This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

It’s been four years since Lindy Dandy wrote on this blog about the functionality of tie clips and a lot can happen in four years – new dancers come, old dancers leave, some dancers have already come and gone. It bears repeating that tie clips, perhaps second only to cufflinks in desirable-but-when-am-I-going-to-wear-this man jewelry, are super-functional for dancers, especially competitors, wearing ties.

I was at Lindyfest and the Lone Star Championships two weekends ago and reveled in the fantastic showmanship in the competitions. With so many great performances, something like, say, a tie flapping about on a competitor like a giant red kite, would be entirely noticeable – nay, distracting. I’m sure I’m beating a dead horse here, but the focus should be on your dancing and your attire should enhance, not distract from, your dancing. I did see a number of tie-wearing competitors in tie clips, so the word has gotten out.

For those of you new to this concept, I invite you to embrace the tie clip, tie bar, whatever you’d like to call it. It’s there for you to keep your tie out of your face and your partner’s face and to prevent any sort of mishaps where the tie may catch on something. Safety first!

“He Spoke Style” has a nice little tutorial on how to wear a tie bar – thorough, yet concise.