How Do You Match A Tie Bar?

Tie bars make a classy statement of elegance that few other accessories can achieve. They add a finished look to your tailored outfits and a sense of sophistication that accentuates the luxury of your ties. However, how do you match a tie bar to your tie? Let's explore what goes into choosing the perfect tie bar, including its colour, finish, and length, to ensure it complements your tie and overall look.

How Do You Match A Tie Bar?

Matching a tie bar involves more than picking a stylish piece— balancing colour and finish and learning how to wear a tie bar to suit your outfit. Let's explore how you can coordinate it perfectly with your tie, shirt, and accessories.

Pick The Right Tie Bar Colour

When choosing the right tie bar for your suit, consider its features and accessories. This is a big decision, but a few things will help you narrow it down.

The first thing to consider is your other accessories, such as cufflinks and lapel pins. Are they warm-toned or cool-toned? If they are silver, keep your tie bar silver; there's no room to mix and match gold and silver hues.

Pay attention to the colour of your buttons. The belt buckle is also essential because your tie touches it directly. If your buttons have a warm finish but your tie bar is silver, people will notice immediately, but not in a good way.  

A simple silver tie bar or gold tie bar is generally the most classic choice. However, make a bold statement. In that case, there is an abundance of unconventional colours and styles you can choose from. At OTAA, we encourage confidence, so we'll never knock a novelty tie bar. Our unique anchor tie bars, quirky moustache tie bars, and stylish glass tie clips will always give you an impact statement in the most favourable way.

However, if you choose a tie bar that commands attention, ensure it doesn't clash with your tie or the other features of your suit. Don't layer a statement piece on top of another statement piece. A plain necktie is the perfect background for a novelty tie bar. 

Consider the Tie Bar Finish

Most tie bars come in a gloss or brushed finish. This means you can choose between a shiny or matte surface for your tie bar. Your choice between a gloss or brushed tie bar depends on your taste. 

Still, as a general rule, you should go for a brushed tie bar if your tie has a sheen finish, like satin or silk. Opt for a gloss tie bar if your tie is matte, such as a linen tie or one made from cotton or wool fabric. Contrasting finishes between your tie and tie bar always add a deeper level of sophistication to your overall appearance.

Choose the Correct Tie Bar Length

The length of your tie bar should cover ¾ of the width of your tie. This is the most traditional length for a tie bar and is most prevalent in contemporary fashion trends.  

Should a tie bar cover your whole tie? No, if it covers the entire width of your tie, it's too long. And if it covers less than half the width of your tie, it must be longer—plain and simple.

So ask yourself, will you wear a skinny tie or a standard necktie?

For a skinny tie, your tie bar should be between 2.5 cm (0.9 inches) and 4 cm (1.5 inches) long. This is the perfect length to cover ¾ width of a standard skinny tie. We recommend a tie bar length of about 5.5 cm or 2.1 inches for a standard necktie.

Note: These lengths assume you will position your tie bar between the recommended placement of your shirt's third and fourth buttons.

Coordinate With Patterns

Pair your tie bar with the correct patterns to make it stand out. Match it to one of the primary colours in your tie for a clean, polished look—for example, combine a turquoise tie bar with a turquoise paisley tie. This creates a balanced, stylish appearance that's easy to pull off.

If you want to make a bold statement, try a contrasting tie bar or match it to a subtle colour in the tie's design. For example, a rose gold tie bar can add warmth and sophistication when paired with a tie featuring soft pink or neutral tones. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose a tie bar?

Consider the length, colour, finish, and material of a tie bar to ensure it complements your tie and overall outfit.

How should I match a tie bar to my tie?

Match a tie bar by coordinating its colour with your tie or accessories or create contrast by pairing it with a subtle or bold colour within the tie's pattern.

Should a tie bar go all the way across?

No. A tie bar should cover about 3/4 of the tie's width to maintain a balanced and stylish appearance.

How do you measure a tie bar?

Measure a tie bar by comparing its length to the width of your tie, ensuring it's proportional and follows the 3/4 rule for the best look.