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Tie Bars – How to Wear them

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Tie Bars – How to Wear Them | Alfani Red $24.99 | Kohl’s $18.00 | Lord & Taylor – $45.00
Alfani Red Tie w/ Tie Bar - $24.99
Alfani Red Tie w/ Tie Bar - $25

I once said:   “A tie bar can scream retro for retro sake.”  Well Guess what.
My mind has changed a bit.

Tie bars always seemed like the annoying kid brother of the pocket square revival.  A crisp white pocket square, razor flat folded and just edging out of a jacket pocket, adds that extra sliver of contrast.  It looks really sharp and goes perfectly with a well cut suit.  Wearing a tie bar on top of that seemed to push the look from updated classic… into an almost costume-like realm.

Combine a pocket square with a tie bar and pomade slicked hair, and you’re really no different than the kid who puts on his Klingon Battle Garb and heads off to the Star Trek Convention.  He’s watching Captain Jean Luc Picard, while you’re worshiping at the throne of Don Draper.

Matte & Minimalist from Kohls. $18.00
Matte & Minimalist. Kohls - $18.00

But tie-bars have stuck around.  Over the last year or so, a good pattern of how to effectively wear a tie bar without looking like you stepped off the set of Mad Men has emerged.  Here are some suggestions on how to wear this resurrected and yes, functional accessory.  I love the pocket square, but unlike a tie bar, it won’t keep your necktie out of your soup.

1. Wear some Color – You’ll look like you’re from the black and white TV era, if you look like you’re on black and white TV.  Gray suit, white shirt, black tie and tie bar?  Mix in a blue shirt and it’ll make a world of difference.

2. Width of the Tie Bar – Going for a modern look?  Get a tie bar that’ll cover no more than 3/4 of the width of your tie.  It’s like a lap bar on an old roller coaster.  Plenty to keep it under control, just enough missing to be dangerous.

Sterling Silver. Lord & Taylor - $45
Sterling Silver. Lord & Taylor - $45

3. Positioning – The traditional style is between the 4th and 5th button.  An updated, stronger, more stylish look is between the 3rd and 4th button.  It makes you look taller and slimmer.

4. Tie Bar or Pocket Square.  Pick one – Can you wear both at the same time?  Sure… but it’s probably best to wear just one at a time.  It’s highly possible to over accessorize even if you’re staying away from the real flashy stuff.

5. A Tie Bar does not have a Chain – That would be a tie chain.  And you shouldn’t be wearing one unless you’re a Grandfather.  And if you are a Grandpa?  Still don’t wear one.  Unless you’re the conductor on a locomotive.  Then we’ll let it pass.

And as is almost always the case, it’s the small stuff that can be the most fun to splurge on.  If you’re looking to give a gift, or just buy something for yourself that’ll last a lifetime… you can’t go wrong with the Sterling Silver Tiffany Tie Bar seen below.  $85.00

Tiffany & Co. at ShopStyle

Comments

  1. Nice suggestions, I was actually looking for a tie bar recently. However nice that Tiffany one is, though, it seems like it would be a bit flashy for me. I like the muted, kinda brushed, silver of the other 2 suggestions. Also helps that they are a lot cheaper.

  2. You can get Alfani and Club Room ties at Macy’s that come with free tie bars included that look perfectly fine. Today and tomorrow is a “one day” sale, so now’s a good time if you’re interested.

  3. Yep, Alfani RED tie and tie bar (upper right of page). And as far as the one day sale goes, You read my mind precisely. (stay tuned)

  4. Also check thetiebar.com they have great slim ties for $15 that have been featured on GQ a number of times, I just ordered 10 ties and love them all. Their tie bars have also been seen in GQ and they are only $15 each as well. Great site and great items.

  6. The August 2010 issue of GQ has Paul Rudd on the cover. They have him wearing a tie bar and a pocket square/handkerchief. Guess they didn’t read rule no.4!

  7. You know, I actually kind of disagree on #4. I actually like the look of both of them combined, and have seen it done well on many occasions (in real life and in magazines/websites). If you have an understated tie bar (like dark brushed silver or something) and a white pocket square just peaking out it looks really slick. I did this for a wedding last month and I really like how it looked, and the pictures I were in looked great (haha not to pat my own back or anything.. all objective :))

    Note though, I do think it looks a little busy in your example bill. Mix the high sheen of his suit, the striped tie, and the really thick display of pocket square and it all just looks like too much. But I have seen it done well in GQ before.

  8. I’m looking to but a tie bar not a tie clasp. To me a tie bar is one that goes through the collar while supporting the knot. Can you help me. Trammell

  9. Great post. I just started wearing tie bars. I especially like them with my solid skinny ties and 2-button suit that I got at J.Crew. I just received another tie bar from Ties-Necktie.com – although small selection, I like what they got.

  11. Tie bars/clips have may never truly gone out of style, but they are trending big right now. Check out one of a kind tie clips and cuff links from vintage indie designer http://www.jojoandsofia.com. She utilizes watch pieces, gears, typewriter keys and lots of unique vintage finds into modern wearable tie clips!