How to Wear a Tie Bar: Men’s Guide to Tie Clips & Tie Bars

Men think they know how to wear a tie bar, but often use it improperly. A tie bar is more than an accessory used for aesthetic purposes. Used properly, a tie bar can look sharp and hold your tie in place. In this article, you’ll learn about different types of tie bars and how to wear them.

What is a Tie Bar?

A tie bar or tie clip is a metal accessory that secures your tie to your dress shirt. It provides functionality by keeping your tie in place, but is often used more for aesthetic purposes. There are variations in type, style, and color that can be used in different situations.

Types of Tie Bars

Tie bars are often called tie clips, tie slides, and tie clasps as well. There are actually differences between them, however. The two main types of tie bars are tie slides and tie clips. 

Gentleman’s Gazette provides an explanation of the History of the Tie Clip.

What is the Difference Between a Tie Bar and a Tie Clip?

• Tie bars don’t use an adjustable clip. You simply slide the bar over the tie and move it into place.
• Tie clips use a hinge to clasp the tie into place.

Tie Bar

HONEY BEAR Mens Tie Bar

Tie Clip

Tie Clip by Mark Ross

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I recommend wearing a tie clip instead of a tie slide. A tie clip does a better job of holding your tie in place. A tie bar or tie slide can move around and “slide” out of position.

Tie Bar Variations

There are different types of “tie bars” or “tie clips.” Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re all tie accessories. These are a few of the most common types.

Tie Tack

A tie tack, also known as a tie pin, is a small metal accessory that attaches to the front of your tie. Like a tie bar, it’s used to secure your tie to your shirt. Instead of sliding over the tie horizontally, a tie tack attaches to the front of the tie. A “tack” is inserted through the front of the tie and secured with a metal backing on the underside. Some tie tacks also have a chain and anchor that goes through the shirt to provide an additional safeguard. 

Men’s Silver Tie Tack

The chain and cylindrical anchor goes through your shirt hole. It provides additional security to your tie pin.

How to Use a Tie Tack

Tie Chain

A tie chain is older variation of the tie clip. Instead of a solid piece of metal keeping the tie in place, a chain is used to wrap around the whole tie. A backing is hooked to your shirt button to keep the chain in place.

Tie chains were popular back in the ’60s and ’70s, but are no longer considered stylish. I would only recommend wearing a tie chain if you’re going for a retro look. It’s also fun to mix it up and add a throwback accessory to your suit.

Tie Bar Materials

Traditionally, tie bars were silver-plated or gold-plated. Today, there are many combinations of colors and materials used to create unique designs and styles.

Types of Tie Bar Materials

• Gold
• Silver
• Stainless Stell
• Gold-Plated
• Silver-Plated
• Pearl-Plated
• Wood

How to Wear a Tie Bar

• The back of the tie bar should fasten your shirt to your tie.
• Ideal placement is between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt.
• Your tie bar should never be wider than your tie. It needs to cover 1/2 to 3/4 of your tie.
• Match the color of your tie bar with your men’s watch, cufflinks, jacket buttons, belt buckle, and suit accessories.

Recommended Tie Bars & Tie Clips

Gold Pinstripe Tie Clip

Gold and Onyx Inlaid Tie Clip

Die Cut Crystal Stainless Steel Tie Clip

Mother of Pearl Stainless Steel Tie Clip

Hobbies & Interests Tie Bars

Black and Gold Superman Tie Clip

3D Saturn V Rocket Tie Clip

Pineapple Tie Bar

Waving American Flag Tie Bar

Sports Tie Bars

Oregon Ducks Tie Bar

New York Yankees Tie Bar

Dallas Cowboys Tie Bar

San Jose Sharks Tie Bar

Summary

A tie bar or tie clip is a metal accessory that secures your tie to your shirt. It either slides or clips your tie to your dress shirt. Tie clips are also used to accentuate your outfit.

Names and Variations of Tie Bars

• Tie Bar
• Tie Clip
• Tie Slide
• Tie Clasp
• Tie Tack
• Tie Pin
• Tie Chain

Types of Tie Bar Materials

• Gold
• Silver
• Stainless Stell
• Gold-Plated
• Silver-Plated
• Pearl-Plated
• Wood

How to Wear a Tie Bar

• The tie bar should slide or clip the tie onto your shirt
• Ideal placement of the tie bar is between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt.
• Your tie bar should cover 1/2 to 3/4 of your tie. It should be positioned horizontally across your tie.
• Match the color of your tie bar with suit accessories like a watch, cufflinks, rings, and belt buckle.

Wearing a tie bar is a matter of personal preference, but it’s nice to have them as an option. I personally like wearing them to avoid getting my tie dirty or wet. I would suggest buying at least one silver and gold tie clip to match the color of your accessories. Now that you know how to wear a tie bar, you need to know how to match your shirt and tie.

About The Author

As Founder of Handbook of Man, Tommy Murata helps men of all ages and backgrounds reach their full potential. A self-proclaimed renaissance man, he enjoys golfing, skiing, DIY projects, and learning new skills. When he’s not playing outdoors, Tommy enjoys learning web design and playing music.