Tie bars and tie clips are some of the many style accouterments that began from necessity. (Tie clips are tie bars that have a clipping mechanism to secure them to the shirt and tie). Ties swinging about below you as you were working could become dangerous, particularly in factory settings where they might get caught in machinery. Eventually, the utility was less necessary and the style became the fun part, where collecting tie clips in your best jewelry box became a sort of hobby.
But, it should be kept in mind that these men’s accessories are intended to keep your tie in place, so if wearing a vest as well, then the tie bar becomes unnecessary. Combining a tie bar with a vest is a bit like wearing both a belt and suspenders; it will highlight to any suiting purist that you’re “new here.”
The placement of the tie bar is also necessary to take into account. Many style experts recommend wearing a tie bar between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt (counting from the top, of course), but this guidance is not based on any hard and fast rule. That being said, there’s definitely a range that is appropriate. For your standard two-button suit, the button will hit about 1-2 inches below the bottom of your solar plexus, and the tie bar should be situated about 3 inches above that point. For masterclass-level formal wear styling, you can use the tie clip to keep your tie ever so slightly elevated off your chest, which can result in a visually pleasing look. Even if you keep it flat, be sure to give it a little room to play such that the tie clip doesn’t pull the knot away from your neck, leaving a very sloppy looking space in between the tie knot and top button.
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Also, keep in mind that the size of the tie bar must match the size of your tie. Tie bars look best with skinny ties through to more medium widths, but they really should be left behind for wider, Tom Ford-style neckwear. With that in mind, you should also stick with only a four-in-hand knot when wearing a tie bar, and, frankly, you should only use that knot anyway.
The best tie clips can be a “fun” way to add a little something extra to your look, but we believe they look best when they’re kept nice and simple, as you see in the options below. Unfortunately, there are a lot of cheap and tacky tie clips available today, but the best tie bars add a simple touch of refinement to your outfit without drawing the eye. The fact that you’re wearing a tie clip at all is more than enough by itself, without adding anything too over the top (no sports team logos, please). At the end of the day, you want to look fashionable and put together, not draw attention to yourself unnecessarily.
So if you want to add an elegant accent to your formal wear, order one of our favorite tie bars below.
1. J Crew Brushed Tie Clip
BEST OVERALL
When dipping your toes into tie clips, try out this matte brushed silver-tone clip from J Crew. It will go with anything you can throw at it. No matter the color of your tie or suit, this tie clip will suit it perfectly. The brushed silver appearance is handsome and elegant. Try it out with a knit tie for a little texture in your look.
2. Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking Tie Bar
BEST FOR NIGHT LIFE
If you want to flex with your tie bar, there’s nothing better than some Gucci. When wearing a tie to a nightlife event, this is a great option for a subtle pop from the famed Italian Fashion house. Because Gucci is so well-known as high-end and otherwise boujie, we’re sure you’re going to look as good as you’ll feel in this one.
3. Brooks Brothers Gold Tie Bar
BEST FOR CASUAL WEEKEND WEAR
When going to a family party, or if you want a tweedy, almost professorial look, this option from Brooks Brothers will look great paired with a classic gold watch with a brown alligator strap. This is a simple, no-frills tie bar, exactly as it should be.
4. Ox and Bull Trading Co. ‘Superdad’ Tie Bar
BEST FOR DADS
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so there’s never been a better time than now to snag dad a gift he will actually use this year. This ‘Superdad’ tie bar is the perfect tie clip for dads who need to be reminded every once in a while just how special they are. It’s only $30, but the look on his face after receiving it will be priceless.
5. Tiffany’s Classic Tie Bar
BEST CLASSIC
Occasionally, you need a little treat for yourself, and this Tiffany’s classic with its simple design is a great way to take care of number one. This 2-inch sterling silver tie bar lends a classic look to an otherwise simple accent. Silver can be paired with a wide range of colors, but this tie bar will look especially sharp paired with dark blue and charcoal-colored suits.
6. Tie Bar Shark Silver Tie Bar
MOST BADASS
There’s nothing dangerous about this tie bar, but the rest of the people around you will most definitely be swimming in shark-infested waters. This menacing tie bar is absolutely badass for its picturesque approach to the ocean’s most dangerous fish. Wear this one out and be the conversation starter.
7. Cufflinks Etched Grid Tie Bar
BEST ETCHED
Try this tie clip with a double-breasted jacket and a flamboyant pocket square and really lean into the whole look. The silver color will fit perfectly with every tie in your closet, making this tie clip is a sharp addition to your formal wear. And that grid? Sheesh. Talk about effortlessly handsome.
8. Roctee Tie Clips
BEST PACK
Talk about a bang for your buck. The best thing about tie clips is that, for the most part, nobody will know whether you’re wearing a $500 tie clip or a $5 tie clip. Obviously, this won’t be the case if you’re rocking Gucci, but for casual, metal tie clips, you can low-ball it as much as you want. This 3-pack is perfect for men looking to spruce up their formalwear without breaking the bank. With colors available in gold, black and silver, you’ll have the ability to improve your style in no time.
9. Hugo Boss Gunmetal-Tone Tie Clip
BEST COLOR
Gunmetal has such a manly look to it that will do nothing but boost your formal fit. This tie clip from Hugo Boss doesn’t shy away from making you look good. It prevents your tie from swinging around the same way any other would but does it so effortlessly charmingly that we can’t help but geek over it.