The Garmentor - The Fashion Manual for Style-Minded Men

Typically, women have all the fun when it comes to accessories, but there’s one thing we have that they don’t: the tie bar. Also called a tie slide (or tie clip if it has a clasp), the tie bar is a functional accessory that can be used to add an extra touch of class to your outfit. Originally designed for the workplace, it can now be found keeping ties in check both in and out of the office. Silver so close to the heart might scare a vampire, but this season it’s all the rage.

The tie bar is great, first, because it is so functional. If you’ve ever walked down a windy street and had your tie flapping over your shoulder, or leaned over a plate of food, only to find your tie soaked in a béarnaise, you understand a man’s desire to tame his tie. The tie bar was invented for just that reason. Even when you’re not chowing down or braving the wind, a tie bar will hold your tie in place so that you don’t have to worry about laying it over your buttons every time it gets out of line. In short, the tie bar is a man’s best friend.

Of course, with such a prominent position on your torso, it’s important to find a tie bar that’s stylish and nice to look at. Face it: everyone’s going to see it. Before choosing one, we suggest you think about where you’ll be using it most. If you want to wear it around the office, go for something simple and versatile, like the sterling silver slide by Tiffany. You’ll be able to wear it with anything and it will absolutely never go out of style. How can it? It’s a thin fold of shiny sterling silver, plus it’s made by Tiffany. You’re set for life.

If, on the other hand, you want a tie bar with a bit more pizazz, perhaps something to wear at night or on special occasions, go for a spiffier style like Burberry’s check tie clip or the Lator Gator tie bar by Kenneth Cole New York. They’re two of our favorites.

Every tie bar makes its own statement, so go with something that matches your personality. It’s a great place to show off a little bit of who you are. The right tie bar can take an otherwise average outfit and make it extraordinary. It’s a finishing touch, the cherry on top, the difference between a good outfit and a great one.

Tie bars can be very difficult to find. As always, however, we scoured the web for some of the best. If you’d like to check out even more, we suggest designer Paul Stuart, who has some great ones available on his website. There’s even a propellor tie bar for the aeronauts. A variety of affordable selections can also be found at Amazon.com. Happy shopping!