How To · Fashion · Build
Care for and store your neckties the right way
A quality necktie deserves better than a crumpled heap in a drawer. Learn the specific moves that keep silk supple, knots sharp, and your rotation investment-ready.
5 min read · IrisMost men hang their ties. Most men's ties suffer for it. Gravity, humidity, and the weight of the silk itself conspire to stretch, wrinkle, and permanently distort the fabric over time—especially if you're rotating the same five ties through rotation.
The fix isn't complicated, but it requires a shift in how you think about tie storage. Instead of vertical hanging, you'll roll. Instead of the back of your closet door, you'll find a dedicated spot. Instead of guessing when to dry-clean, you'll follow a simple rule. Here's the complete system.
A quality tie can last decades if stored properly—or deteriorate in months if left to hang.
What you'll need.
- 01White or light-colored cloth for spot-cleaning
- 02Soft elastic band or hair tie for rolling
- 03Drawer, tie box, or storage container
- 04Cedar blocks or cedar-lined drawer (optional but recommended)
- 05Hanger for refreshing
- 06Steamer for stubborn wrinkles (optional)
Step one · 1 minute
Loosen and unwind immediately after wearing
The moment you take off your tie, unwind it completely. Don't leave it knotted or loosely coiled around your neck. Gently pull the narrow end through the knot and slide it out fully. This prevents permanent creasing in the silk and keeps the fibers from setting into a distorted shape. Hanging a tied tie, even for a few hours, can create a crease that's nearly impossible to remove.
If you wore the tie for a full day, hang it loosely on a hanger for 24 hours before storing to allow any moisture to evaporate.
Step two · 2 minutes
Spot-clean visible stains immediately
Don't wait for a full dry-clean cycle. If you spilled coffee or got a small mark, address it the same day. Use a clean, damp cloth (white or light-colored to avoid dye transfer) and gently dab—never rub—the stain. Work from the outer edge toward the center to prevent spreading. For oily stains, a tiny drop of dish soap on the cloth works. Rinse with a fresh damp cloth and lay flat on a towel to dry completely before storing.
Test any cleaning solution on the back of the tie first to ensure it won't affect the color.
Step three · 2 minutes
Roll, don't hang or fold
Lay your tie flat on a clean surface with the wide end on your left. Starting from the wide end, roll the tie tightly toward the narrow end, keeping it straight and even. The roll should be compact but not crushing—think of a cigar, not a burrito. Once rolled, secure it gently with a hair tie or soft elastic band (not rubber bands, which can crease). This method prevents the permanent horizontal creases that come from hanging and the sharp folds that come from drawer storage.
Roll ties in the direction of the grain if you can see it—this follows the natural lie of the fabric.
Step four · 2 minutes
Store rolled ties in a drawer or box
Place your rolled ties standing upright in a drawer, tie box, or even a small basket—anywhere they won't be crushed or exposed to direct sunlight. A cedar-lined drawer or box is ideal because cedar naturally repels moths and keeps silk fresh, but any cool, dry space works. Keep ties away from humidity, heat sources, and direct light, which can fade colors over time. If you're using a shared drawer, give ties their own section so they're not jostled around.
Label your rolls with a small tag if you have many ties—makes morning selection faster and prevents unnecessary unrolling.
Step five · 2 minutes
Dry-clean strategically, not routinely
Most ties don't need dry-cleaning after every wear. A quality silk tie can go 5–10 wears before it needs professional cleaning, depending on how much you perspire and whether you've spot-cleaned stains. When you do dry-clean, tell the cleaner it's a tie—they'll use gentler handling than for shirts. After cleaning, let the tie air dry completely before rolling and storing. Over-cleaning breaks down silk fibers and causes unnecessary fading.
If a tie smells stale after storage, hang it in fresh air for a few hours instead of dry-cleaning.
Step six · 1 minute
Refresh rolled ties before wearing
If a tie has been stored for a few weeks, it may have minor creases. Hang it loosely on a hanger for 12–24 hours in a humid environment (your bathroom after a shower works). The moisture and gravity will relax most wrinkles naturally. For stubborn creases, a steamer held 6 inches away works better than an iron—you're less likely to damage the silk. Never iron a tie directly; the heat and pressure can flatten the fabric permanently.
A quick refresh in a steamy bathroom costs nothing and beats dry-cleaning.
How to know your ties are well-cared-for
A properly stored and maintained tie should feel supple to the touch, have no permanent creases or wrinkles, and maintain its original shape and sheen. The knot should sit cleanly without bunching, and colors should remain vibrant. If your ties are lasting years instead of months, you're doing it right.
Questions at the mirror.
Can I wash my tie at home?
Not recommended. Most quality ties are silk or silk blends, which require specialized handling. Hand-washing risks color bleeding, shrinkage, and fiber damage. Stick to spot-cleaning and professional dry-cleaning for full washes.
How often should I dry-clean a tie I wear regularly?
Every 5–10 wears, depending on perspiration and visible stains. Over-cleaning breaks down silk. Spot-clean spills immediately and let ties air out between wears instead.
What's the best way to remove a permanent crease?
Prevention is easier than cure. For existing creases, hang the tie in a steamy bathroom for 24 hours, then roll it tightly in the opposite direction for a week. Stubborn creases may require professional steaming.
Should I store ties with cedar blocks?
Yes, if possible. Cedar naturally repels moths and keeps silk fresh. A cedar drawer liner or small cedar blocks in your tie storage box work well. Avoid mothballs—they're toxic and can stain fabric.