Tie Bar vs. Tie Clip vs. Tie Pin: What's the Difference and When to Wear Each?

A tie bar, tie clip, or tie pin can keep your tie from flying around on a windy day, prevent your tie from dipping into your soup bowl, ensure you remain looking pulled together, and provide a stylish finishing touch to an outfit.

Although they serve similar functions, tie accessories differ in their design, style, and formality. That’s why choosing the right one matters!

But how do you know when and how to wear each? Tie bar vs tie clip? Tie clip vs tie pin? Tie pin vs tie bar? If you’re unsure which you should wear, this guide describes how to choose the right accessory for the right tie — and the right occasion.

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What Is a Tie Bar?

Usually made of metal, a tie bar is designed to hold your tie in place close to your body.

How a Tie Bar Works

A tie bar slides horizontally over the placket of your shirt and the front of your tie. The front of the bar may or may not have a design or motif.

When to Wear a Tie Bar

From casual events to formal occasions, a tie bar can be worn whenever you wear a tie and works best with classic ties and slim-fit neckties.

Styling Tips for a Tie Bar

A tie bar can elevate your outfit, but positioning the accessory is important in order to achieve correct balance and proportion. Be sure the tie bar sits between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt.

The tie bar should be about ¾ of the width of your tie. Keep in mind the width of your tie compared to the size of the tie bar (especially important to keep in mind if you wear skinny ties).

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What is a Tie Clip?

A tie clip looks similar to a tie bar but fastens differently. A tie clip opens and closes via a spring and hinge, allowing it to fasten more securely than a tie bar.

How a Tie Clip Works

Press open the spring hinge of the tie clip and position the back part underneath the placket of your dress shirt. Allow the top part to close over your tie as you release the spring.

When to Wear a Tie Clip

A tie clip is a great choice for active professionals who want to ensure their tie stays in position close to their body. A tie clip works well in corporate settings and for semi-formal occasions.

Styling Tips for a Tie Clip

Just as with a tie bar, a tie clip should be placed between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. Placing it farther up or down will cause your outfit to look out of balance.

Classic silver is a solid choice but gold will look great if you wear a gold watch band, ring, or cufflinks. When wearing a tie clip in professional settings, avoid tie clips that are too large or too flashy.

What Is a Tie Pin?

A tie pin is more traditional and decorative than a tie bar or clip. Often, tie pins feature gems and fine metals, making them more suitable for formal wear.

How a Tie Pin Works

To attach it correctly, a tie pin takes a bit more care than a tie bar or tie clip. A sharp pin pierces through the tie fabric and then is attached to the shirt placket.

When to Wear a Tie Pin

If debating between a tie bar vs tie pin, know that tie pins are best suited for vintage or formal looks. A tie pin is a handsome and stylish accessory for weddings, opera nights, or events requiring classic elegance.

Styling Tips for a Tie Pin

Pairing a tie pin with a vest or suit gives a sophisticated old-world touch to an outfit. Unless the pin is very fine, a tie pin is best used with a thicker tie to prevent fabric damage.

Tie Bar vs. Tie Clip vs. Tie Pin: Which One Should You Choose?

Tie accessories offer a polished look while keeping your tie in place, but vary in design, function, and style.

• A tie bar quickly slides on over your tie and under your shirt placket, helping your tie stay straight and in place.
• Providing more secure fastening to your shirt and tie, a tie clip is an ideal accessory for active men.
• A tie pin is usually more elegant and offers a vintage or refined look. This accessory is an excellent choice for formal occasions.

Matching the Right Accessory to the Occasion

• Business and Office: An ideal accessory for professional settings, wear your tie bar or tie clip between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt.
• Weddings and Formal Events: More formal than a tie bar or tie clip, a tie pin works best for elegant occasions. A tie pin is worn in the center of the tie, about a hand’s width above the top button of your coat.
• Casual or Everyday Wear: Motif tie accessories add style to relaxed, everyday outfits and casual wear. From anchors to zebras, tie clips and tie bars are available in an endless range of motifs that speak to your hobbies, passions, or skills.

Find Your Perfect Tie Accessory at The Tie Bar

From casual and relaxed to business or formal, keep your tie in place and elevate your outfits with a necktie accessory. For a polished, professional look, select from The Tie Bar’s beautiful and creative range of tie clips and tie bars.

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