How to Tie a Bow Tie

Learn How to Tie a Bow Tie

The bow tie is the most formal piece of neckwear for men. The most formal bow tie, one that is a must for formal black tie dress code in combination with a tuxedo, is the solid black bow tie. Besides the back bow tie, solid colors usually have a more formal appearance. Formal events during the day for example are commonly matched with solid bow ties in a wide range of colors. Weddings are a classic example where lighter colors shades are typically preferred over black.

Casual Bow Ties
Bow ties are never casual, but there are some types that are less formal then the classic black one. Patterns such as tiny polka dots, stripes, checks, and paisleys are a classic example. Such bow ties are excellent alternatives to regular neckties. They are also commonly associated with certain professions such as professors, architects, and interior designers.

Tying Your Own Bow
If you regularly wear bow ties, then learning how to tie one is a must skill to have. It is actually quite easy, and not any harder than tying a necktie or your shoes. Below are some instructions on how to tie your own bow tie. Before you get started, make sure to have a self-tie bow tie, a mirror, and some patience.

Step-by-step Instructions
1. If you wear a turn-down collar shirt, flip up the collars. Then lay the bow tie around your neck so that one side hangs about an inch lower than the other. The stitching should be facing your body.
2. Next, take the longer end and loop it through the part on your neck as shown in picture #2.
3. Then, take the other part of the bow and fold it over - just like when tying your shoes.
4. The part of teh bow tie coming from your neck is then wrapped around the folded-in part.
5. Wrap it around the the loop on your collar. Make sure not to tighten it too much, but to leave a little loop in front of the unfinished bow. Then, go through the loop and start to carefully tighten the bow.
6. Finally adjust the bow and style it. You are done!

Other accessories.
The perfect accessories for bow ties are pocket squares and cufflinks. For black tie attire, black cufflink studs, and white pocket square are the classic choice. For more casual attire, patterned and multi-color pocket squares are great. Here are some tips on how to fold a pocket square.

Your May Also Want to Read:
How to Tie a Necktie
How to Match Your Cufflinks

Your Ties-Necktie Team