(relaxed funk music)
- Wait a second. Do I really need this?
Does it look good?
Are tie clips actually still in style?
Good questions, and I've got the answers right after this.
(energetic music)
- I'm Brian Sacawa, and you're watching "He Spoke Style,"
where we are dedicated to giving you all the tips,
knowledge, and inspiration you need to dress well,
have more confidence, and unlock your potential.
When "Mad Men" came out in 2007, it really inspired
a resurgence of interest in classic men's style,
and one of the things that became a bit of a trend
during the show's popularity was the tie clip.
Now, although it was sort of on-trend during that time
to wear a tie clip, tie clips have been around
for a long time, and they're really
a classic men's accessory.
So in this video, I'm gonna cover the purpose
of a tie clip, different styles of tie clips, proper size,
proper placement, what to look for, and what to avoid.
I'm gonna show you one subtle trick
to pulling a tie clip off, and of course,
answer the question, "Are tie clips still in style?"
So what are tie clips used for?
Tie clips are used to keep your tie attached
to the placket of your shirt.
It keeps it from blowing in the breeze, accidentally dipping
into your coffee or your food, just in general
to hold it in place, and although it might seem obvious,
it's important that when you're wearing a tie clip
that it attaches to both your shirt and your tie.
Tie clips come in two styles.
You have a pinch clasp and a slide clasp.
A pinch clasp, I find to be very secure.
It works well with thicker ties.
The only drawback to a pinch clasp,
in my opinion, is that it doesn't lay as flat
and can stick out a little bit when you're wearing one.
A slide clasp, on the other hand, is a little more elegant
in terms of how it lays.
It's a good option for a tie with a standard thickness.
If I had to choose, my personal preference is a slide clasp.
In terms of tie clip size or length, it's all
about proportion in relation to the width of your tie.
A tie clip should never be wider than your tie,
and for me, a tie clip about three-quarters
of the width of your tie is just about perfect.
Now, the next thing you're probably wondering
is where is the right place to position the tie clip?
Now, as a general rule of thumb,
wearing the tie clip between the third
and fourth buttons of your shirt,
discounting the very top collar button is optimal.
Again, in terms of proportions,
I think this looks the most pleasing and most natural.
If it's too high or too low, as you sometimes see,
to my eye at least, I feel like it really
throws off the balance.
A tie bar should be worn perpendicular
to your tie, like this, and not crooked.
Now, with the caveat that it is perfectly natural
and inevitable when you wear a tie clip
that it's going to move now and then,
so if you notice it, just put it back in place,
but do not stress out or constantly obsess
or fuss over this.
In terms of color, I think it's helpful to have
both a silver tone tie clip and a gold tone tie clip
to be able to complement whatever outfit you're wearing
as well as whatever situation you're wearing
that outfit in.
For day-to-day stuff, I typically choose silver,
and for more formal or elegant evening events,
I generally choose gold.
Now in terms of style, keep it conservative,
and avoid novelty tie clips: mustaches, whales.
You should be the focus, not your accessories.
Here's a little subtle trick to remember
when you're wearing a tie clip.
Now, just before you fasten it,
pull your tie upward to blouse it slightly.
This will add a little bit of depth and visual appeal.
It looks more natural, and it will also keep you
from feeling constricted or like the tie clip
is holding you in place.
Whether or not you wear a tie clip is completely up to you.
Does it look good with your outfit?
Do you feel comfortable wearing it?
If you answered yes to those questions, go for it.
Now, are tie clips still in style?
A tie clip is a timeless and classic men's style accessory,
and as a result, whether it's on-trend or not,
it's a stylish flourish that you can add
to a dressed-up look.
It's also one of my 15 essential men's style accessories.
To find out what the other ones are,
click on that video right over there.