Men's Tie Clips

A tie clip, or tie bar, is a subtle way to ensure a gentleman’s tie is secure, but it has also offered an opportunity for the fashionable figure to flash a bit of flare for more than a century. The history of the tie clip begins in the early tradition of the tie pin, used since the 17th century to secure a man’s neck wrap or cravat.

As the necktie evolved from that tradition in the mid-19th century, the tie clip emerged. By the 1870s, the popularity of the tie clip was on the rise, and by the early years of the 20th century every fashionable gentleman was sporting a tie clip as part of his outfit. They were celebrated not only because they secured one’s tie, but also because they did so without damaging the dress shirt nor the tie itself.

While the celebrity of the tie clip dipped precipitously in the mid- to late 20th century, these handsome accessories are on the rise again, enjoyed by those who love both history and effective dress.

Quick Facts

• The average tie clip measures around two and half inches in length
• Famed dancer and film start Fred Astaire can be seen wearing a tie clip in many of his filmed dance sequences from the 1930s to 1950s
• During the peak years of tie clips, many companies gave their male employees versions bearing the corporate logo as a gift. Past United States presidents have also been known to add their engraved signature to their clip