Written by
Tigre Haller
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Admittedly, mens accessories can get a bit confusing. But, it doesnt have to be, as I talked about in my last article about lapel pins.
Perhaps the most recognized - albeit misunderstood - accessory is the tie pin...and the tie clip...and the tie bar. Oh boy!
(Lets not even get into tie chains.)
Take a breath, relax, and keep reading. Well sort this out together. Dont worry.
Tie Bars (or Tie Slides) slide over the tie and shirt to help secure the tie to the shirt.
Tie Clips open like a jaw on a spring to then close around the tie and the shirt in order to secure them together.
A similar device to the clips and bars, tie pins are made up of a t-bar, chain, and fastener. A lot of men prefer wearing tie pins because they tend to be a bit more discreet and serve as a subtle accent.
Essentially they are the same - from the outside. They are usually made from metal and are horizontal. Usually. The most common literally look like bars, but you can find feathers, wings, glasses, mustaches, cars get the idea?
Tie Clips open like a jaw on a spring to secure your tie to your shirt.
Tie Bars (or Tie Slides) slide over the tie and shirt.
Neither one should be longer than the width of your tie.
A good rule of thumb is to keep it about 3/4 the width of your tie. Use this handy guide to help you decide:
TIE WIDTH TIE BAR or TIE CLIP WIDTHStandard (approx 3.25
)
1.75 - 2.25
Narrow (2.35
- 2.9
)
1.5
Skinny (less than 2
)
1 - 1.25
For both clips and bars, you want to make sure all the parts of your tie are aligned before securing it to your shirt. Not only does this ensure it looks good, it also ensures your tie wont be flapping in the wind or become disheveled.
Hold the wider part of the tie (the blade), the narrow part behind it (the tail) and the shirt placket (the front part with the button holes) together.
Then secure the clip or bar between the tie knot and the first button of your suit jacket (generally equal to the fourth shirt button). Fluff the blade out a bit for a touch of flair, or keep it close your chest for a streamlined appearance.
Position the tie pin in the middle of the tie, a hands-width above the first button of your jacket (or above your belly button).
Secure the t-bar by pushing it through the closest shirt button, pulling the chain a little through, and buttoning up the shirt.
Then pull the chain all the way so it is dangling at the front of your shirt.
Remove the stick pin from the closure, push it through the front of your tie, securing the back piece of the tie and attaching the closure.
Better to wear a tie tack with woven ties (such as wool) as opposed to fine, silk ties so the hole isnt as noticeable.
They are decorative. Tie bars, clips, and pins come in a variety of different styles, colors, shapes, all kinds of things! Men can add a personal touch to their wardrobe through the use of one of these bars or pins.
Much like the use of socks in a wardrobe, you can choose to go as basic and formal as youd like or get funky with character pins and wand-shaped bars.
They keep your ties clean! When you lean over things like a kitchen table you, run the risk of collecting food onto your tie. A tie clip, bar, or pin keeps your tie in place so that it doesnt fall out and skid across the delicious meal.
A fix for men with uneven shoulders. Uneven shoulders can be caused by a number of different things:
Regardless of the cause, uneven shoulders make for a crooked tie, and a tie clip, pin, or bar helps keep that tie straight.
They keep popping tie knots down. If you are someone that likes the look of popping tie knots, a tie bar, clip, or pin can help to keep the knot in place.
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences and similarities between tie pins, clips, and bars, have fun experimenting with all three to discover which one you like best. Dont forget to look into the different types and styles they have of each! You may just discover a new personality inside yourself as you try on new and unique tie pins, clips, and bars.
Caitlin
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit tie bar construction.
May 20,
Michelle Marcella-Morales
May 20,
Brennan
Nov 10,
B
Mar 09,
Monica
Dec 09,
Give a man a tie bar and he looks good for a day. Teach a man how to wear a tie bar and he will look Dappertastic for a lifetime.
Tie Bar 101: The Ultimate Guide to the Essential Accessory is your roadmap to becoming a tie bar aficionado.
Table of Contents
What tie bar width looks best?
For the modern man, a tie bar should extend 1/2 to 3/4 of the way across the width of your tie.
For a more classic or retro look, select a tie bar that matches the full width of your tie.
No matter your preference, never wear a tie bar that extends beyond the width of your tie or the Gods of Style will smite thee with a bolt of lightning.
Where does the tie clip go?
The placement of your tie bar can make or break the look.
The ideal placement for a tie bar is around the middle to bottom of your sternum between the 3rd and 4th buttons on your shirt.
If you clip too high, this functional accessory is rendered ineffectual. Too low and you may start looking a bit awkward especially when you lean forward.
Within the sweet spot, a lower placement is more classic while a higher placement can create a slimming effect.
Another thing to consider when clipping your tie bar is where you jacket buttons at the top. The best tie bar placement allows the tie bar to be seen even with your suit jacket buttoned all the way up.
What color tie bar should I wear?
If you prefer to play it safe, go with gray or silver, with gold a close second.
Try to match the metal polish of your tie bar with your jacket buttons, cufflinks, watch or belt buckle.
If you feel it compliments your style, dont be afraid to wear less common metals and go with patterned, colored or novelty tie bars.
A wild or funky tie bar can add pop to an otherwise subdued outfit. The color of the tie is worth taking into consideration when choosing a tie bar but there are no hard and fast rules.
When should I place the tie bar?
The right time to wear a tie bar is always and forever.
Not only does a tie bar help keep your necktie out of your bowl of cornflakes, it is the simplest and time-tested way to stand apart from the herd.
Whether youre wearing a three-piece suit or a pair of blue jeans, a tie bar is a welcome addition to any outfit that includes a necktie. So go the extra mile and pick up a few tie bars youll thank us later.
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