How To Wear A Tie Clip: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wear a Tie Clip PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 Fact Checked

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  • Choosing the Right Tie Clip
    • |
  • Wearing the Clip Properly
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Tavia Sharp. Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 496,329 times.

A tie clip, also known as a tie bar, tie clasp or tie slide, is an accessory used to fasten the tie to the front of a dress shirt and keep it from flapping. It is a simple, classic piece that, when worn correctly, adds polish and elegance to your look. Read on to learn how make this timeless accessory work for you.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Tie Clip

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  1. Step 1 Match the tie clip to the outfit. 1 Match the tie clip to the outfit. A metal tie clip in plain silver or gold is generally a safe, stylish choice. You may opt for a colored, textured, or embellished clip to add a little panache to your look. Consider how the clip could influence your outfit and show off your personality: a patterned clip can make a plain outfit more interesting, while a simple metal clip may tone down a busy-looking tie.[1]
    • Try to match the clip to the metal details of your outfit—a watch, jacket buttons, cufflinks, belt buckle.[2]
    • If you don't have any metal to match (maybe you are skipping the jacket, so no buttons or cufflinks), go with silver. It compliments just about every outfit and complexion.[3]
    • Keep the occasion in mind as well. A loud tie clip probably isn't appropriate for a sombre event like a funeral.
    • Tie clips should not be worn with a vest, waistcoat, or buttoned cardigan. These items of clothing already hold your tie in place, making a clip redundant.[4]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Wear a Tie Clip 2 Choose the type of clip (slide clasp or pinch clasp) based on the weight and width of the tie. A pinch clasp will ensure everything stays securely in place, but may cause a skinny or lightweight tie to wrinkle, and it may not lie flat against your shirt. Instead, opt for a slide clasp to keep your skinny tie smooth and flat. With wider and heavier ties, a pinch clasp will work best. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Select a clip that is between 1/2 - 3/4 the width of your tie. 3 Select a clip that is between 1/2 - 3/4 the width of your tie. Never wear a tie clip that is longer than the width of your tie. It's considered a major fashion faux pas.[5] This is one of the only real "rules" when it comes to accessorizing with a tie clip.
    • A traditional tie is about 3-3 1/2 inches at its widest point. Look for a tie clip that is about 1 3/4 inches long.[6]
    • A classic skinny tie is usually between 2-2 1/2 inches wide. Your tie clip should be between 1 1/2 -1 3/4 inches.
    • Super skinny ties are between 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inches wide. Choose a clip no longer than 1 1/4 inches long.
    • Try holding the clip against your tie where it falls at the third or fourth button of your shirt. If it looks too long, you'll need a different clip.[7]
    • For a retro look, you can get away with a tie clip that is the exact width of your tie, but no longer.[8]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Wearing the Clip Properly

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Wear a Tie Clip 1 Open the clip (if it's a pinch tie clip) and slide both the front and back of your tie, plus the placket of your shirt into the clip. (The placket is the strip of fabric that you button through).[9] All three should be sandwiched together in the clip.
    • Make sure the tie is actually clipped to your shirt. The purpose of the tie clip is to keep your tie securely in place, so if you just slide the tie through the clip and don't anchor it to anything, your tie will still flap freely and get in your way.
  2. Step 2 Clip the tie between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, or around the middle or bottom of your sternum. 2 Clip the tie between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, or around the middle or bottom of your sternum. Placement is the other "rule" of wearing a tie clip—too high makes the tie clip useless (your tie will still flop around or fall in your soup when you lean forward), too low looks awkward or hides the clip behind your jacket.[10]
    • When adjusting the tie clip, make sure that it is un-clipped, so as not to stretch and damage the material of the tie and the dress shirt.
    • Check that the tie clip is perpendicular to your tie. It should always be straight across, not angled up or down.[11]
    • If necessary, adjust your tie so that it lies flat against your shirt with no bunching or puckering.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Wear a Tie Clip 3 Add a little flair by blousing the top of your tie. Take the top half of your tie and pull it up slightly, so that it's not pulled tight against your chest. It should puff up and forward slightly. This adds some depth and personality to your look, and may make the tie feel less constricting.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Does a tie clip go on the left or right side of the tie? Community Answer Community Answer You would normally wear it from right to left, leaving the gap on your left. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 21
  • Question Do lefties wear it on the other side? Community Answer Community Answer No, they typically do not. . Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
  • Question What's the use of the small chain with the clip? Community Answer Community Answer It's the other method of fastening the clip to the shirt. The chain should end in a loop that you could put a shirt button through. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 6
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References

  1. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS5LlJTTP-o
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS5LlJTTP-o
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf1rGSNQU8k
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuNME9VDJ4g
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7pkuIs2jI8
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wMHRYbLho
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZPWBUNULus
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wMHRYbLho
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1AbLavDW5g
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9fT5SPHwGM
  3. Videos provided by Trunk Club

About This Article

Tavia Sharp Co-authored by: Tavia Sharp Certified Image Consultant This article was co-authored by Tavia Sharp. Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery. This article has been viewed 496,329 times. 4 votes - 95% Co-authors: 11 Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 496,329 Categories: Ties Article SummaryX

To wear a tie clip properly, start by locating the area between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt for the correct placement. After finding the right spot, open the clip and slide it over the front and back of your tie, as well as the strip of fabric on your shirt where the buttons are. Next, check that the clip is perpendicular to your tie and laying flat against your shirt with no bunching or puckering. If you need to adjust the clip, make sure to unclip it first to avoid stretching and damaging your shirt and tie. For more tips, like how to choose the right tie clip to match your outfit, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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    Apr 6, 2017

    "New officer position. It helped quite a bit, as I had never used a tie bar in the past." Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tavia Sharp Co-authored by: Tavia Sharp Certified Image Consultant Co-authors: 11 Updated: December 31, 2024 Views: 496,329 95% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote E. V.

E. V.

Apr 6, 2017

"New officer position. It helped quite a bit, as I had never used a tie bar in the past." Rated this article: Share yours!

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