Tie Bars
Q: “I recently added tie bars to my sparse collection of accessories in an effort
to add some flair to my looks, but I’m not really sure how to wear them.
Is there a rule for where on the tie you should wear a tie bar?” – Jim K.
A: When it comes to accessorizing a suit, men, for better or worse, don’t have much to choose from – a tie, watch, pocket square and maybe a pair of cuff links are usually the full set of adornments typically worn. But if worn in tasteful moderation, a tie bar can be another option in adding a touch of class to any suit-and-tie outfit. It’s simple to wear and can do a lot for your look. So when you decide to adorn your tie with these bad boys of metallic glory, this is how you should wear them:
Placement – we suggest wearing the tie bar between the 2nd and 3rd buttons of the shirt. There is no hard and fast rule on this (some people like to go lower – between the 3rd and 4th buttons) but we think this location is the sweet spot in terms of creating the most balanced and flattering look.
When using a tie bar, remember that the practical function of the tie bar is to keep your tie in place on your shirt. So make sure you clip both ends of the tie, as well as the placket of the shirt. This will keep your tie centered on your body, which keeps your look clean, structured and sharp.
For a classic tie bar you can’t go wrong with, try our stainless steel tie bar. If you like the look of a smaller tie bar with a skinnier tie, we also recommend these 1 inch tie bars (pictured above) from the thetiebar.com. Both will add that little but noticeable pop to your outfit!
Hope this helps!
Got a question for our stylist? Shoot us an email at concierge@blacklapel.com with the subject line: “Ask a Black Lapel Stylist”.
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Go sleek and simple. I like a modest silver bar. Just don’t choose something ridiculous like an arrow, an anchor, or an American flag(If you’re feeling patriotic, put it on your lapel), and whatever you do, don’t wear that classless rifle tie bar. If you overdo it you’ll look like a clown, so go simple, and make people think you know how to dress.
– The Man
Should I wear my tie bar with a 3-piece suit?
Don’t bother, Fabricio. The tie bar is redundant when you have a vest on that will hold the tie in place. It’ll look like overkill.
Black in completion,brown eyes 6 ft tall , nice black suit and my wife is dressing on purple dress and the occasion is very very corperate ,what shirt,tie side pocket colour should I wear ?
Thanks
Pee
First off, we highly recommend you check out our recently published, How to Build a Suit story. While we’re happy to give you a fish and dress you for this event, that’s a fishing pole that will allow you to be sure you’re coming correct whenever you suit up.
That said, here’s a super simple idea for what to wear: If you’re dark enough, try a white shirt. That’s a really high contrast look but you can pull it off if you’re dark-skinned (think Tyson Beckford). Try a simply patterned tie, like a black with small white dots and a puffed white silk pocket square and you’ve got a sleek formal look.
By the way, we’ve got a story coming up on how to wear a black suit that will give you even more options. Get on our email list if you don’t want to miss that.
What do you guys think of tie pins? (setting aside the fact that it pins through the tie) This used to be part of my attire years ago and would be worn between the 1st and 2nd button. I’ve been trying to find a place that carries them and have yet to find anything worth looking at. Please recommend a place if youknow of any as well.
PS. Site is awesome, thanks for bringing class back to the work place.
We’re all for them! Especially if you’re all about bringing class back to the work place. 🙂
Check our MRPORTER. They carry a nice collection of rather stylish tie pins. Hope that helps!
The other place to look is on Ebay. You can find vintage lots from estate sales. If you can get over the fact that they came from the recently deceased, you can find some really nice collections for a fraction of the price you’d pay at MRPORTER. Good luck!
just dont wear them with a colored short, white shirt colored tie…. safest bet!
Never been a fan of the tie bar – to me it looks like you’re trying way too hard. But each their own..
Kidmag, we totally respect your opinion! Like every other accessory, a tie bar can definitely be overdone or over-accessorized. However, if done tastefully, we think it can be an excellent option for sprucing up an otherwise boring look with a touch of class.