A collection of quality ties is a must-have for any man who loves to be well-dressed. Whether yours is a large, diverse collection or simply a small, discreet selection of ties, any of your ties is a source of pride in your wardrobe.

Yet there are times when you may feel that your tie needs something more, whether the occasion is formal or more casual. It could be an excellent idea to add a tie bar to your tie.

Let’s find out some more about this fascinating accessory.

A Little About Tie Bars

Tie bars, also known as tie clips, are diagonal strips of metal worn across a man’s tie. Like tie tacks, they too help keep a tie in place, although arguably their primary function is to simply make a tie look more appealing.

Tie bars have a more recent history than that of tie tacks, although they also had some popularity during the 19th century. They really came into fashion during the early to mid-20th century, becoming synonymous with American and British men’s fashion during the 1940s to early 1960s in particular. Worn with the skinny ties popular at that time, tie bars were all the rage.

You could say that tie bars were the epitome of cool!

The Grand Return of Tie Bars

They went out of fashion during the more ‘loose’ fashion of the late 1960s and 1970s, although they did have a brief comeback during the more extravagant 1980s, especially when worn with the thin ties popular at the time.

However, bar ties really came back into popularity in recent years, as tie fashion trends have adopted more classic accessories. Fashion leaders like David Beckham and Ryan Gosling have often sported tie bars. Men’s fashion has become more varied and individualized than ever, and tie bars are a reflection of that trend.

Are Tie Bars Simply Functional?

There is no denying that one of the principal reasons for using a tie bar is to keep your tie more secure and in place. That’s good enough reason for some. But there are other, equally compelling reasons to use a tie bar or clip.

Personal style: As with any quality accessory, a tie bar should be a reflection of who you are as a gentleman. Any tie bar or collection of tie bars you wish to procure will be personal. After all, this is a niche, eye-catching accessory which catches the eye. As such, it tells the world who you are.

Seasons & styles: It should be obvious that certain tie bars will tend to look better with certain seasonal palettes and styles of necktie and clothing. For example, tie bars in gold will tend to look better with warmer colours and also be more fitting with heavier fabrics.

Conversely, tie bars with a metallic silver finish will usually be better matched with cooler colours and lighter clothing. However, a silver tie bar can also look great matched with darker colours and heavy winter fabric. So, these are not hard and fast rules and your good fashion sense will dictate how you match your tie bars.

Versatility: Your tie bar is a highly versatile accessory. Yes, it is tailor-made for more formal occasions such as business meetings, job interviews, weddings, banquets and professional networking events. But a tie bar can also be used for more informal times and attire, providing your casual outfit with just that little touch of refinement.

Tie Bars Rules of Thumb

  • 1/2 inch thickness is best for either short or long tie bars
  • A narrow tie = a short tie bar
  • A thick tie = a longer tie bar
  • Place the bar between the 3rd and 4th button of shirt
  • Clip the tie bar onto the placket (the fabric that runs down the shirt on which buttons are sewn) as well as the tie
  • As with tie tacks, clean your tie bars with a soft cloth and try to store them in a place where they won’t get scratched

We here at Tieroom are especially proud of our amazing range of tie bars or tie clips. As you’ll see, they come in a dazzling array of superb designs, whether trendy, quirky or simpler, more classic.

Whatever your choice of tie bar, just remember this important tip: subtlety wins the day.