How to Store Ties: Closet or Drawer — Two Schools of Thought on How to Organize Ties
How to Organize Ties and Other Necktie Storage Ideas Using Hanging Tie Racks or Rolled Tie Organizers
Neckties are not the wardrobe essential that they once were for most men. Casual business dress has become the norm for almost the entire workforce including many politicians, lawyers and bankers — professions that were once the bastion of formal business attire. Even though the current trend is to go tieless, many men still maintain a large collection of neckties. In many ways, they've become more of a fashion statement and a way to define your unique persona rather than the required uniform of days past. A man wearing a tie is perceived as holding himself to a higher standard. It instantly adds trust, authority and the perception of being a snazzy dresser. There will always be occasions when you'll want to wear a tie. Perhaps this is part of the reason so many men have held on to their ties, even if they don't wear them every day.
Neckties are like wallpaper — whether prints or solids, skinny, thick or somewhere in between — sooner or later they're going to be reincarnated and back in style. Careful storage of your collection now will ensure that you're ready for the comeback.
There are two schools of thought on the appropriate way to store ties. The best method depends on how many ties you need to store and the type of space you have available. Ties can be either hung on some type of rack in the closet or rolled loosely and stored in a drawer. If using the drawer method, dividers that separate the drawer into multiple small square spaces should be used to keep the ties neat and organized. Whether you go for the hanging racks or drawer dividers for your necktie storage, when you remove your tie at the end of the day, the knot should be completely untied before putting it away so as to prevent wrinkling.
How to Hang Ties in a Closet
Hanging tie organizers are the main type of tie rack used in closets. There are many types of tie racks for closets to choose from. Special hooks and racks designed specifically for ties can be purchased. They generally hold anywhere from 8 to 44 neckties each depending on the variety selected. However, tie organizers for larger collections can be made from racks or rods repurposed from other areas of the closet.
How to a use tie rack to store ties without wrinkling in your closet:
Tie racks can organize a collection of ties inside the closet and also prevent wrinkling. Telescoping slide out tie racks mount to a vertical panel inside a closet. They are designed for use in conjunction with custom closet systems and mount to the side panels. The tie rack installs on the panel wall at a height convenient for the owner and will nestle next to the hanging pants, shirts, etc. when not extended. They usually require about 3-inches of space from your closet. Standard sizes include 14-inch and 12-inch lengths. The 14-inch will hold around 18 ties. The 12-inch will hold about 15 ties. Look for units with full extension slides when you purchase one of these so that the ties can be pulled completely free of the other items hanging in the closet. This will ensure ease in selection of the ties.
How to Store Ties in a Drawer
If you don't have closet space to devote to tie racks, drawer dividers can also be used for organizing ties in a dresser drawer. The number of ties you can fit will depend on the size and number of the drawers. Drawer dividers are usually adjustable. Standard sizes include widths for 18-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch wide drawers, and lengths for 14-inch or 20-inch deep drawers. You want the height of the divider to be slightly greater than the width of the tie it is intended to store. Store ties by rolling them LOOSELY and insert into drawer compartment. Try to limit the number of ties to one per compartment. Putting several ties together in a larger compartment defeats the whole purpose of keeping your ties organized. Any number of drawers can be dedicated to ties storage. The drawers in closet islands are a common place to include a tie drawer. Some people like to have an entire island or dresser devoted exclusively to their neckties. If budget allows, custom drawer units/dressers can be constructed in the bedroom or dressing room closet for handling all the neckties. The nice thing about this solution is that it can accommodate just a few ties in one drawer, or hundreds in many drawers.
How to Store Bow Ties:
This article deals mainly with traditional ties but the same principles apply to storing bow ties as well. Unless you have the pre-tied kind with a clip, bow ties should be stored untied, and either hung on a rack or loosely rolled in a drawer so as to prevent wrinkling — one tie per compartment.
Neckties are a classic look that is certain to come back into fashion for more than just the occasional wearing. Your ties are a visual cue that can quickly communicate your personality and intent to your audience without words. They can be serious, conservative, somber, avant-garde, fun, flamboyant, dapper, respectful, or any number of other adjectives. Good quality neckties can be made from synthetic materials but are more often made of silk. Care and diligence should be taken when storing the delicate silk material in order to ensure that your ties last many years, allowing you to build your collection over time. Adhering to these storage techniques should provide many years of enjoyment for your tie collection.