they can come in various styles and colors. Depending on your chosen clip, you can take a reasonably traditional tie and add visual intrigue to your outfit, making it more than just a simple metal clip.
PRACTICAL
It may sound obvious, but using a tie clip becomes important when you wear a two-piece suit out to eat. You must ensure your tie does not flap freely into your food or beverage as you lean forward slightly.
STYLISH
While I wouldn't consider a tie clip a fashion statement, I think wearing one with a two-piece suit or elegant blazer enhances a man's personal style to great effect. The metal details in the clip, coupled with a lovely wristwatch, can create a lot of consistency in one's look if paired effectively.
Opting for a tie clip is a tiny detail, but it can look downright dapper apart from ensuring that your tie does not flap freely into your meal or beverage.
Of course, a man should know how to wear a tie bar correctly (if he chooses to wear one).
IT'S OKAY NOT TO KNOW...
Before we get into the details about how to wear a tie clip correctly, I'm here to tell you that it's okay not to know how to do so immediately. Honestly, I didn't even know the proper tie bar placement for quite some time. I even wore it incorrectly for my very own wedding!
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER TIE CLIP PLACEMENT
As I often recite in my articles regarding gentlemen's style, what we wear communicates something about us to others. If we want to look like gentlemen who know the rules for dressing well for the occasion, we must know how to wear things correctly, including a tie clip.
There is a correct way to wear a tie clip (or bar); wearing one too high or low can result in a major fashion faux pas. So, let's now review how to wear a tie bar properly.
HOW TO WEAR A TIE CLIP CORRECTLY (4 RULES TO FOLLOW)
We want our tie clip to be easily visible above the jacket buttons even when the top button of the jacket (and only the top button) is fastened. Not being able to see it when our jacket is closed up doesn't make the tie clip useless per se, but it will diminish the effect of wearing this dapper accessory.
For something so simple as tie clip placement and sizing, I find it amazing how deep the rabbit hole goes when I attempt to surf the Internet in search of an answer.
RULE #1: THE LENGTH OF THE CLIP MATTERS
The correct length of the clip matters a great deal. The tie bar or clip should never be wider than your tie; instead, it should be slightly shorter than the widest point of the tie (usually 70-80% of the exact width of your tie).
The issue of the clip being too long is more prevalent with a classic skinny tie, which only very slim men ought to wear. There are half-inch tie clip options, and this is one instance where I would recommend a size such as that one.
In most cases, though, a more traditional tie will be between 3.25 and 3.5 inches at the widest point. Find a tie bar that looks like the one in the image above alongside a traditionally sized necktie, and you'll be all set.
RULE #2: CLIP THE TIE TO YOUR SHIRT PLACKET
I know this might sound obvious, but some folks think the tie clip is meant to keep the front and back portions of your necktie together (I certainly thought this was the case when I was much younger).
Always ensure the tie clip is attached to your tie and dress shirt placket. Neglecting to do so will result in another significant fashion faux pas because it does not fulfill this device's intended, practical application.
RULE #3: POSITION BETWEEN THE THIRD AND FOURTH BUTTONS
Somewhere between the third and fourth buttons is optimal for tie clip placement. I have heard many dapper gentlemen proclaim that the best position for the clip or bar is between the third and fourth buttons, discounting the top button at the shirt collar. I see why some men prefer this placement, as it can make the clip's positioning more symmetrical with the tie by remaining much closer to the center. However, placing the tie clip about two-thirds of the way up from the hanging tip allows for better visibility when the jacket is closed (buttoned-up at the waist).
Regarding the body, we want our tie clip to rest just at the base of the sternum (our chest). The approximate position is between the third and fourth buttons of the dress shirt, including the top shirt button at the collar (that's the sweet spot).
Another general rule of thumb for wearing a tie bar and positioning it proportionally is to ensure that it resides between the knot of your tie and the top button of your jacket when fastened (see the image below).
RULE #4: CLIP PARALLEL TO THE GROUND
Aside from the correct positioning, ensure the clip lies flat (or parallel to the ground). This becomes trickier to "eyeball" when your tie is a solid color, but if you have a symmetrical pattern (see the above example), then this becomes much easier to monitor visually.
TYPES OF TIE CLIPS
As previously mentioned, tie clips and bars are technically different due to their construction (i.e., pinch clasp versus slide clasp). But outside of those differences, you can pair numerous tie clips with your two-piece suits or blazers.
I think the best options are those in solid gold or silver-toned color. Many tie bars come in various shapes, sizes, and designs and can even have ornaments, such as logos or emblems.
TIE CLIPS TO AVOID
Once you dip your toe into the world of tie clips and tie bars, it becomes apparent that you can have a lot of fun selecting numerous shapes, colors, and styles. I'm here to tell you that you should exercise restraint and caution.
I'm not saying you can't own a wacky animal or boat-shaped tie clip. However, I am recommending against wearing one outside of niche events such as funny holiday parties or comedic functions.
Regarding tie clips with logos or emblems, I only recommend doing this if it's part of a uniform item; for example, military officers often have their branch insignia on tie clips to maintain uniformity.
If you are trying to dress to impress, keep that loud tie clip in the drawer at home. The last thing you want is a rather busy-looking tie paired with a zany and equally boisterous tie clip (so avoid wearing them together, please).
WHEN TO WEAR (AND NOT TO WEAR) A TIE CLIP
Wear a tie bar or clip for formal events (such as weddings) when you benefit greatly from the extra flair. Of course, take advantage of the functionality of a tie clip during business meetings or luncheons, where you need to ensure that your tie isn't swinging around. Wear a tie clip in a casual setting with additional casual pieces (such as a denim jacket), elevating your look to new heights!
I see many men wearing tie clips with waistcoats. Up to this point, I have stipulated two-piece suits concerning tie clips because wearing a tie bar with a three-piece suit and a vest is redundant.
A tie bar is not just a style affectation; it is meant to serve a purpose, and real gentlemen live their lives with purpose.
Don't wear a tie clip with a waistcoat. If you are wearing a necktie and tie clip with a blazer or sport coat and have something like a buttoned cardigan sweater underneath your jacket, then the same rules apply. Tuck your tie into the buttoned mid-layer, and don't wear the tie clip (it'll just look silly).
THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR MONEY
Tie clips are easy to find, especially at an affordable price. You can't go wrong with the aptly named company known as The Tie Bar. These folks specialize in (you guessed it) tie bars, clips, and ties. Over the years, they have expanded their options to dress shirts, polos, jackets, pocket squares, etc.
All of my tie clips come from this brand because they offer great products for an honest price. I cannot recommend them enough, especially if you're trying to stay stylish on a budget.
GOLD OR SILVER?
I recommend a plain silver one if you have to own a single tie clip or bar. This will more than cover you for any situation where a two-piece suit and tie are required. Gold-toned clips work best for more formal events, but I would only recommend wearing one if your accessories (such as your wristwatch) are also gold in color. Again, consistency is key.
A STYLISH CHOICE
Every gentleman should have at least one tie clip or bar in his closet. Hopefully, now you understand how to wear a tie clip on your dress shirt and can find the right one for yourself. Whether you have broader, heavier, or super skinny ties, a tie bar with a classic two-piece suit or blazer can subtly elevate any plain outfit by being a stylish accessory that keeps your tie securely in place.
