How to Keep Your Tie Suitably Spotless

A man’s blue suit is a blue suit, whether it costs $200 or $1,000. But a dramatic tie is personal expression personified. Maybe that’s why ties are among the hottest selling menswear items around.

“A nice tie almost always draws comments,” says salesman David Ghetti at Bullock’s Men’s Store in South Coast Plaza.

Unfortunately, some merchants say, quality ties can never be washed, dry-cleaned or pressed, making these little strips of self-expression an expensive investment at $50 to $80 (or much more).

“Washing or dry cleaning damages the fabric and ruins the way a tie drapes in front,” says Jo Ellen Qualls of Tiffany & Co., which added men’s ties to its accessory line in South Coast Plaza to satisfy customer demand. “Quality ties are cut on the bias, and pressing will distort the tip and ruin the way it lays.”

Here’s how to protect your tie wardrobe from ruin.

* Do what mother told you: When eating, sit up straight instead of leaning back in your chair. Food and drink will fall on your plate--or the table--not on your tie.

* Be especially careful when eating splashy and staining foods: Soup, oily salad dressings and pasta sauces are stain magnets.

* Pre-treat against stains: Men’s shops sell Tie Protector, a spray-on product that prevents stains from seeping into the fabric, including silk. A four-ounce can sells for about $6.50.

* If a spill occurs: Dab it with cold water or club soda.

* If you’re accident-prone: Move the tie out of the way by placing it over your shoulder, tuck it inside your shirt or under a suspender, or cover it with a napkin tucked in at the neck. Although etiquette experts will cringe, real friends will understand.

* If all else fails: Remove the tie before eating.