How to Care for Ties and Bow Ties: A Complete Guide
Ties and bow ties are more than finishing touches — they are investment accessories that reflect craftsmanship, personal style, and attention to detail. Whether made from silk, wool, or fine blends, proper care is essential to preserve their shape, colour, and longevity.
This guide covers how to clean, store, and maintain ties and bow ties so they look sharp wear after wear.
Why Proper Tie Care Matters
Ties are delicate by nature. Interlinings, hand-rolled edges, and fine fibres can easily be damaged by incorrect cleaning or storage. With the right care:
- Colours stay vibrant
- Fabrics retain their structure
- Creases and wrinkles are avoided
- Your ties last for years, not seasons
How to Clean Ties and Bow Ties
Avoid Machine Washing
Never machine-wash ties or bow ties. Agitation and water can:
- Warp the interlining
- Shrink silk or wool
- Permanently distort the shape
Spot Clean When Possible
For small marks:
- Blot (do not rub) immediately with a clean, dry cloth
- Use a damp cloth with mild soap if necessary
- Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first
Dry Clean Only When Necessary
For deeper stains or full cleaning:
- Use a professional dry cleaner experienced with silk accessories
- Avoid frequent dry cleaning, as chemicals can weaken fibres over time
How to Remove Wrinkles from Ties
Steam, Don’t Iron
Direct heat can flatten texture and damage silk.
Best method:
- Hang the tie in a steamy bathroom
- Or use a handheld steamer at a distance
If ironing is unavoidable:
- Use the lowest heat setting
- Place a clean cloth between the iron and the tie
- Never press directly on silk
How to Store Ties Properly
Untie After Every Wear
Leaving a tie knotted causes:
- Permanent creasing
- Fabric stress at the knot
Always untie carefully, reversing how it was tied.
Roll Gently
- Roll loosely and store flat in a drawer
Avoid folding ties sharply, which can create hard creases.
Store Away from Light and Heat
- Keep ties out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Avoid damp or overly warm spaces
How to Care for Bow Ties
- Most of the same rules above apply
- Untie after each wear
- Lightly steam to release wrinkles
- Store flat or loosely rolled
How Often Should You Clean a Tie or Bow Tie?
Less is more.
- Clean only when visibly soiled
- Air out after each wear
- Rotate ties regularly to allow fibres to rest
This extends the life of both the fabric and the interlining.
Final Thoughts
Well-made ties and bow ties are designed to last — but only when treated with care. By cleaning sparingly, storing correctly, and avoiding unnecessary heat or moisture, your accessories will retain their elegance for years to come.
A tie cared for properly doesn’t just complete an outfit — it tells a story of craftsmanship and longevity.
