Tie Slides, Bars, Tacks & Pins: How to Wear Them and What Each One Means
When it comes to classic men’s accessories, few items are as small yet as important as a tie clip or tie pin. These subtle pieces of jewellery keep your tie in place, add a touch of personality to formal outfits, and signal attention to detail.
But many people still ask questions like “What is a tie tack?”, “Where should a tie bar be placed?”, or “How do you wear a tie pin with a chain?”. With several different styles available — tie slides, tie bars, tie tacks and tie pins — it’s easy to get confused.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between each style, how to wear them properly, and how to choose the right option for your outfit.
A well-placed tie bar or pin doesn’t just hold your tie in place — it adds balance and refinement to a suit, showing you’ve paid attention to the details.
If you're looking to add one to your wardrobe, explore our full collection of tie slides and tie tacks here. Want to complete the look? Our Ultimate Guide to Cufflinks has you covered.
What Is a Tie Bar or Tie Slide?
Tie bars and tie slides are among the most popular tie accessories today. Both styles work in essentially the same way: they clip across your tie and attach it to the shirt placket underneath.
The purpose is practical as well as decorative. By securing the tie to your shirt, a tie bar stops it swinging around and keeps everything looking neat throughout the day.
The main difference between the two is the mechanism:
- Tie Bar: Usually spring-loaded like a clip.
- Tie Slide: Slides onto the tie and shirt without a spring hinge.
Tie slides often have a cleaner, more minimalist appearance, while tie bars offer a slightly firmer hold.
Tie bars should always be worn between the third and fourth shirt buttons — roughly mid-chest — never too high and never near the bottom of the tie.
What Is a Tie Tack?
A tie tack works differently from a tie bar. Instead of clipping across the tie, a tie tack uses a small pin that goes directly through the tie fabric and fastens behind it.
The pin passes through the tie and is secured with a backing clasp. Many traditional tie tacks also include a decorative chain that attaches to a shirt button for additional security and style.
Tie tacks were especially popular in the early and mid-20th century and remain a classic option for formal or vintage-inspired looks.
A tie tack is more discreet than a tie bar — the decorative head is usually small, giving just a subtle accent to the centre of your tie.
How to Wear a Tie Tack (With or Without a Chain)
If you’ve never worn one before, putting on a tie tack is simple:
- Place the decorative head on the front of your tie.
- Push the pin through the tie fabric.
- Attach the backing clasp behind the tie.
- If there’s a chain, loop it over a shirt button.
The correct placement is similar to a tie bar — around the middle of the tie, between the third and fourth shirt buttons.
The chain should hang slightly loose rather than tight. Its purpose is mainly decorative and to prevent the tack from being lost.
What Is a Tie Pin?
Tie pins are often confused with tie tacks, but traditionally they refer to a more decorative piece with a longer pin and clasp.
Historically, tie pins were used with cravats and thicker ties, piercing the fabric to hold folds in place. Today they’re mostly worn as a vintage accessory or statement piece.
Unlike tie bars or slides, tie pins are usually smaller and more ornamental, often featuring stones, engraving, or decorative motifs.
Tie pins are the most traditional option and are perfect if you want a classic, heritage-inspired look.
Where Should a Tie Clip or Tie Pin Be Placed?
Correct placement is what separates a polished look from an awkward one. The general rule is simple:
- Place the tie accessory between the third and fourth shirt buttons.
- Ensure it clips both the tie and the shirt placket.
- The bar should never be wider than your tie.
If the tie bar is too high, it looks forced. Too low, and it serves no practical purpose.
When worn properly, it should sit horizontally across the tie and remain visible even when the jacket is buttoned.
Tie Bar vs Tie Tack: Which Should You Choose?
Both accessories serve the same purpose but create slightly different looks.
Tie bars and slides are generally more modern and versatile. They work well in business settings and everyday formal wear.
Tie tacks and pins feel more traditional and formal. They’re often chosen for weddings, black-tie events, or vintage styling.
Many people keep both options available depending on the occasion.
For everyday suits, a simple tie bar is the easiest and most versatile option.
The Tommy Shelby Look: Why Tie Pins Still Matter
If you’ve watched Peaky Blinders, you’ll already have seen tie pins and tacks in action. Tommy Shelby — the show’s central character — regularly wears classic tailoring paired with subtle accessories, including tie pins and bars.
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, the series leans heavily on traditional menswear, where tie pins were originally designed to secure delicate cravats and silk ties.
With the release of the latest Peaky Blinders film in 2026, interest in this style has surged again — bringing heritage accessories like tie tacks firmly back into modern wardrobes.
The appeal of the Tommy Shelby style is in the detail — clean tailoring, muted tones, and understated accessories like tie pins that quietly complete the look.
If you’re looking to recreate this aesthetic, explore our full guide here: The Tommy Shelby Edit.
Are Tie Bars and Tie Pins Still in Style?
Absolutely. In fact, tie accessories have seen a resurgence as men rediscover classic tailoring and traditional menswear details.
A simple tie bar or elegant tie tack adds polish without drawing too much attention — making it one of the easiest ways to elevate a suit.
Whether you're dressing for the office, a wedding, or a formal event, a well-chosen tie accessory adds balance, function, and a finishing touch to your look.
Browse our full range of tie slides and tie tacks to find a style that suits your wardrobe.