So, if you are reading this then I think it is clear you are a guy who owns a tie or two. And, as vital as ties are to your wardrobe, they’re also perhaps the most fragile articles in it, their delicate silk or cloth being susceptible to creases and stains. And unlike other articles of clothing, ties are in particular danger when you’re not even wearing them: Storing your ties in the wrong position or location, whether in a closet or self-storage unit, will quickly lead to their ruin.
How to Store Your Ties
The key is to first unknot the tie completely. If possible, you want to hang them neatly from a tie rack to keep them from becoming creased, damaged or misshapen. Then, cover the entire rack with a dust bag. If you don’t have a place to hang your neckties, roll them from end-to-end starting with the smallest end, and put them in a box or plastic bin. This should only be a temporary solution until you find a place to hang them. While in storage, remember to avoid light and humidity at all costs.
Taking Your Tie Off
Before you put your tie away, you’ll need to take it off—unfortunately, many men find themselves in a tangle over this step and end up damaging their neckwear. Don’t pull on it like you’re in the movies. Always unknot your knot and gently pull apart the sides. Most ties are delicate, and pulling them roughly may damage the stitching and lining.
If you’re in a situation where you need to take your tie off and are unable to access your closet, don’t fold the loose tie or stuff it into your pocket. Treat a tie the way you would a pair of trousers. In other words, try to keep the tie straight and loose.
If you’re out and about town or find yourself somewhere you can’t hang your tie, roll it from end to end (from the tail to the head). This will reduce your risk of damaging the lining or getting creases in your tie. Remember, though, that rolling your tie is only a temporary solution until you can find somewhere to hang it.
Put Away Your Tie
Now that your tie is hanging loosely off your neck, how should you put it away? The best way to store your ties on a day-to-day basis is on a tie rack. Tie racks come in all shapes and sizes and in a number of conventional materials to suit your preference.
Tie racks range from basic metal or wood frames that either can be mounted to a wall or hung like a clothes hanger, to electric racks with lights and carousels or those made of finer, more fragrant woods, like cedar.
Hang your ties evenly across the pegs or hooks of the tie rack, so that the centre section of the tie lies across the peg and the head and tail of the tie are of equal length. Make sure the tie is perfectly flat on the peg, or else you still can get creases and folds.
Even though it may seem more space-efficient to roll up or fold your ties and put them in a drawer, doing so for more than a short period will leave the fabric creased and warped. Don’t roll them for a long period of time and don’t fold them. You may inadvertently put pressure on it, and it may leave your tie misshaped.
Removing Creases and Stains
If your tie was creased or stained while in storage, there are a few ways to get out the creases or stains.
For stains, I’d recommend Dryel On The Go. If the stain still won’t come out, you can look into taking the tie to a dry cleaner.
If your tie is creased, hang it in your bathroom and take showers as you normally do. Typically, the steam from the shower loosens up the fibre and acts like a low-pressure dry cleaner. If that does not work, use an iron at a very low setting and only iron the parts that are creased.” This last option is risky, as heat can endanger silk ties.
Caring for a Tie When Traveling
Transporting your ties, whether while travelling or moving them into a storage unit, often puts them in the most danger. Unless you’re already bringing a suit on a hanger, it’ll be hard to keep your tie straight.
Your best bet is to use a gift roll to store your tie and travel with it. This is the best solution, as the case is hard enough to hold its shape and protect your ties from the pressures of being in a luggage. If you don’t have one, roll it up and put it in a pair of shoes, or inside your suit jacket. You also can buy a handy travel case to keep your tie safe.
