It’s hard to keep up in fashion. Many men (and women, too) find themselves learning one thing, only to be told months later that their choices are “antiquated” or “outdated.” But one vintage trend that’s guaranteed to hold its place on runways and fashion magazines is the tie bar. The tie bar, like the tie clip, holds a tie to a button-down shirt, so that your tie doesn’t find itself swimming in your soup or flapping in the western breezes. More importantly, perhaps, tie bars add a fashion detail that is irresistible and interesting. Knowing the ins and outs of tie bars will have you considered a leader of fashion.

Choosing the Bar

•  When choosing a tie bar, it’s necessary that you choose one that fits your style.
• For a modern tie bar, choose one that does not go the length of the whole tie.

List of bar styles, and their possible wearing mate:

• simple, silver bar: perfect for a classy affair, work or any other situation where a refined taste is important.

• poker card tie bar: perfect for gambling, when making an ironic nod to your poker-star grandfather or in Las Vegas.

• seahorses under glass tie bar: perfect for sushi restaurants (employment or eating), boating or tours of the local aquarium.

As you can see from these descriptions, decorative tie bars add pizzazz to otherwise bland situations. After all, isn’t it much more interesting to fire an employee while wearing a nuclear-explosion themed tie bar?

Zanza-bar: Where Is It Anyway?

Where does one clip a tie bar? The basic rule of thumb is that the tie bar clips between the second and third buttons from the top of the shirt, roughly parallel with or right above your jacket pocket.

If you prefer something a bit more daring and decorative, wear your tie bar above the second button of a shirt. This look tends to be more showy and non-functional, which is better when not wearing a jacket, or for a nod to sartorial ostentation. Additionally, higher tie bars add a slimming look. Do not wear a tie bar within two inches of the knot on your tie. On the opposite end, if a tie bar rests too low, the look is strange and immature.

Tie Bar Wars

After all of this tie bar instruction, some among you might still suggest that the tie bar is not for you. It is true that some fashion blogs and self-appointed gurus suggest tie bars be left to grandfathers and bores. GQ Magazine, however, the arguable epicenter of men’s fashion, has called the tie bar “the only man jewelry you need.”

So how do you know if the tie bar is right for you? As a general rule, tie bars go well with artistic, suave, youthful and vintage looks. Though this is not always the case, traditional tie bars on traditional outfits on guys with traditional jobs might seem a bit too, well, traditional. If you plan to look artistic, suave, youthful or vintage, don’t fear the tie bar.

James Scaggs is the Director of Marketing for eCommerce retail sites Ties.com and Scarves.com, based in Orange County California.The tie racks display a wide variety of men ties.