How to Wear a Tie Tack

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A tie tack, or tie pin, is a piece of jewelry that you pin to your tie to keep it from swaying and to add a decorative accent to your outfit. [1] They’re also easy to put on. To wear a tie tack, just insert the bar through the third buttonhole on your shirt and push the post through both sections of your tie to pin it to your shirt. If your tie tack doesn’t have a chain, simply pin both sections of your tie together. Add a tie tack to your formal wear to enhance your look and get people talking about your bold fashion!

Best Tie Tack Placement

Undo the third button on your dress shirt and slide the T-bar of the tie tack through the buttonhole, then rebutton it. Placing the tack here holds the tie in place while still being seen over a buttoned suit jacket or other layer. It also doesn’t restrict the movement of the bottom of the tie.

For popular FAQs on wearing a tie tack, jump to more common questions .

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Attaching the Tie Tack to your Shirt and Tie

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  1. A tie tack is positioned around the midline of your tie and shirt so it’s visible and can keep your tie from swinging too much when you move. Undo the button with your fingers so the buttonhole is exposed. [2]
    • If you use a button that’s too high up your shirt, it won’t properly hold your tie to keep it from swinging. If you use a button that’s too low, then nobody will be able to see your tie tack.

    Variation: If you’re wearing a tie tack that doesn’t have a T-bar and chain, pierce the pin through the center of the front of the wide part of your tie, then through the center of the narrow section behind it. Insert the pin into the base, or clutch, to fasten the 2 sections together above your third button. [3]

  2. The bar attached to the chain of the tie tack is called the T-bar and will help secure it to your shirt. Slide the bar through the empty buttonhole so the chain and face of the tie tack are hanging in front of your shirt. Then, insert the button through the hole to secure the chain. [4]
    • The button will secure the chain of the tie tack in the buttonhole.
    • The bar should remain behind the button.
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  3. Hold the front, or face, of the tie tack with 1 of your hands using your fingertips. With the fingertips of your other hand, pull the small knob on the base, or the clutch. Then, pull the face away from the clutch. [5]
    • The post with the face on it will slide out of the base it was connected to.
    • You can let go of the clutch after you pull out the post.
    • Don’t force or try to yank the face. If the release mechanism is correctly engaged, it will slide out easily.
  4. Push the sharp end of the post through the wide section, or the front of your tie. Then, push it through the narrow section that hangs behind it. [6]
    • Push the post through the center of the tie.
    • Don’t stretch or pull your tie tight, instead, allow it to hang naturally so it doesn’t bunch up or create a larger hole when you push the post through it.
  5. Use 1 hand to retrieve the clutch hanging at the end of the chain. Hold it steady with your fingertips and slide the post into it. Push the post until you hear or feel a small click so you know it’s locked into place. [7]
    • Some tie tacks may require you to hold the release mechanism, slide the post into the clutch, then let go of the mechanism so it’s locked.
    • The chain will hang behind the tie and keep it from swinging.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Adding a Tie Tack to Your Look

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  1. Tie tacks are meant to be worn with formal wear and work great to add an accent to a suit, while also securing your necktie. Wear a suit with a jacket whenever you wear a tie tack to an event or party. [8]
  2. Woven silk ties and ties made out of coarse fabrics such as wool or cashmere are great to pair with a tie tack because the tack won’t leave a mark that you can see in the tie. You can also wear a tie tack with dark-colored ties because the small hole won’t be visible in the material. [10]
    • Don’t use a tie tack for brightly colored or finely printed ties because the small hole created by the tack will be visible.
  3. A tie tack will help control your necktie and keep it from swaying around as you move. But it’s also meant to accessorize your outfit as well. So choose one that matches your style and completes your look.
    • Wear a single pearl as your tie tack for a subdued but distinguished look.
    • Use a monogrammed tie tack to add your initials as a personal stylistic stamp to your outfit.
    • Put on a tie tack with a precious metal like gold or a gemstone like diamond or sapphire to add a bit of elegant flair to your look.
  4. Wearing a tie tack instead of a clip or a fancy knot will attract attention because they’re not often worn these days. Putting one on will catch people’s attention and they’re likely to ask you about it. You can use your tie tack to spark a conversation with someone at a cocktail party or a bar.

    Tip: Wear an item that’s personal to you as a tie tack. For example, you can have one of your mother’s earrings made into a tie tack.

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Common Questions: Styling Tie Tacks

Does a tie tack ruin a tie?

A tie tack does leave a small hole in the tie, but this won’t be noticeable if you only wear a tie tack on formal or special occasions. Ties made of wider-knit fabrics and dark colors will show the holes less than bright, tight fabrics.

Are tie tacks out of style?

Tie tacks are not generally part of mainstream mens style anymore, but they are used to make a bold, vintage statement in menswear (similar to wearing a pocket watch or handlebar mustache). Tie tacks fell out of fashion in the 1960s when keeper loops began holding ties in place. [13]

When should you wear a tie tack?

Wear a tie tack when you need to control the movement of your tie, such as a wedding dinner where you don’t want your tie on your plate. Tie tacks are also great for taking formal photos since they’ll hold your tie in a pleasing position. Save them for formal occasions since frequent wear can put holes in your ties.

Tips

  • A tie tack will put a small hole and slightly damage your tie every time you use it, so save it for special events.
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References

  1. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/DuikDKIB6_4?t=116
  3. ↑ https://bespokeunit.com/suits/ties/tie-clips/#different
  4. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/tie-clip-bar-primer/
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/DuikDKIB6_4?t=162
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/3yNLsfwWUM4?t=111
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/3yNLsfwWUM4?t=123
  8. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/tie-clip-bar-primer/
  9. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
  1. ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/tie-clip-bar-primer/
  2. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
  3. ↑ Tavia Sharp. Certified Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.
  4. ↑ https://www.parisiangentleman.com/blog/do-not-fear-the-tie-tack-a-symbol-of-audacity

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Reader Success Stories

  • CeeCee Beebee

    Jan 19, 2021

    "I needed to know how to use a tie tack. This article is clear and gives great suggestions."
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