Clip-on tie


A clip-on tie is a bow tie or necktie which is permanently tied, and worn by attaching it to the front of the shirt collar by a clip. Alternately, especially in the case of bow ties, the tie may have a band around the neck fastened with a hook and eye.

Reasons for use

The following are some reasons that this style of tie may be used:
  • Tightly tied standard neckties may be a source of irritation and discomfort.
  • Some people, particularly children, do not know how to tie a standard necktie, or do not feel comfortable tying one.
  • Some persons with disabilities may be physically incapable of tying a tie, or only capable of it with extreme difficulty.
  • Police officers and security guards often wear clip-ons as a precaution against being strangled by a pulled necktie.
  • Some schools require clip-on ties as part of their uniform instead of regular ties as this keeps students from loosening them in hot weather.
  • A clip-on tie can be put on more quickly than a conventional necktie.
  • A clip-on tie is used as a safety precaution in a manufacturing setting to avoid neck injury due to machine entanglement.
The clip-on tie was invented in Iowa in 1928 by Joseph W. Less to create safer neckties that people could wear at work.