ALL ABOUT TIES

The best way to keep your ties in presentable condition is to have enough of them so you're not wearing them out too fast. This is also a relatively inexpensive way to give depth to your wardrobe. As a rule of thumb you should have three or four ties that go with each suit or sport outfit. To make your morning easier, keep the ties hung with the suit they go with. This way you needn't spend time trying to decide which ties go with the suit. Don't forget to give your ties at least two or three days rest before wearing them again to allow wrinkles to hang out.

Proper care of your ties

After untying your tie you may notice that there are wrinkles - even though you have only worn that tie for a couple of hours. Wrap the tie around your hand, then put it onto a table or into a drawer and let it rest overnight before hanging. Do not press your ties.The overall appearance will be diminished as the 'roll' at each edge becomes a 'crease'. Furthermore pressing a tie compresses the lining and dulls the luster of the silk.

The majority of ties is made of silk, a very unforgiving type of cloth when it comes into contact with food or drink. Stain removers tend to make things worse. Bring your tie to a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning ties. Many dry cleaners will refuse to clean a tie as they cannot remove the stain without also removing the tie's natural sheen. Only wool ties can be dry-cleaned without too much trouble. The best thing to do is to make certain that you do not stain your tie. It may help to use a tie clip or tie clasp during meals.

Care should be taken when un-tying ties. Always un-knot your ties when you're not wearing them, leaving them knotted will cause permanent creasing. No matter how convenient it seems to slip the small end out of the knot, remember that you are significantly decreasing the longevity of the tie. Always unknot your ties when taking it off by reversing the knot itself -- this reversal of steps will untwist the fibers of the material and lining and will help alleviate light creases -- and never slip it over your head or unravel by pulling on the small end. Good ties are not inexpensive and proper care of them will allow you to save a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Cleaning Your Ties >>