How do tie pins work?

Posted by shayan71@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 12 comments

Hello, My partner is going to have to wear a formal suit for a few upcoming events, he hasn't purchased it yet but it'll be a very run of the mill suit and tie. For an upcoming birthday I thought I'd get him a tie pin (themed to something we both like/inside joke but still very publically suitable), and I can either get a tie pin or tie clip. Is there a difference? A formal difference? (this won't matter so much tbf) An aesthetic difference? I have no experience with these things and want it to be a surprise for him! Just unsure which best to get him!

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12 Comments

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justjokecomments@reddit

Fat bloater me was wondering how pie tins worked....

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FatBloke4@reddit

There are two possibilities: tie pins and tie clips - the names describe their function. Tie pins have a pin that is pushed through the tie into a received, which is connected to a buttonhole in the shirt via chain. Tie clips are spring loaded clips that hold the tie to the shirt, through a gap between shirt buttons. I prefer the latter, as I don't like making holes in my ties. TBH, I almost never wear a tie clip (or tie pin) - I find them a bit OTT. Ideally, a tie pin or clip should match cufflinks and belt buckle.

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BritishBlitz87@reddit

I always found a tie clip stopped the dreaded knot loosening

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steak-and-kidney-pud@reddit

A tie knot should never self loosen if it’s tied correctly.

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BritishBlitz87@reddit

What is the correct way to tie a tie then?

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steak-and-kidney-pud@reddit

I use the Pratt knot. It’s easier for you to google instructions than for me to try and explain it. A schoolboys Half Windsor is not a good knot.

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Boris_Johnsons_Pubes@reddit

I read pie tins and was going to suggest a tin opener to start with

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fitlikeabody@reddit

Clips are nice but a subtle tie pin can look really good too. I had one that had a small bar and chain that held it in place from behind to be more like a tie clip.

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Another_Random_Chap@reddit

I'd always go with a tie clip - stops the tie flapping around, dipping in the soup etc. There are lots of designs, so you could almost certainly find one that means something to him.

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BamberGasgroin@reddit

Help him practice tying a Full Windsor knot so he doesn't look like a wonky tied half windsor teenager after half an hour

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RiskReward92@reddit

Tie pins are generally aesthetic, rather than functional - they're decorative and enhance the look of a tie with an attractive detail, but don't hold the tie to the shirt. A tie clip (or tie bar) holds the tie to the shirt, stopping it flapping in the wind. They can also be decorative. Personally I've always gone tie bar and tried to match to other accessories (watch, cufflinks etc.)

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Intelligent-Count-44@reddit

Good answer