Nothing makes a gentleman stand out more than a stylish suit. Take a moment to think about how you feel when you put on a suit. When you roll up your sleeves and throw on your jacket you feel great.
Then you throw on your tie, which is the finishing step in a great outfit.
Or is it?
You look at yourself in the mirror and you realize that something is missing.
Have you ever thought about investing in a few tie clips? Adding a tie clip or a tie bar to your outfit is the best way to spice up a tie, and, in turn, complete your outfit.
We have put together this guide to choosing the best tie accessory for the next time you put on your suit and want to make an impression.
The Guide to Tie Clips and Other Tie Accessories
Next time you are out shopping, we recommend picking up a few tie clips and tie bars. These simple accessories will make you stand out amongst the crowd, and will surely make heads turn.
Here is our guide to choosing the best tie clips and tie bars:
1. Tie Clips and Tie Bars
First, you should know the difference between tie clips and tie bars. Both of these tie accessories keep your tie in place. They also add flair to your outfit. But there are differences in how they are fastened and for what ties they complement.
Tie clips are usually more intricate in design and have a spring design to hold them in place. These are better suited for knitted ties and felt ties.
It is best to avoid using a tie clip on a delicate fabric.
A tie bar is better suited for delicate fabrics and for men who want their ties to lie flat against their chest. They usually have a simpler design and are in the shape of a folded metal.
We suggest trying both out to see what you like. You can always switch things around and where the tie clip on some occasions, and the tie bar on others.
2. Wearing a Tie Bar/Tie Clip
So you’ve decided to try a tie bar/tie clip. The basic rule of choosing your tie accessory is that it should cover up to 80% of the width of your tie. You can choose a shorter length, but the longer the more stylish. However, you should not choose a tie accessory that exceeds the width of the tie.
Your tie accessory should be worn between the third and fourth buttons from the top on your shirt. Ideally, it should be level with your front jacket pocket. It should be angled horizontally. Being positioned in another angle will look tacky.
You also want to make sure the inside of your shirt is also fastened inside of the tie bar.
You also want to make sure that you do not wear a tie bar or tie clip if you are wearing a waist.
These tie accessories are meant to add an extra “kick” to a simpler outfit. The vest adds an extra flair of style, making the tie bar redundant.
Finally, do not forget about your personal style. If you wear cufflinks, we recommend investing in tie bars/tie clips that match the colors of your cufflinks. You also want one that fits the style of your suit.
There are also tie bars/tie clips that are available in unique designs. These can be used to show off your personality. But make sure they are for the right occasion. The mustache tie bar is certainly not appropriate for a job interview!
3. Try a Tie Chain
If you are especially adventurous, you should try a tie chain. A tie bar with a chain is a unique look.
Its purpose is to secure the tie with your shirt. It also allows for a looser movement. Tie accessories hold the tie in place and help them lay flat on your shirt. If you do not mind your tie moving about and enjoy the comfort, then you should try out a tie chain.
It should be positioned the same as the tie accessory of your choice. This tie chain should match the color of your tie accessory. Usually, the colors are limited, so they are best for complementing a minimalist tie accessory.
4. Materials
These tie accessories are made from a variety of materials. You want to find out which material works best for your needs.
The most popular tie accessories are made of alloy. These alloy tie accessories are likely to be more affordable than other options. Alloy is a strong metal and is scratch resistant.
You may need to care for alloy tie accessories more. Make sure you polish them regularly to prevent deterioration.
A second option is tie accessories made of brass. These are very stylish and have a similar appearance to gold, without the price tag of gold! These are easy to clean and do not tarnish easily.
They are not engravable, so they are better suited for a minimalist design.
Next, there are tie accessories made of stainless steel. These are durable, won’t tarnish, and are engravable. The only con is that smudges and fingerprints can show up on the material – not the best for when you really want to make an impression.
There are also tie accessories available in titanium and tungsten. These are hard to tarnish and are among the most affordable tie bars. Titanium does carry more style, though they both lack the value of a gold or silver tie accessory. Tungsten is a harder metal and not the most popular choice – though it is very practical and requires less maintenance.
These are best for trying a tie accessory first to see what works best for your style.
Finally, we recommend a sterling silver tie accessory. While these are not the easiest to maintain and can tarnish if not carefully maintained, they make the best impression. Nothing spells out style like the luster of silver. They are also engravable.
Tie Me Up!
Now that you know about tie clips and other tie accessories, you are ready to add that pinch of spice to your tie and your outfit. You will surely make an impression.
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