To wear a tie clip properly, follow these key steps and guidelines:
- Position the tie clip between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt, which is typically just below the chest area
- Make sure the tie clip secures both the tie and the shirt placket to keep the tie in place and prevent it from moving around
- The clip should be placed horizontally across the tie, not angled, for a neat and polished look
- Choose a tie clip length that is about 70–80% of the width of your tie; it should never be wider than the tie itself
- Attach the clip so it holds the wider part of the tie (the blade), the narrow part behind it (the tail), and the shirt placket together
- Match the metal of your tie clip to other accessories like your watch, cufflinks, or belt buckle; silver is generally preferred for daytime, gold for evening events
- When wearing a jacket, the tie clip should be visible above the jacket's top button and roughly parallel to the top of the breast pocket
- Avoid placing the tie clip too high or too low, and do not wear it at an angle
- Use a tie clip only when needed, such as when wearing a tie without additional garments like sweaters or vests that hold the tie in place
By following these guidelines, your tie clip will serve both its functional purpose and add a refined touch to your outfit.