Clip on neckties:

The pre-tied tie with a metal clip. The most common clip-on tie has a metal clip sown into the ties knot. The benefits of this tie: It is easy to wear, it is safe (no risk of choking), and it is comfortable. The down side of this type of clip-on is that it typically only comes in one length of about 20″. Although this length is fine for a large majority of man, very tall men (above 6′4″) will find this tie too short. Finding extra long clip-on ties is quite challendging, and there typically is only a very limited number of styles and colors available.

Picture above: The classic clip on necktie. The metal clip gets attached to your collar and is not visible when wearing the tie.

The Zipper Tie:

As the name suggests, the zipper tie is a necktie that is not clipped onto the collar, but put around your neck, and then tightened. The benfit of Zipper ties: Easy to wear, and they resemble the standard tied necktie closer than the clip-on tie. If you want to have a perfect tie knot with a perfectly centered dimple on the knot, then quality zipper ties will guarantee this look. The clip-on tie on the other hand usually has a knot that resembles the full Windsor knot without the popular dimple. The downside: Zipper ties don’t last as long as the normal clip on tie. The knot loses its shape after continuous opening and closing. The zipper tie is also not a tie that can be worn for safety reasons. It is simply a tie for poeple that don’t want to, or can’t tie a regular necktie.

Picture above: A classic zipper necktie. Look at the perfect dimple on the tie knot.

Pre-tied bow ties:

Pre tied bow-ties are the most common clip on ties. In fact over 70% off all bow ties sold, and worn today are pre-tied. Bow tie manufactures have done an excellent job in making bow ties that are pre-tied and almost indestinguishable from the self-tie bow tie. The benefit: Easy to wear, large selection available, and many low prices as low as or even below $15 for a silk bow tie! The downside: If you care about fashion, style, and tranditon, then the pre-tied bow tie is not an option. Learning how to tie a bow tie, and tying it yourself should be a joy.

Picture above: Examples of pre-tied clip-on bow ties. The bow tie gets tied around your neck. A tiny metal hook at the end of the bow tie latches onto a metal loop on the other side of the bow. The length of the loop is adjustable and fits any neck size.