How to Store Ties: Your Ultimate Guide to Necktie Care

I know what you're thinking. You've got a fantastic collection of ties—maybe a few classic silk numbers, some textured wool ties for winter, and a snappy knit tie or two. But right now, they're probably stuffed in a drawer, draped over a chair, or maybe even still knotted and hanging on a doorknob. Sound familiar?

The big worry for any tie owner is simple: How to store ties so they don't look like a wrinkled mess when I need them? Poor necktie storage is the quickest way to ruin a good men's necktie. It causes creases, damages the delicate silk, and shortens the tie's life. I want to show you the easy, practical ways I handle my own tie collection. It’s all about simple habits and the right tools for effective necktie care.

Why Good Necktie Storage Matters

A necktie is an investment. It is a key part of your look. Proper storage maintains the tie's shape. It keeps the fabric smooth and prevents wrinkles. When you store ties well, you extend their lifespan. This saves you money in the long run. Good storage also keeps your ties visible. You can see your options clearly. This makes choosing a tie fast and stress-free.

1. The Best Way: Hanging Your Ties

Hanging is the best method for most men's neckties. It lets the tie hang straight. Gravity pulls out minor wrinkles. This method is especially good for silk or woven ties. These fabrics wrinkle easily.

Choosing the Right Hanger

You need a proper tie hanger. Do not use a standard coat hanger. A standard hanger can cause a sharp fold near the knot area. This creates a permanent crease.

Hanger Type	Description	Best For	Why It Works
Traditional Rack	Flat wooden or plastic rack with pegs or slots. Attaches to a closet rod.	All tie types, especially large collections.	Keeps ties separate. Easy to see every option.
Motorized Carousel	Battery-operated rack that rotates.	Very large, luxurious collections.	Saves space and displays ties clearly. Can be more expensive.
Over-the-Door Rack	A simple rack that hooks over the top of a door.	Small to medium collections.	Excellent space-saver for smaller wardrobes.
Velvet-Lined Clip	Small hangers with soft clips for individual ties.	Vintage or very delicate silk ties.	Clips hold the tie gently without creating a fold.

Tip: I prefer a simple wooden rack that attaches inside my wardrobe door. It uses space that would otherwise be wasted. I can see every tie clearly without digging.

2. The Smart Alternative: Rolling Your Ties

Rolling is another excellent technique for necktie storage. It is a great method for ties you wear less often. It is also perfect for travel. Rolling prevents the tie from holding a crease. This is important for knit or wool ties. These fabrics can develop marks easily if folded.

How to Roll a Tie Correctly

Untie the knot: Always fully untie the knot. Never just slide the knot down. Leaving a knot damages the tie's interlining.

Lay it flat: Place the tie on a flat, clean surface. The patterned side should face down.

Start from the small end: Begin rolling the tie from the narrow tail end.

Roll loosely: Roll the tie gently around your fingers. Do not make the roll too tight. A tight roll can still create pressure points.

Stop at the wide end: Stop rolling when you reach the wide, thick end of the tie. The roll should look like a small coil.

Store flat: Place the finished coils in a drawer. Store them flat, lying on their side, not stacked on top of each other.

Storage Spot	Rolling Benefit	Ideal Tie Types	Avoid For
Drawer Organiser	Keeps each rolled tie in its own compartment.	Knitted ties, casual cotton ties.	Very long ties, as they can unroll easily.
Travel Case	Protects ties from being crushed by clothes.	All ties when traveling.	Never roll a tie that is damp or dirty.
Storage Box	Offers protection from dust and light.	Seasonal ties (e.g., Christmas, summer linen).	Daily wear ties, as access is slower.

Essential Necktie Care Rules

Good necktie care is not just about where you put the ties. It also involves simple daily habits. Following these rules will significantly improve the life of your ties.

Always Untie It

I cannot stress this enough. Never leave a knot in your tie overnight. The knot strains the fabric. It stretches the silk. It deforms the delicate inner lining. When you get home, always untie it slowly and gently. Hang it up right away. This simple step is vital for proper men's necktie maintenance.

Rest Your Ties

Do not wear the same tie two days in a row. The fabric needs time to breathe. It needs time for wrinkles to naturally relax. I like to let my ties rest for two or three days between wears. This is a key part of necktie care.

Dealing with Wrinkles

Do not iron your ties. High heat can flatten the rolled edges. It can ruin the tie's shape. For small wrinkles, you have two options:

Hang it: Hang the tie in your bathroom. Let the steam from a hot shower relax the fabric.

Steam it: Use a handheld garment steamer on a low setting. Hold the steamer a short distance from the fabric.

Where to Store Your Neckties

The location of your necktie storage matters. Ties need a clean, dry, and dark environment.

Avoid sunlight: Direct light fades the colour. It weakens the fabric. Keep your ties in a closed wardrobe or drawer.

Avoid moisture: High humidity can damage silk. It can encourage mildew. Never store ties in a damp basement or laundry room.

Keep it clean: Use cedar blocks near your tie storage. Cedar repels moths. Moths love natural fibres like wool and silk.

Storage Location	Pros	Cons
Inside Wardrobe Door	Excellent visibility. Saves horizontal space.	Ties can swing and hit the door if not secured well.
Dedicated Drawer	Protects ties from dust and light.	Requires folding or rolling, which takes time.
Wall-Mounted Rack	A clear display, can look stylish.	Ties are exposed to dust and light if the room is bright.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I roll or hang my ties?

You should hang most ties, especially silk ones, for daily storage. Hanging straightens them naturally. Rolling is best for necktie storage when traveling or for thick ties like wool or knit. Choose the method that best fits your space and tie material.

Can I fold my tie in a drawer?

No, do not fold your ties. Folding a tie creates sharp creases. These creases can become permanent. Always roll the tie loosely or hang it up. Folding causes damage that even steaming cannot fully fix. This is poor necktie care.

What is the ideal temperature for storing a men's necktie?

The ideal temperature is a cool room temperature, similar to the rest of your home. Extreme heat or cold is bad for the fabric. The key is to avoid rapid temperature changes and high humidity.

How do I store my bow ties?

Bow ties are different from men's neckties. They are already knotted. You can keep them pre-tied. Store bow ties flat in a divided drawer or a small box. They do not need to be hung up.

Is it OK to keep my tie in my suitcase?

It is fine for a short trip. For long-term travel necktie storage, always remove your ties. A suitcase provides no air circulation. It leaves ties crushed. Always unpack ties as soon as you arrive.

Keeping Your Ties Looking Sharp

Taking good necktie care is easy once you have the right routine. Use a proper tie hanger. Roll your knit ties for travel. Always untie the knot after wearing it. Keep your ties out of direct light and away from moisture. When you follow these simple steps, your men's necktie collection will look great for years. Now you know exactly how to store ties to maintain their look and value.