Photo: Courtesy of Gentry Salinger Collection
Q: I’ve been noticing a lot of guys from celebrities to colleagues in my office wearing tie bars. I think they look pretty good but I have no idea how to wear one or what kind to buy. Do you think I could pull off a tie bar or are they just for guys who work in the fashion business?
A: Anyone can wear a tie bar and you are absolutely right. The tie bar has been making a comeback over the past few years and it’s not just for fashion guys anymore. Some say it’s due to the influence of shows like “Mad Men” and “Boardwalk Empire,” others credit the reinvigorated men’s “dress-up” business, or the general feeling that men seem to have towards wanting to make more effort in their appearance. Either way it’s a sharp new tool that guys should have in their accessories box. It’s masculine, clean, modern and takes you up a notch in the style department without looking flamboyant or like you’re trying too hard.
But first read this because not all tie bars are created equal and it’s easy to get this look wrong.
What’s the proper width?
A tie bar should never extend beyond the width of your tie. For a modern look it should be three-quarters of the width of your tie.
What color and style?
To be safe, opt for a silver or brushed silver bar. You’ll find a wide variety from plain, to mixed metals, to patterned, to novelty. Start simple and work your way up. A novelty bar can add a pop of personality to an otherwise ordinary outfit, but you don’t want to look gimmicky.
Where to clip?
This is the part that guys often get wrong. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing your bar too high or too low – this separates the amateurs from the style savvy pros. Here is the hard and fast rule: It goes between the third and forth button of your dress shirt.
How to clip?
Though it may just look like a decorative accessory, the tie bar was actually invented to keep your tie out of your lunch. And it doesn’t just fasten the front part of your tie to the back part – it should also fasten to the placket of your dress shirt. Just think, you’ll never get whipped in the face by your tie in a wind tunnel. Because I knew you were concerned about that.
That’s it. Easy as pie. Now here are some tie bars I love.
-Nicola Harrison Ruiz*
*Nicola Harrison Ruiz is DOWNTOWN Magazine’s Men’s Fashion and Lifestyle editor. She is also a men’s style consultant and founder of Harrison Style. She gets asked a lot of questions about what to wear and how to wear it, and she’s always up for the challenge. Got a style question? Don’t be shy, ask!
Arrow Tie Clip, J. Crew, $49.50
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato-Engraved Silver Tie-Clip, $220
Barneys New York, $85
Alexander McQueen Skull Sword Tie Bar, Dark Silver, $235
