Ties R Us

Category: How To

  • Ties R Us Tips: How to Remove Creases from Ties

    As is the case with most items of clothing, your tie collection will need the occasional de-crease if you want to dress to your best. After all, you want onlookers to be complementing your ensemble or the pattern of your tie, not picking holes in your outfit or commenting on your cravat looking more like a crinkled sheet of crate paper. 

    The thing is, ties are delicate little things, and you should only iron them when completely necessary after all other options have been exhausted. The reason for this? The harsh heat of a standard iron can very quickly burn and damage your ties, especially if they’re of the woollen, silk or polyester variety. 

    To keep your prized ties in pristine condition, our expert Ties R Us team have compiled a handy list of tips on how to remove creases from ties and pocket squares – safely and successfully! 

    Tip #1

    Hang your tie or ties on a clothes hanger or clothes rail. It pays to ensure that the cupboard or wardrobe is well-ventilated, after all, you don’t want any moisture and dampness damaging your neckties. 

    We recommend leaving the ties to hang for at least two days, in which time many if not all of the creases should disappear naturally without the use of heat.

    Tip #2

    If the hands-off approach of letting your ties hang doesn’t produce the right results, try using steam power. 

    There are a couple of ways to get rid of creases in your ties using steam, the first (and cheapest) method is to hang your ties in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. Place the ties far enough away from the shower so as not to get wet, the heat and steam produced from your shower should then work out those troublesome wrinkles in no time. 

    Secondly, you can use a steam cleaner. There are fairly inexpensive models out there to purchase, or if you’ve got a bulk of garments and accessories to go through you can even hire one. Hold the steam cleaner lightly against the fabric of your ties and move the nozzle up and down the length of the tie until it’s crease-free.

    Tip #3

    Simply rolling up your tie can also free your accessories of troublesome creases and wrinkles. We suggest rolling up the narrowest end of your tie to the widest point, then leave the rolled-up tie to rest for 24 to 48 hours. 

    If you’re experienced some issues with unravelling, secure the end of the roll with your trusty tie pin or a hair grip or paper clip if you’ve not got a tie pin to hand. 

    Tip #4

    If all of the above fails, it could be time to resort to your iron – but don’t do so without taking the correct precautions. We must stress that you should only iron out creases if absolutely necessary, get things wrong and your tie could quickly become toast! 

    This is especially true of delicate silk ties, while you should also exercise caution concerning polyester and wool too. Always check the label of the tie for the recommended iron heat setting, you’ll need a cool setting for polyester and silk and a medium setting for wool ties. 

    We recommend placing a clean white towel or cloth over the ironing board to ensure you tie doesn’t pick up and dirt or discolouration from the board itself; iron the tie with the rear-facing side up, working your way up the fabric from top to bottom while allowing the steam from the iron to further work out those unwanted wrinkles. 

    If you’re searching for more handy tips, how to’s and style guides, visit our Ties R Us blog page and follow us over on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. 

  • How To Tie A Bow Tie

    Chances are that you’ll have seen the traditional bow tie at work at a special event teamed with a smart black suit. This classic accessory can make all the difference to a formal outfit and is a staple addition to many black tie event outfit, but how do you tie a bow tie? Today at Ties R Us, we’re taking a look at how to do a bow tie and suggesting our favourite wedding bow ties that can be worn as a groom or guest.

    How To Tie A Bow Tie

    Whilst there are easy to use clip-on bow ties out there, you can’t beat the real deal when it comes to a classic bow tie. If you’re a novice at tying bow ties, we’ve got some simple steps to outline the best way to do a bow tie for a stylish result.

    1. Step 1 – To tie a bow tie, start by having the tie around your shoulders so that the ends are lying flat against your chest. Ensure that the right side is shorter than the left. We’ll refer to the left as A and right side as B for ease.
    2. Step 2 – Move A across and under B at a right angle. Then move A back under B and pull upwards gently through the neck loop.
    3. Step 3 – Next, create a bow shape by folding B towards the right and then the left.
    4. Step 4 – Cover the bow shape with A, bringing it downwards over the middle of the bow.
    5. Step 5 – Fold A back on itself, leaving the wider section outside of the fold, and push the pinched fold through the loop behind the bow shape.
    6. Step 6 – Now, simply pull the folded sections to tighten the bow and adjust accordingly so that the loops are balanced on both sides.

    It may help to have another person do this for you, but with plenty of practice you can master the art of tying your own bow tie!

    Bow Tie For A Wedding

    A bow tie is a traditional finishing touch to a wedding suit. Whether you’re looking for the perfect wedding bow tie yourself as the groom, or searching for a bow tie for groomsmen or as a guest, we stock plenty of stylish choices at Ties R Us. The ideal bow tie for a wedding will involve an elegant pattern, such as a floral or paisley pattern, to reflect the romantic connotations of the event itself. Opt for a handmade bow tie with a matching pocket square for a true gentlemanly appearance. The addition of the pocket square will pull the look together wonderfully and add another element to your suit jacket. Choose a contrasting colour for your wedding bow tie and pocket square so that they make a statement and add a pop of colour to a grey or black wedding suit.

    (Lilac Floral Bow Tie & Pocket Square Set £15.99)

    If you’re looking for a bow tie for a wedding especially for your groomsmen, the Ties R Us range will cater to all colour schemes. Present your groomsmen with matching bow ties for a coordinated look, and choose a bow tie in a different shade of the same colour to differentiate yourself as the groom.

    Now you’ve learnt how to tie a bow tie, get your wedding bow ties right here at Ties R Us by browsing our collection of luxury bow ties available in an array of appealing designs. With the option to purchase a bow tie with matching pocket square, you’ll look suitably sophisticated for your big day.

  • Shirt and Tie Combinations

    So you’ve got the suit, your big event is just around the corner, but what shirt and tie combination do you go for?  A classic combination? A bold combination? Plain or patterned? Don’t worry, this is where we come in! Not only do you want to look good, but you want to feel good too, believe me when I say we understand this.  The right shirt and tie combination can be powerful and exudes a level of confidence that will have you ready for any occasion. So let us help you choose the right shirt and tie combination today, because after all, confidence is the best accessory you will ever own.

    So lets talk shirt and ties . . .

    An everyday ensemble for some, but for others it’s an opportunity to dress up for an occasion.  Either way there’s no denying that a suit and tie adds effortless style to your outfit. At Ties R Us, we are quite often asked our opinion on what tie to choose and of course we are always happy to help, we love nothing more than a satisfied customer with the feel good factor.  So, with that in mind we thought we would share our suggestions in order to help you make a more informed decision for your next event.

    What colour tie to wear with a blue shirt?

    A blue shirt is such a versatile option and a definite step up from white.  With so many variations available you can be as bold or as subtle as you wish, therefore, we have focused on the classics to give you a good selection of ideas.

    Powder Blue Shirts – cool, crisp and understated.  Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour here.  Burnt orange compliments powder blue perfectly.  Gold and mustard shades are a match made in heaven, or navy adds depth in keeping with blue tones.

    Royal Blue Shirts – bold, bright and guaranteed to get you noticed.  Don’t shy away from patterns with a royal blue shirt, paisley, polka dot or a check adds a playful twist.  Alternatively, silver is a great as a contrast or navy is a classic choice.

    Navy Blue Shirts – Suave, sophisticated and stylish.  A satin tie is a fantastic option for a navy shirt especially in deeper shades such as burgundy, emerald green or navy itself.  A textured tie in blush is a great option for weddings and christenings or if a brighter colour is more your thing then stand out from the crowd in pillar box red.   

    What colour tie to wear with a pink shirt?

    A pink shirt . . . now we’re talking!  If you have chosen a pink shirt then you are definitely someone who isn’t afraid to make a statement so embrace a wide variety of colour combinations we say and take a look at some of our favourite combinations below.

    Light Pink Shirt – subtle, stylish and of course extremely dapper.  Pastel colours such as mint green, lilac and silver work particularly well against a link pink shirt.

    Dark Pink Shirt – This shade of pink is already a statement so pair this with a teal or royal blue tie to channel your inner eccentric style.

    Top tips . . .

    With so many tie variations available, it can be difficult to choose, even for the most stylish of men!  So we hope this guide has helped and has given you plenty of food for thought, and not just for a pink or blue shirt.  As a general rule, similar colours are great for pairing next to each other as similar shades will always compliment each other eg light blue shirt and navy tie.  But don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and update your wardrobe with a contrasting combination. A safer way to do this is to add a darker shade eg burnt orange, burgundy or emerald green instead of the more vibrant shades, go on try it, we guarantee you will love them.  

    And finally . . .

    Now that your shirt and tie is sorted, why not add a pocket square and cufflinks for next level styling, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

     

  • Best Suit and Tie Combinations

    Do you have an important event coming up?  A winter wedding, a job interview, a day at the races or perhaps you are a guy who knows how to dress but you are looking for your next inspiration?  Well you’ve come to the right place. 

    I think we’ll all agree that the suit is nothing new, but the way you wear it can be.  With so many suit and tie combinations around it’s easy to become overwhelmed with what compliments what, but worry no more, we are here to help.  Afterall, a well dressed gentleman is the epitome of style and a good suit and tie never goes out of fashion. 

    With over 20 years experience in the industry, we are quite often asked what colour tie should I choose?  So with this in mind we have answered the most popular questions based on the colour of suit you choose. So let’s get started . . .

    What Colour Tie to Wear With Blue Suit?

    At Ties R Us, we are big fans of a blue suit.  This suggests to us that you are someone who is not afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with colour.  A blue suit screams style and with so many variations including plain, checked or striped, it’s one of our favourites to dress.  

    We love:

    Blue –  Yes blue, a shade lighter or darker adds depth to your outfit for co-ordinated style.

    Mustard – The perfect contrast for a blue suit.

    Paisley – For the fashion forward, we particularly like the silver and blue combination.

    Top tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures and patterns for the ultimate style combination.

    What Colour Tie With Grey Suit?

    A grey suit is a classic and should be a staple item in every man’s wardrobe.  It is the perfect choice for any occasion, at any time of year. Simply change your tie for different look each time and no one will even know it’s the same suit!

    We love:

    Pastel shades – Pink and lilac are particularly popular for weddings, they add a subtle softness to your look.

    Red – Adds a pop of colour to your outfit, perfect for the party season, or a groom that wants to be noticed.

    Patterned – Floral, checked or polka dot.  Who says a grey suit has to be boring?  

    Top tip – Dare to be different and choose a powder blue shirt instead of white for your next event.

    What Colour Tie With Navy Suit?

    There’s no denying that a navy suit is sharp and sophisticated.  Softer than black, but just as classic as grey, it can be dressed up or down whatever the occasion.   Create a lasting impression with a navy suit and tie combination, take a look at our favourites below.

    Burnt Orange – Be bold and inject some colour into your outfit.  A fantastic choice all year round.

    Gold – The perfect contrast to a navy suit with it’s super rich undertones.

    Tweed – Is there anything more dapper than a touch of tweed?  We don’t think so.

    Top Tip:  Add a contrasting waistcoat and pocket watch this season to get yourself noticed for all the right reasons.

    What Colour Tie With Black Suit?

    Perhaps the most classic of all is the black suit.  A black tie event, business or pleasure, a black suit caters for everything, plus with so many looks, it’s extremely adaptable and perhaps one of the most timeless pieces you’ll own.  Now let’s talk how to style it. . .

    Black –  Sleek, smart and stylish, very 007.

    Royal Blue – A vibrant explosion of colour against a black suit is a match made in heaven.

    Bow Tie – We couldn’t not suggest a bow tie with a black suit, it’s a game changer.

    Top Tip:  Add a matching pocket square for a modern twist on a classic suit.

    Now the ideas are flowing, we want to help you look good and feel good, so why not take a look at our full mens ties collection for more inspiration where you can shop by colour, pattern or material.  Your new favourite look is just a click away with Ties R Us. And don’t forget about the little ones too, we also stock a range of boys ties, giving you the same stand out style, just on a smaller scale.

  • The Tie Care Guide: How to keep your neckwear looking sharp

    With great ties comes great responsibility.

    Whether you wear ties everyday, or you save them for special occasions – your neckwear needs to be in top condition if it’s going to give your outfit that sharp finishing touch.

    Looking after your ties is simple once you get used to how to properly store them and how to deal with any stains or wrinkles on the fabric. At Ties R Us we’ve decided to put together an easy guide to getting the most out of your neckwear, with easy to follow tips that will ensure you’re never caught short for an event again.

    Let’s take a look at some of the most common tie problems we’ve all faced!

    How To Store Ties?

    There are two ways that you can store your ties.

    1. The best way to hang ties is draped over a tie rack or coat hanger. By hanging your ties up this way after use, any wrinkles in the tie should drop out naturally after a couple of days. You should always unknot your ties before you hang them up, this way they retain their shape and you avoid any permanent creases.
    2. Another way to ensure your ties stay in shape is by rolling them loosely and storing them in a drawer, or investing in a specially designed tie box. This method is suitable for most ties, especially knit ties as they can be stretched when hung up.

    How to remove wrinkles from a tie

    • One of the most common issues you will face as a tie wearer is how to get rid of wrinkles in the fabric.
    • If you have time, leave the tie on it’s tie rack or coat hanger overnight. This should naturally get rid of light wrinkles.
    • If the wrinkle is a little more stubborn, roll up the tie (narrow end first) and place in a box or drawer for a day.
    • If there’s no way that wrinkle is going to come out naturally, the best way to tackle the problem is using a steamer OR the steam function on your iron. Do not just run the iron over the fabric as this could cause irreparable damage – especially to a delicate tie.

    How to get stains out of a tie

    Accidents happen. Whether you’ve managed to catch half of your office lunch on the fabric of your tie, or an evening out has left your tie looking worse for wear, stains aren’t the end of the world.

    The best way to tackle a stain on a tie is by knowing exactly what you’re up against.

    • If your stain is oil based, try talcum powder! Blot as much of the stain as possible with a cloth napkin and cover the stain with talcum powder before leaving the tie flat on a surface for 12-24 hours. The powder should lift the stain from the tie but it could take a few tries!
    • If the stain is food based, try and remove as much possible from the stain by gently using a knife and scraping it off. Once the food has been removed, blot the stain using a cloth napkin soaked in water.
    • Wine stains are some of the most common tie problems, if you’ve been drinking red wine – place the tie on a flat surface and cover with table salt. The salt should absorb the wine but if the stain remains you may need to visit the dry cleaner! White or rose wine is a little easier to remove, especially if you’ve caught it early! Head to the bathroom and dry the tie under the hand dryer, this should stop the clear liquid from staining.
    • For more serious stains, or ones that you haven’t realised were there until you need the tie for an event – you may need to invest in a mild cleaning product to give your efforts an extra boost. If all else fails, take the tie to a dry cleaner.

    Remember, when cleaning ties you should BLOT not WIPE the stain to avoid damaging the fabric and making it worse. It also goes without saying, (but we will say it anyway) stay away from the washing machine!

  • How To Wear A Pocket Square

    How To Wear A Pocket Square

    Here at Ties R Us, we’re big on the little touches. One great way to add a touch of class to a formal ensemble is with a pocket square, although it can be tricky getting it right. If you’re wanting to get on board the pocket square trend but aren’t quite sure where to begin, we’ve put together a handy guide to help out, detailing how to wear a pocket square and how to fold a pocket square.

    How To Wear A Pocket Square

    • For a formal occasion, ensure your pocket square and tie work well together by either selecting a matching tie and hanky set, or choosing complimentary colours.
    • A pocket square can be dressed down for a more casual event. Simply leave off the tie and pair with a stylish waistcoat or blazer.
    • You can afford to have fun with a pocket square – bold patterns and colours are a great way of showing your creative flair.
    • If you are new to pocket squares, invest in a plain white or blue square. These colours are truly versatile and will work for a variety of occasions.

    How To Fold A Pocket Square

    • Square Fold – Also known as the presidential fold, this simple yet effective fold is perfect for a professional look. First, fold your pocket square in half then fold in half again to create a square shape.
    • Puff Fold – One of the most casual folds, the stylish puff fold should look as though it is billowing out of your pocket. Start by laying your pocket square flat, then pinch and pick up from the centre. Next, take hold of the bottom with your other hand to create a tube like shape. Finally, tuck into your pocket and readjust as needed.
    • One Point Fold – Ideal for business, formal or casual wear, this is a versatile fold that works well for a variety of occasions. Fold diagonally in half to form a triangle shape then fold the left and right corners inwards, leaving a point at the top. Finally, place folded corners down in the pocket, leaving only the top triangular point showing.
    • Two Point Fold – This is a dressier fold, ideal for making an impression at formal events. Whilst it may look complicated, the two point fold follows almost as the one point fold. Fold in half diagonally. Angle the fold slightly off centre to create to peaks. Fold the left and right corners inwards, leaving the two points at the top. Finally, place in your pocket with the vertical edges hidden, leaving only the two triangular points showing.

  • How To Wear A Bow Tie

    How To Wear A Bow Tie

    When it comes to neckwear, one item has seen a huge rise in popularity over recent years – the bow tie. Once seen as an item only for the most formal of affairs, recently the bow tie has burst back onto the fashion scene, offering a versatile and stylish way to smarten up any outfit. We take a look at a few different ways on how to wear a bow tie. 

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    A bow tie offers something a little different when it comes to your formal wear. Sure to make an impression, bow ties are daring, quirky, on-trend, and add an element of confidence to your ensemble.

    A bow tie, however, can be intimidating. When should you wear it? What should you wear it with? Here at Ties R Us we’re discussing how to wear a bow tie for various events, to help you work this stylish accessory into your wardrobe.

     

    Formal Event.tiesrus-plain-black-hand-made-mens-bow-tie-and-handkerchief-set-p211-1181_medium

    A bow tie is commonly worn for formal events. In particular, a black tie or white tie event – the most formal of dress codes – would call for a plain black or white bow tie, in a luxurious material such as silk or satin. For an added touch of class, opt for a bow tie and hanky set, such as the Plain Black Hand Made Mens Bow Tie and Handkerchief Set. Alongside a high quality, handmade satin bow tie, a matching satin pocket square offers the perfect way to complete your look.

    For other formal affairs, a subtle coloured bow tie worn with a crisp white shirt and black, grey or navy suit is sure to make an impression.

     

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    Semi-formal Event

    For a semi-formal event you can get away with being a little more adventurous with your neckwear, shirt and suit combinations. Try working patterns into your look for a quirky yet smart twist. For a summer or outdoor event such as a wedding, a plaid suit or waistcoat combined with a spotted bow tie and suspenders creates a great stylish yet semi-formal look. This Champagne and White Polka Dot Bow Tie hits the nail on the head perfectly – the subtle colours alongside the quirky spotted design create the perfect combination of playful and smart.

     

     

    Casual Eventtiesrus-handmade-red-and-white-polka-dot-mens-bow-tie-p467-3398_medium

    For a casual event anything goes, so take full advantage of your creative freedom! There are a number of ways bow ties can be worked in with casual outfits – try with jeans and a casual waistcoat or blazer, or pair a bow tie with a v-neck jumper or cardigan for a relaxed yet smart look. Choose from a range of bold colours and patterns – this Red and White Polka Dot Bow Tie is perfect for making a bold and stylish statement.

     

     

    So, if you’re looking for the perfect bow tie for a special occasion, remember;

    • For a formal event, choose a black or white bow tie in silk or satin.
    • For a semi-formal event, choose a patterned yet neutral toned bow tie.
    • For a casual event, have fun with fun coloured bow ties, polka dot bow ties or pattern combinations.

     

    Now you’re in the know on how to wear a bow tie, why not choose from the collection available on our store. For a full range of men’s bow ties, including plain bow ties, polka dot bow ties and bow tie and hanky sets, explore the full bow tie collection at Ties R Us.

  • Tie Storage Ideas

    Tie Storage Ideas

    Here at TiesRUs we’re passionate about all things tie related, and we believe a good tie should be high quality, stylish, and last you for seasons. One way you can help your tie stand the test of time is by taking care when storing it. Too make ties are ruined through careless storage – read on for some top tips, to help keep your favourite ties in pristine condition for years to come.

  • Design Your Own Tie

    Design Your Own Tie

    Here at TiesRUs we’re proud to offer not only a great range of ties, bow ties and accessories, but also our very own custom tie service for those occasions where you need something a little more specific. Read on to see how we can help you create your perfect tie:

  • 10 Ways to Upcycle Your Tie

    10 Ways to Upcycle Your Tie

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    Similarly to any fashions, ties can go out of style. We’re all guilty of wanting to keep on top of current trends and therefore old ties can end up neglected, thrown in the back of a drawer and forgotten about.
    A tie, however, can often hold sentimental value. Maybe it’s a tie you wore for a special occasion – a memorable wedding, perhaps – or even the old tie of a lost loved one. You may no longer want to wear it, but also don’t want to leave it forgotten. Here at Ties R Us we have a creative solution – upcycling! With simple DIY you can create something completely new and unique, so you can continue to get use from any ties you no longer wear.

    Here are 10 fun ideas for ways to upcycle your old ties:

    • Headband.
      One for the ladies – use an old tie to make a ladies or girls tie-around headband. The easiest of all the DIYs to do, as you don’t actually need to do anything! You can trim the tie down to size if you wish, or add accessories (think stick on bows or flowers) – otherwise, simply tie around the head and voila! One new headband at no extra cost from you.
    • Luggage tag
      Turn your old tie into a fabric luggage tag. All you need is scissors, thread and a button to attach the strap. This easy and effective DIY leaves you with a unique luggage tag, meaning your belongings are instantly recognisable – so no more double checking that you’re picking up the right luggage!
    • Tie quilt.
      One for the craftier types out there – use old ties to make a patchwork style quilt. This works well when you have a lot of ties, and can look effective with a mish-mash of different styles. This is a DIY that can become a long-term project and potentially span generations, with more ties being added over time.
    • Mini bunting
      This is a neat and easy DIY for if you have a large collection of ties. Simply cut off near the bottom of the tie and attach to some string to make unique and fun bunting decorations.
    • Phone / gadget case.
      You can turn your old tie into an attractive phone or gadget case with a simple bit of sewing. Check out this Youtube video from Tiffany Threadgould for detailed instructions.

    • Neck tie owl.
      Use an old tie to make an adorable little owl. This DIY takes advantage of the natural shape of a tie – you simply need to cut an extra triangle a couple of inches from the bottom, pointing in the same direction as the tie. The triangle shape you’ve cut acts as the ears for your owl, and you can sew on buttons for eyes. You could then add stuffing to make an owl toy, or a pin on the back to make a unique fabric owl broach.
    • Shoelaces.
      Cut your tie into thin strips and use as shoelaces. This quick and easy DIY works especially well with bright or patterned ties, giving a fun and unique touch to your shoes.
    • Coffee cosy.
      We’re all familiar with the cardboard coffee holders we get with take-out coffees – why not try making your own from an old tie? More attractive than cardboard and great for keeping your drink warm and protecting your hands, all you have to do is cut down to size and attach a button to create your own unique coffee cosy.
    • Snake toy.
      The shape of a tie works perfectly to create a fun snake toy and it couldn’t be easier to do, making this the perfect DIY for kids to get involved with too. Simply stuff with cotton wool, sew up the ends and add a felt tongue and buttons for eyes (be sure to sew on the eyes rather than gluing if this is a toy for a child). And there you have it – one quick and easy snake toy that the kids are sure to love!
    • Necklace
      This is a great DIY for ties with a paisley or floral pattern – turn them into an attractive fabric necklace! Check out this Youtube video from DIY Projects for a detailed tutorial.