Clip-on tie

Clip-on tie. Inset: Metal clip used to fasten it onto the front of a shirt

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. (With uniform, a tie clip may be used to keep the tie from "flying" in the wind.)
• 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. ^{[1] [2]}

References

1. Bourjaily, Robin (11 April 2023). "A Brief History of the Necktie". Grinnell College. Grinnell College Center for Careers, Life, and Service. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
2. Mason, Kevin T. (13 December 2025). "Iowan Invents Clip-On Tie: Iowa Time Machine December 13". Notes On Iowa. Retrieved 21 May 2025.