Neckties are some of the pricier (on a per length basis) and more delicate parts of a man's wardrobe, yet they're also some of the most often mistreated. Too many men today have little to no idea about how to properly care for their neckwear, without realizing that it's a key piece to achieving any sort of formal style. Do you do enough to care for your ties?
Usage
Since you already own a necktie, it's probably no stretch to assume that you know how to tie it. One equally important skill, though, is knowing how to untie the four-in-hand or whatever style you use in the morning.
One of the worst habits that a lot of men have is not untying the knot before hanging up the tie for the night. Remember that knotting it up puts the fabric into a tight, unnatural bunched arrangement. If you don't undo that knot and relieve the pressure on the fabric, you can bet that there'll be creases on the tie the next morning. And unless you know how to do the knot exactly the same way, those creases will show all throughout the day.
Be aware that using accessories like pins and bars also have an effect on the longevity of any necktie. Pins, in particular, speed up the fuzzing and deterioration of the fabric since they perforate the surface every time they're installed. The effect, however, shouldn't be enough to dissuade you from using these stylish, gentlemanly accessories altogether.
Storage
Instead of yanking the tie off and over your head, remove the whole knot and then lie the whole thing flat first if you're not going to store it right away. Classic silk or polyester ties ought to be kept on a hanger, there are small space saving ones made just for them, or a rack. Letting them hang down overnight means that gravity will solve some of the less problematic creases by the time your alarm sounds the next morning.
Knit ties, meanwhile, require a different strategy. Knits have a tendency to women's jackets sag, which is why sweaters and vests are best kept folded in a drawer instead of on a hanger. The same applies to your neckties. For knits, roll them up and store them in a drawer or area where they won't experience a lot of pressure. This prevents gravity from doing its worst, while at the same time straightening out the fabric for the next time you'll knot it up.
Pressure is the biggest enemy if you're bringing ties along in your luggage. To minimize creases and wrinkles, roll up the length and stow it in a protective pocket such as your shoes or the pockets in the inside of your coat. A hard plastic case is also an alternative.
Maintenance
Here's where things can get tricky. Ties easily get creased, wrinkled and dirtied because they see so much action throughout the course of the day. At the same time, their fabrics and construction make them too delicate to be regularly handled with heat or cleansers.
Steam is the secret ingredient to get all those kinks and creases out. If hanging overnight didn't do the trick, a little work with a steam iron should. Remember to keep the surface of the iron away from the fabric; you want just the hot steam getting into the silk to get the wrinkles out. A dedicated steaming device, available for rent at most business hotels, would be ideal for the task, but a steam iron can work just as well.
If you ever find yourself in a stain emergency with your tie, try to remove the offending substance as quick as possible while minimizing additional contact with the cloth. If it's a liquid, pick up a dry or damp (never wet) cloth and apply it to the spot without rubbing. This should leach off the worst of the stain. Even if the mark goes, though, be sure to send the tie to specialized tie cleaners and let them do their magic on the delicate fabric.
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