A: Twice a year should be adequate, first as winter transitions to spring and later when summer fades into fall.

Cleaning out a necktie collection should involve sorting all of your ties according to color, fabric, condition and, if necessary, season and style. Some ties can be worn throughout the year while others are seasonal because of color or fabric. Some go out of style as width trends change.

I sort my ties using a multiple-pile method, which also works well for other categories of clothing.

Ties that are damaged or dirty should go in one of two piles: repair or throw away. Ties you haven't worn in the past two years -- I'm being generous here -- or that seem outdated should go in a giveaway pile.

Ties you regularly wear but that are cycling out of season go in another pile.

Finally, in-season ties that you regularly wear should go in a separate pile and later be rolled or folded to occupy the most accessible tie-display space in your wardrobe.

The benefits of this simple process are twofold: an easier time locating and selecting viable tie options and more room for the inevitable new additions.