The perfect necktie can completely transform your appearance. A discolored or otherwise unkempt tie, on the other hand, will make you appear sloppy, regardless of how formal the rest of your ensemble is. If you want your tie to look its best and survive for years, it needs to be appropriately cared for.
There’s a lot of debate about how to best care for ties, but we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to know to ensure your ties live a long and happy life.
Everyday Maintenance
Though you may want to remove your tie as quickly as possible when you get home from work every evening, taking a minute to do so properly can make all the difference. You risk damaging the shape of your tie if you yank it through the knot too hard.
Instead, untie the knot before removing it, and try reversing your knot-tying processes. Another no-no is keeping your ties knotted when they’re not in use. This is a surefire way to make permanent creases in your tie, resulting in a crumpled and limp appearance.
Read Also: Choosing The Right Cufflinks For The Right Occasion
Storing Ties
Ties are fragile and easily damaged. Hang your tie up right away after carefully removing it to assist the creases from your knot fall out. Though wrapping your ties and storing them in a drawer won’t necessarily harm them, putting them on a tie rack or hanger will help them retain their shape and avoid wrinkling in the long run.
Investing in a tie rack will make tie storage and organization much easier, as well as extend the life of your ties.
Cleaning Ties
Unlike the rest of your clothes, a tie should be avoided unless you have no other choice. Due to the delicate fabrics and precise craftsmanship, washing ties is a tricky business. Everything should proceed easily if you are mindful and attentive to your ties’ demands. While some individuals claim that some ties can be machine cleaned and dried, ask a laundry expert since this is just wishful thinking.
Depending on the material, ties should be hand washed or dry-cleaned. In all situations, it’s also a good idea to air dry your ties rather than tumble dry them, as this can harm the shell or lining.
Removing Wrinkles and Stains
It’s neither fun nor easy to remove a stain from a tie. Our first piece of advice is to be cautious when wearing a tie to avoid mishaps in the first place.
If a stain occurs, act as soon as feasible. Immediately blot the stain on your tie with a cloth or handkerchief; never rub it out since this will make the stain more difficult to remove. Meanwhile, for water-soluble stains, wipe the tie with seltzer water or club soda while blotting.
When you deal with oil-based stains, use talcum powder or cornstarch to remove it from the tie right away. Allow the powder to rest for a few hours before brushing it away and wiping it clean with a soft cloth. Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat this step one or two more times to get the stain entirely removed. If you’ve tried everything and the stain is still there, take it to the nearest laundry shop.
A good necktie can last a lifetime if properly cared for. If you take all of the essential steps, you’ll be able to maintain your youthful appearance for many years to come.
