Adding accessories to your outfit can score you a lot of points in the style department. One versatile piece that most men neglect is the tie bar. Here at Spiffster Tie Club, we think a tie bar to a tie is like a Robin to a Batman. It makes you look sharp and ready to take down anything Gotham (or at your office or social life) throws at you.
The problem is, a lot of men don’t know how to wear a tie bar the right way. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How to Choose a Tie Bar?
A tie bar’s main task is to keep your tie in place, but when you want to look your best, it is important to have everything perfect; including the location of your tie bar. The rule of thumb is that it goes between the third and fourth button of your shirt. Easy enough.
Note that if you are going to be moving constantly while doing a fair amount of work, you can wear a tie bar between the second and third buttons of your shirt.
Your tie clip should correspond with the width of your tie. For skinny ties, the tie bar should be between 1 to 1.5 inches across, while for wider ties the tie bar should be wider than 1.5 inches across. Make sure your tie clip length does not extend further than the tie you are wearing because then it really looks odd and make your whole outfit look out of place.
Some tie clips have fancy embellishments but most of them are either gold, silver or platinum to make your outfit stand out. Silver works well with almost all tie combinations, so if you’re looking to buy your first tie clip, make it a silver one. Gold is a trickier color as it stands out. The best color ties to wear with a gold tie bar are ones that have a darker hue or a solid colored tie. Although it’s tricky to pair it up with bolder ties or brighter patterns, it’s not impossible, but use your own judgment.
Though gold and silver tie clips have always been in fashion, wooden fronts can totally set you apart from others. These can be worn casually as well, giving a blend of comfy and sophisticated look.
When Should I Wear a Tie Clip?
This super versatile piece of accessory can be worn to almost all occasions. Except for going to a beach, of course!
For situations where a tie would be too formal, a tie clip may not look appealing. Similarly, occasions where any kind of jewelry piece may seem as disrespectful or may not go with your casual outfit, it is more appropriate to leave it at home. In contrast to this, occasions like business meetings, weddings, formal dinners, semi-formal parties or attending seminars definitely call for wearing a tie clip.