We know that a tie completes your attire. Aside from that, ties also quickly create a variation in your wardrobe because of their different colors and designs. Especially if you are more into wearing white shirts, your tie creates that spice in your outfit.
However, ties are delicate just as any other clothing item. If not taken care of, ties become worn, tattered and instead of keeping you looking nice, it would make you look sloppy.
Here’s how to keep your ties in shape:
1. Untying
You get home from a long day at work. You just want to remove the tie and get it off from your neck. How cautious are you when removing your tie? Are you even careful in untying it? The easiest way to untie it is to pull the thin end through the knot. Unfortunately, it ruins the shape of your tie. Proper untying is reversing the tie-tying process.
2. Storing
Most men roll up their tie and stuff them in a drawer. Ties are delicate, so extra care should be done when putting them away. The best way is to drape them over a coat hanger.
When traveling, keep your ties by folding it into fours and placing them in your coat pocket. This way, your tie will maintain its shape.
3. Cleaning
When cleaning your tie, do not just rub them off to try removing the stain away. Blot the stain with cold water to prevent the stain from setting into the fabric. If greasy materials get on your tie such as the oil or juice from the steak, don’t blot it with water. Instead, use talcum powder as this will absorb the grease. Let the powder sit for a while and after a few hours, brush off the residue and clean with a soft cloth.
If you want to take them to a dry cleaner, you can request them not to press your ties. Pressing the ties down will ruin the rolled edges and eventually ruin the tie’s entire shape.
4. Removing Wrinkles
Your ties will wrinkle over time but again, never iron press it down. The best way to keep it crisp looking is by using steam. If there are not too many wrinkles, you can hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. If there are many stubborn wrinkles, a handheld steamer can better deal with it.
5. Tie Tacks
Tie tacks help keep the tie in place. It also prevents food from getting into your tie. The disadvantage though is that tie tacks leave a hole in the fabric. The best way to use a tie tack is to insert it through the fabric keeper at the back of your tie and then through your shirt. There will be no hole in your fabric, but the tie is still kept in place.