How to Wear a Tie Clip: 5 Ways to Style Tie Clips

A tie clip—also known as a tie bar or tie clasp—is a clothing accessory that fastens a tie to the shirt underneath. Usually made out of metal, tie clips are a modern version of the tie pin, and were first popular in 1920s men’s fashion. Today, tie pins are back in style (though certainly not required as part of a formal jacket-shirt-and-tie ensemble) and can be worn on casual occasions or when there’s a more formal dress code. Try a silver or gold tie clip when you want to dress professionally for a job interview, or go for a bolder design if you’re opting for a more striking look.

Though tie clips come in many shapes and colors, they’re typically all worn in the same place. Position your tie clip between the third and fourth buttons from the top of your shirt so that it goes directly over your sternum. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the clip is halfway between the knot of the necktie and the first button of your suit jacket. Finally, make sure that the clip is horizontal and the tie is straight, so the look is clean and symmetrical.

There are also rules when it comes to the length of the tie clip: Make sure that the tie clip isn’t longer than the width of your tie. This is particularly important to keep in mind when wearing skinny ties.

There are various types of tie clips—see how to style them to make your ensemble stand out.

1. 1. Match metals. If you’re wearing a gold or silver tie clip, try to match the color and material to other metallic elements in your outfit—you can coordinate your clip with cufflinks or rings when dressing up for formal occasions, or with the material and color of a necklace or belt buckle in a bolder look.
2. 2. Play with color. Try a colored tie clip to add vibrancy to your outfit, especially when pairing it with a plain button-down dress shirt.
3. 3. Coordinate accessories. Match the color or print of your tie clip with other accessories such as suspenders, pocket squares, and belts.
4. 4. Employ unique designs. Tie clips don’t have to just be solid metal, horizontal bars; try a tie clip with a fun shape—mustaches, ocean waves, and sunrises are popular tie clip designs.
5. 5. Sport a tie clip with a more casual look. You can also wear tie bars with cardigans or blazers to bring a smart-casual ensemble together. Tuck a button-down into skinny jeans, throw on a more casual piece of outerwear, and have fun with a custom tie clip to create a fashion-forward look.

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