A Beginner's Guide To Tie Pins, Clips, And Bars

Men's accessories can be a little confusing. But it doesn't have to be, as I discussed in my previous article on lapel pins. Perhaps the most well-known - if misunderstood - accessory is the tie pin, tie clip, and tie bar. Oh, boy! (Let's not even discuss tie chains.)

Take a breath, relax, and continue reading. We will work this out together. Do not worry.

The main differences among all three

Tie Bar vs. Tie Clip

How to Wear a Tie Clip or Tie Bar.

How to Wear a Tie Pin.

Why wear tie bars, clips, and pins?

1. What is the main difference between these three?

1.1 Tie bars

Tie Bars (also known as Tie Slides) are used to secure the tie to the shirt.

1.2 Tie Clips

Tie Clips open like a spring jaw before closing around the tie and shirt to secure them together.

1.3 Tie Pins

Tie pins, like clips and bars, consist of a t-bar, chain, and fastener. Many men prefer to wear tie pins because they are less noticeable and serve as a subtle accent.

2. Tie Bar versus Tie Clip

They are essentially identical from the outside. They are typically made of metal and are horizontal. Usually. The most common design is bars, but other options include feathers, wings, glasses, mustaches, and cars. Do you get the idea?

Tie Clips snap open like a spring jaw to secure your tie to your shirt.

Tie bars (also known as tie slides) slide over the tie and shirt.

Neither should be longer than the width of the tie.

A good rule of thumb is to keep it approximately 3/4 the width of your tie. Here's a handy guide to help you decide:

TIE WIDTH  TIE BAR or TIE CLIP WIDTH

Standard (approx 3.25″) 1.75″ - 2.25″

Narrow (2.35″ - 2.9″) 1.5”

Skinny (less than 2″) 1″ - 1.25″

Before securing your tie to your shirt with clips or bars, ensure that all of its parts are aligned. Not only does this make it look good, but it also keeps your tie from flapping in the wind or becoming disheveled.

3. Ways to Wear a Tie Clip or Tie Bar

Hold the wider part of the tie (the blade), the narrow part behind it (the tail), and the shirt placket (the front section with the button holes) together.

Then, secure the clip or bar between the tie knot and the first button of your suit jacket (usually the fourth shirt button). Fluff the blade out for some flair, or keep it close to your chest for a more streamlined look.

4. How to Wear a Tie Pin

Place the tie pin in the center of the tie, a hand's width above the first button of your jacket (or above your belly button).

Push the t-bar through the closest shirt button, pull the chain through slightly, and button the shirt.

Then, pull the chain until it hangs at the front of your shirt.

Remove the stick pin from the closure, insert it into the front of your tie, secure the back piece, and attach the closure.

Wear a tie tack with woven ties (such as wool) rather than fine silk ties to make the hole less noticeable.

5. Why wear tie bars, clips, and pins?

They are decorative. Tie bars, clips, and pins are available in a wide range of styles, colors, shapes, and other options! Men can personalize their wardrobe by using one of these bars or pins.

You can go as basic and formal as you want, or get funky with character pins and wand-shaped bars, just like you would with socks.

They keep your ties clean. When you lean over something like a kitchen table, you run the risk of getting food on your tie. A tie clip, bar, or pin holds your tie in place, preventing it from falling out and skidding across the delicious meal.

A solution for men with uneven shoulders. Uneven shoulders can be caused by several factors:

Scoliosis

Uneven leg length and abs.

A pinched nerve and more!

Regardless of the cause, uneven shoulders result in a crooked tie, which can be kept straight with a tie clip, pin, or bar.

They keep tying knots down. If you enjoy the look of popping tie knots, a tie bar, clip, or pin can help keep them in place.

6. Conclusion

Now that you've learned the differences and similarities between tie pins, clips, and bars, have fun experimenting with all three to see which one suits you best. Don't forget to check out the various types and styles of each! You might just discover a new personality within yourself as you experiment with new and unique tie pins, clips, and bars.