Tie bars for men are one way to elevate your tie game by adding a simple but stylish accessory. Also known as a tie clip or pin, tie bars add polish to any dress shirt and tie combination.
Key takeaways:
- Choose a style that suits your taste, from simple straight bars to ornate decorative bars
- Look for quality materials like metals such as gold, silver, or steel
- Position correctly between the 3rd and 4th shirt buttons and match the angle to tie the knot
- Size the bar so it fully presses the tie fabric to the shirt
- Coordinate metal finishes with other accessories you’re wearing
- Have fun styling bars that show your personality!
Table of Contents
The average reading time is 9 minutes. The article was last updated on 18/06/2024.
A Brief History of Tie Bars
Tie bars came into fashion in the 1920s and 30s to add flair to men’s professional attire. The bars kept ties flat and in place, letting the silky patterns and embellishments stand out.
As necktie styles became bolder and broader in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, tie bars became even more helpful for anchoring ties. Popular metals used during these decades were silver, gold, and platinum. Bars with decorative engraving or set gemstones added extra personality.
Author: Joe Haupt
Trends shifted as ties narrowed in the 1970s and 80s. Smaller tie bars with minimalist designs took over. Although tie bar usage declined in the 1990s, the classic accessory returned in the 2000s. This revival of old-school style meant broader ties, and vintage-inspired tie bars came back into fashion.
Today, tie bars remain popular as a way to add a little something extra to an outfit. With new designs and materials on the market, you have more options than ever for finding the perfect bar to upgrade your style.
Types of Tie Bars
The most common styles of tie bars are:
Classic Straight Bar
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This simple straight metal bar is the original tie bar style and continues to be popular today. The straight bar sits horizontally across the front of the tie. These bars often have beveled or rounded edges for a polished look.
Curved or Arched Bar
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This style features a slightly curved or arched bar. The curved shape provides visual interest while still evenly weighing down a tie.
Novelty or Decorative Tie Bars
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For the man wanting a conversation-starter accessory, novelty tie bars offer humor, personalization, or fun. Whimsical designs may include sports themes, animals, branded logos, or geometric shapes. Bars can also be monogrammed or engraved with initials or messages.
The limit is your imagination – but remember that overly flashy bars may look less sophisticated than classic bars.
Materials Used for Tie Bars
Tie bars come in a variety of metals and other materials:
Precious MetalsPrecious metal bars
Precious metal bars like gold, silver, and platinum are classics because they pair well with dress shirts and ties. Pure gold and sterling silver are soft metals, so bars may have a core of brass or other metals for durability.
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Gold tie bars offer the most versatility of precious metals and can be engraved or accented with gems for a more ornamental look.
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Meanwhile, silver tie bars have an understated elegance that is perfect for the minimalist.
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Platinum bars are the most expensive but convey status and luxury.
Base Metals
Those looking for an affordable tie bar can find quality options in base metals like stainless steel, titanium, nickel, brass, or zinc.
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Stainless steel is durable, affordable, and modern-looking. Black stainless steel bars pair well with black and gray ties.
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Titanium is super strong, lightweight, and dark gunmetal in color. This contemporary metal has a relaxed vibe.
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Vintage-style tie bars may use nickel or brass for a warm, old-school aesthetic.
Synthetic Materials
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For novelty tie bars, acrylics and plastics allow injection-molded designs featuring bright colors and unique shapes. However, synthetic bars tend to look and feel cheaper than metal options.
How to Properly Wear a Tie Bar
Wearing a tie bar takes only a moment more than putting on a tie alone. Follow these guidelines to style your tie bar properly:
Positioning – Place the bar horizontally between your shirt’s third and fourth buttons. This should position it near your sternum. Angle the bar to match the angle of your tie knot.
Tie Types – The bar should weigh down the entire width of your tie. So, broader ties call for longer bars, while narrow ties need shorter bars. Bars work well with all tie-knot styles.
Length – Size the bar so it fully presses the tie material against your shirt. Too short bars will slide out of place, while overly long bars can damage the tie. Measure a properly fitting bar against your body when shopping.
Pairing – Match metals to other accessories you’re wearing, like watches, cufflinks, or belt buckles. Mixing metals works, too, for an eclectic look.
Knot Styles – Experiment with pairings like a sleek bar with a Windsor knot or an ornate bar on a skinny tie with a four-in-hand knot. Find combos that express your style.
With the right bar and ideal positioning, you’ll have a polished, pulled-together look ready for business and formal occasions.
Choosing the Right Tie Bar
With so many designs to consider, here are some factors to help you choose tie bars that work with your style:
Metal Color and Finish
The color of the metal sets the tone for your accessory. Yellow gold and rose gold make bold statements. White metals like silver and platinum are classic and versatile. Black metals like tungsten carbide add a modern edge.
Finishes like brushed, matte, or glossy also impact the look. High-polished metals have shine and reflectivity, while brushed finishes have an industrial, masculine feel.
Design and Embellishments
Bars may feature engraved filigree, raised relief, or inset gemstones for extra allure. Design aspects to consider include:
- Geometric patterns
- Textures
- Masculine motifs like animals or sports
- Monogramming or initials
- Vintage aesthetics like black enamel accents
For those adhering to formal dress codes, minimalist bars without flashy embellishments are best.
Matching with Other Accessories
Choose a bar made of the same metal as your watch, rings, or cufflinks. Depending on your flair, mixing metals can also work.
If beads or patterns on the tie are the stars of your outfit, opt for an understated bar without competing decorative elements.
Personal Style and Taste
Most importantly, pick a tie bar that represents your taste and style. A plain silver or black bar hits the mark if you tend toward simple and refined looks. An engraved brass bar exudes old-school elegance for men who embody vintage spirit.
Fun printed ties call for novelty bars with complementing colors or designs. There are no complex rules – let your individual preferences guide you to the ideal tie bar to elevate your outfit.
Benefits of Wearing Tie Bars
Beyond just a stylish accessory, tie bars offer these advantages:
Keeps the Tie in Place – Stop constantly adjusting a drooping necktie with a bar that secures the tie flat against your shirt. This stays put all day long.
Finishes Your Look – A tie bar provides a finishing touch to polish off your dressed-up ensemble for formal business or events.
Subtly Shows Personality – With diverse options available, tie bars let you express individuality while still looking sharp.
Coordinates Outfits – Matching metals and designs create a cohesive, professional look.
It makes the ties last longer. Friction from a loose tie can damage the fabric. A bar reduces wear by preventing rubbing and swinging movement.
Adds Confidence – Knowing your tie is perfectly positioned provides confidence to focus on making a great impression.
Conclusion
A well-chosen tie bar upgrades any tie to a completely polished look. Following the tips in this guide will set you up for success when selecting and wearing tie bars.
With the wide variety of tie bars available today, you can always find one to match your style perfectly. When dressed up for any formal occasion, keep this classic but versatile accessory in mind. Tie bars add subtle sophistication that pulls your look together.
So start browsing tie bars to find your new go-to style! With the right bar in place, you’ll always look confidently polished and ready for whatever lies ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tie Bars
What width of the tie bar should I get?
Choose a bar that matches the width of your tie. Extra wide and extra long bars can accommodate more giant tie knots. The standard tie bar length is 2 to 2.5 inches.
Where can I buy quality tie bars?
Check men’s specialty stores, department store men’s sections, and online retailers. Look for bars made of precious metals or quality base metals.
How much do tie bars cost?
Prices range widely from $10 for inexpensive base metal bars to $500+ for solid gold bars with gemstones. Sterling silver bars are mid-range, around $30 to $75.
Should my tie bar match my belt buckle or watch?
Matching metals provide a coordinated, finished look. But mixing metals like a silver watch and gold bar works, too, if that’s your style.
Can I wear a tie bar with a button-down collar shirt?
Yes, tie bars work with both collar styles. Just be sure to position them correctly between the third and fourth buttons.
What’s the best metal for engraving a tie bar?
Sterling silver and gold are ideal for engraving. The soft metals show detailed designs well.
How do I clean a tie bar?
Use a polishing cloth or soft toothbrush with mild soap and water to gently clean the bars. Dry thoroughly, then store them in a lined jewelry box.
Should I wear a tie bar for job interviews?
Wearing one shows attention to detail. Stick to simple, conservative styles without flashy embellishments.
Can I wear a tie bar on a skinny tie?
Absolutely. Just downsize the length of the bar so it doesn’t extend past the edges of the narrow tie.
What if my shirt doesn’t have four buttons?
Judging from the spacing between the top and bottom buttons, place the bar where the third or fourth button would be.
Pashalis Laoutaris
I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. I have more than 20 years of experience as a salesperson in the fashion industry and 10 years of experience as a fashionista. I consider myself a true fashionista. I write daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about current fashion trends.
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