The tie clip has enjoyed a resurgence of late, thanks to an uptick in interest around classic men’s style. Traditional and timeless, the humble tie clip is a subtle yet surefire way to elevate any suit or separates outfit to new heights, injecting an element of old-world class into your getup. To ensure you’re wearing your tie bar the right way, Albert Review breaks down exactly what a tie clip is, the types of tie clips available, and when and how to wear one.
You’ll also enjoy:
The Best Men’s Hiking Boots and How to Style Them
Virgil Abloh x Nigo’s Louis Vuitton Squared Collection Imbues Classics With A Streetwear Twist
Why the Half-zip Sweater Should be Your Quotidian Sartorial Staple
What is a tie clip?
Also known as a tie bar, the purpose of a tie clip is in the name; to fasten – or ‘clip’ – your tie to your shirt placket. Sounds pretty obvious, but we thought it best to clarify to avoid any ill-informed gents simply sliding a tie bar onto their tie alone and ending up wearing it over their shoulder at the slightest hint of a breeze. Aside from functionality, tie clips are also used as aesthetic accessories, with a multitude of design variations available.
History of the tie clip
In the late 19th century, tie tacks and stick pins were the mechanisms of choice to prevent a tie from flapping about in the wind. As ties of the time were crafted with lighter materials, they were prone to wrinkling and easily displaced by the elements; making the tie tack an essential. During this time, men tended to wear waistcoats, meaning the tie clip didn’t serve much purpose. Tie clips became a staple in every man’s wardrobe during the 1920s when straight cut ties (that lay flat) became popular, largely replacing tie pins.
When not to wear a tie clip
To avoid any undue sartorial embarrassment, let’s start by establishing when you don’t need to wear a tie clip. As the purpose of a tie clip is to fasten your tie to your dress shirt placket, you needn’t wear one when your outfit fastens it for you. If you’re wearing a vest, waistcoat, or cardigan, this layer serves to hold your tie in place, so a tie clip or tie bar becomes redundant. If you wish to add a subtle accessory, opt for a tie pin or collar bar instead (though if you’re really set on wearing a tie clip, just go for it à la Tom Hardy above).
How to wear a tie clip
Correct placement is critical when donning a tie bar; too high or too low and your whole look is thrown off balance. Your tie bar should sit between the third and fourth buttons on your shirt and be attached from right to left to clasp both your tie and shirt placket. Your tie bar should still be visible when your suit jacket is buttoned up.
When selecting a tie bar, look for one that is the same width or slightly narrower than your tie; your tie bar should never be extending past the boundaries of your tie.
Types of tie clips & tie bars
There are two main types of tie clips; the pinch clasp and side clasp. Both refer to the method of application.
The pinch clasp tie bar has a serrated rear edge and makes for the most secure option for your tie, clipping it to your shirt placket. However, the serrated teeth give it the potential to damage lighter ties (like those crafted from silk), resulting in crimping. Pinch clasp tie bars are best worn with woven ties made from heavier materials (like thick wool).
Slide clasp tie bars are smooth on both sides and simply slide over the tie and under the shirt to hold the tie in place. They are slightly less secure than their pinch clasp counterparts and work best with lighter ties.
How to style tie bars & clips
Tie clips are perfect for taking your smart casual or formal outfit game to the next level. Here are the best ways to style them.
Smart casual
In terms of smart casual dressing, a tie teamed with chinos or trousers, a dress shirt, and brogues or Chelsea boots is a widely accepted sartorial formula, sported by many contemporary corporate men.
The addition of a tie bar can aid in differentiating your look from that of the masses, allowing for a little sartorial self-expression. From classic brushed silver to more quirky varieties, there’s a tie bar for everything from conservative boardroom-appropriate outfits to casual Friday getups.
For something a little different, swap out your coat or blazer for a light puffer gilet as the weather starts to warm up.
Formal
Wearing a tie clip with your suit allows you to infuse some creativity into your outfit by playing with hues and patterns. If you’re sporting other accessories like lapel pins, collar pins, and pocket squares, opt for a subtle brushed steel, silver, or gold tie bar, or one that matches your suit. If you’re not donning any other accessories, you have the option to be more playful with your tie bar; try one with a pop of colour or a unique texture.
Suiting separates make for a less staid approach to formal dressing. As separates already allow for juxtaposing trouser and blazer colours, wearing a tie bar in a loud, contrasting colour can be a bit much. When selecting a tie bar to go with your suiting separates, opt for something in a neutral or similar shade to the hues you’re already sporting and use the design style to flex your creative side. Try a tie clip with a unique silhouette, or go for a traditional bar shape with a matte finish.
Words by John Deckard
