The Tie Clip

Tie clips are fashionable these dandified days, perhaps because of the influence of period shows like Mad Men, which have contributed greatly to elevating the sartorial awareness of American men. It’s a handy thing, the tie clip; it attaches one’s tie to one’s shirt, preventing it from flapping around, and makes for a neater appearance while also affording one an opportunity to show some flair and flash some jewelry other than a watch, cufflinks, or a ring. Many men are seemingly confused about the proper placement of a clip— some wear it far too high, which renders it less than satisfactory as a clip but also looks silly. Unless you’re Lebron James, who wears it so high in his Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year photo that it replaces the actual knot of the tie (an idea no one seems to have come up with before, and which I will not attempt until an NBA team recruits me).

The clip should be worn right around where you’d button your jacket (and should never be worn with a double breasted suit)— it can be seen, but should not be heard. There are all kinds of clips available, from very inexpensive to ridiculously priced, but I like to keep it simple— a vintage Tiffany & Co. in this case, found years ago at a flea market, in gold and silver. Heavy enough to hold the tie and feel substantial (and increase in value with the price of gold), but discreet enough, too. Although probably not for LeBron.

Labels: Fashion     permalink

7 thoughts on “The Tie Clip

  1. [Not exactly the topic of this post, but since it's on the picture you used] When wearing a button-down with a tie, is it better to button down the collar or not? Thanks!

  2. Why is your tie bar so ridiculously long? Shouldn’t you have at least two lying around, one for wider ties and the other for skinny ties, like the one you’re wearing in this picture?

    • I don’t like tie bars that cover half the tie. I like the clip to be the width of the tie, and this one is exactly that. I also don’t believe in clips at all for wide ties, if wide ties ever make a proper comeback, which they undoubtedly will. Thanks for the comment!

    • Well, it certainly can be, if you desire. But the idea is functional: to keep the tie from flapping around. And with DB suits, the jacket does that job, because it should never be unbuttoned (except when sitting down, perhaps, but even then…)

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