Friday, August 28, 2009

How To Choose And Wear A Tie Clip With A Tuxedo

By Victor R. Santerino

Tie clips serve a few purposes. They hide the buttons of the shirt, help the tie to stay neatly in place, and provide a nice visual to link the shirt and the jacket.

Men's tie clips are a handy fashion accessory. Whereas the tie pin must be pressed all the way through the material of the shirt where it can ultimately cause damage, the tie clip slides onto the shirt and tie, securing it safely in position in the process.

Tie clips are practical as well as stylish. What man hasn't had an unanchored tie flop forward risking coffee dunks and snags in office equipment. This might be funny in comedy sketches, but it is not funny in real life. A tie clip keeps your expensive tie snug against your shirt and out of harm's way.

A riskier scenario enfolds at romantic evenings with candle lit dining. Reaching across the table with a floppy tie could result in "tie flamb." Again, funny in the movies, but not a smooth move to make yourself!

The spring-loaded mechanism of the tie clip offers a firm hold, easily placed properly straight across the tie. The securest placement to avoid "tie flop" is just below halfway down the tie; you may shift that placement higher if ornament is your main concern.

Tie clips are obtainable in an infinite range of different styles, colors, materials and designs. Some have nice chains looped along their length. Others have company logo's or are intended to publicize your pastime or area of interest such as your much loved sports team, your make of car or even your preferred beer.

The classic standard of the formal tuxedo tie clip is a design in gold. Do take the color of the shirt and tie into account when choosing your tie clip.

Of course the plain gold tie clip really works with a black tux, a white shirt, and a plain dark tie. If you're in a tux with more embellishments in the suit or accessories, choose your tie clip accordingly. Just follow the rules of quality and good taste and you'll be fine.

About the Author:

No comments: