Tie Pins & Clips et al

[Mercier]

I generally wear a tie clip, with the occassional pin thrown in for good measure. Whilst I find such items practical when working at my desk, I must confess I rather like the way in which the tie is presented when restrained by such a device. My question to other members of The Lounge is simply, "what are the rules when wearing a tie pin, is there a prefered or correct way"

Mercier

[SouthPender]

By "tie pin" (or "tie tack"), you must mean the kind of tie fastener that actually pierces the tie with a pin that is attached to an ornament on the front. There don't seem to be many options from which to select a "correct" way to wear one--unless you mean the actual position on the tie that it occupies. Attaching it high on the tie--perhaps 4" - 6" down from the knot allows it to produce an arching effect of the tie near the top, which is, in my opinion, a nice look. One could probably make a case for placing one a little off-centre, in the interests of effecting an insouciance that some find essential in truly elegant style. One consideration that some might see as consistent with the "rules" would be to match its color if metal (gold or silver) with that of one's belt buckle and wristwatch color. I'm not fond of tie pins generally because of the damage they inflict on what might be an expensive and lovely tie, and, as a result, I prefer tie clasps or bars instead. The latter perform the same function of providing control of one's tie and producing an arching effect--along with a nice, stylish look (in my opinion--with which many others disagree!) without causing any damage to delicate silk.