Should tie bars cover your tie?

The tie bar, or tie clip, was invented 20 years after the tie came to fruition in the 1850s. Over its spanning history, the tie bar has transformed from a mere tool of functionality to something that's even more idealistic, a fashion statement. With its significant upgrade from convenience utility to statement of elegance, there came a pressing need to wear it in the most fashionable way possible. This includes wearing a tie bar of the correct length. One of the most important question men have posed is: should tie bars cover your tie? 

In simple terms, a tie bar should not cover your whole tie, and it shouldn't cover less than half your tie. Whilst it's not completely uncommon to see men wearing full length tie bars that cover their tie, you'll find that essentially everyone who knows a thing or two about the fashion industry will never be caught seen wearing a tie bar that's full length. It simply isn't correct etiquette. 

So if it isn't correct to wear a tie bar that covers your whole tie, then what is the recommended ratio? By today's fashion standards, it's universally recommended to wear a tie bar that covers 3/4 the width of your tie. The exact measurement will, of course, depend on whether you're wearing a skinny tie or a standard necktie. 

For standard neckties, our precise rule of measurement is a tie bar that spans 5.5 cm or 2.1 inches across your tie. It's a specific number, we know that, but it does the trick every time. 

Skinny ties have a bit more freedom, however, as you can go for a tie bar that's anywhere between 2.5 cm / 0.9 inches and 4 cm / 1.5 inches long. These numbers will be your golden ticket to getting the right tie bar length.

The amount of fabric your tie bar covers additionally depends on where you place it on your tie. The further up you go on your tie, the more fabric your tie bar will cover, and the lower down you go, the less fabric it will cover. If you want to get the formula just right, place your tie bar between the third and fourth button of your dress shirt, this will be roughly 1/4 of the way down your tie after it's been tied up. 

Now that you know the secret that not every man knows, you'll be able to wear your tie bar with a stamp of confidence. Sporting a tie bar, in general, indicates that you're a man who knows his stuff when it comes to style, but demonstrating that you know how to wear one correctly will really prove that your efforts aren't hollow. Just remember, 3/4 is your golden measurement!