How to Wear a Bow Tie

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A bow tie is a must-have for any white tie or black tie event. It also makes a statement with a suit, blazer, or just a dress shirt. There are commonly followed rules of etiquette that come with wearing a bow tie, especially in formal situations, that one should be aware of. To make sure you know how to choose a bow tie, and when and how to wear it, follow these simple rules.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Your Bow Tie

PDF download Download Article
  1. The self-tie is highly recommended. Clip-on bow ties are mainly for children, and while the ready-tie might do for a beginner, wearing one at a formal event is considered a faux pas. [1] Be warned: people can spot the difference.
  2. Most bow ties sold are adjustable, but for style purposes, the fixed-size bow tie is preferable. The main advantage of a fixed-size bow tie is that the width of the finished bow will be directly proportional to your neck size. In addition, fitted models will avoid excess fabric and clasps, which may be visible when worn with a wing collar shirt. [2]
    • Adjustable bow ties – The neck strap on the tie will have an adjustable slider or hook and holes with pre-marked measurements. Adjust the tie to match the collar size of your shirt. The tie should be snug but not too tight. [3]
    • Fixed size – To be certain you have the correct size, have your neck measured by a tailor or buy a tie that matches the size of your shirt collar. The tie should be snug but not too tight. [4] When tied, the bow should fall between the outer edge of your eyes and the width of your face. [5]
    Advertisement
  3. Bow ties come in several different shapes. The style you pick is mainly about personal taste.
    • Butterfly – Also known as the “thistle”, this is the bow tie people are most familiar with. When the tie is laid flat, the ends are shaped like a butterfly. The butterfly works best with winged collars. [6]
    • Big Butterfly – A larger version of the butterfly, most often used on very formal occasions. It also works best with winged collars. [7]
    • Bat Wing – Also known as the “straight” or “narrow” bow tie. When laid flat, the ends look like cricket bats or oars. The bat wing is more modern and less formal, though still suitable for black tie events. They work better with standard collars. [8]
    • Diamond Point or Rounded Club – These ties have pointed or rounded ends, which when tied gives them an added asymmetric look. They are less common, but can still be worn for formal occasions. [9]
  4. The fabric and color you choose for your bow tie depends largely on where you will be wearing it. The more casual the occasion, the more freedom you have in choosing your bow tie. [10]
  5. This is the most formal type of dress, reserved for state dinners, and very formal balls or evening weddings. Your bow tie should be white and pure silk. Its texture should match the lapel of your tuxedo jacket. [11]
  6. Black tie events include the opera, [12] formal dinners, and evening weddings. Traditionally, men should wear tuxedos and black bow ties. [13] Again, the tie should be pure silk, and its texture should match the lapel of your tuxedo. [14]
  7. For these less formal occasions, a colored or patterned bow tie is permissible, and you may also experiment with different fabrics. [15]
  8. A bow tie makes a statement all by itself, so it’s best to keep things simple.
    • Stick with navy, black, or gray suits, and blue or white shirts. Let your bow tie make the statement. [16]
    • Because bow ties cover a small area, you can be bolder with design than with a traditional tie. Stripes are a safe place to start when trying patterns, but don’t be afraid to experiment with polka dots or paisley. [17]
    • Consider wearing your bow tie with a more tightly fitted jacked. A bow tie and loose jacket might make you look too much like a professor. [18]
  9. A bow has become a staple of hipster chic, but even for the non-hipsters among us, a bow tie can spice up a shirt and blazer or a simple button down shirt. [19] They give you an intellectual look, combined with an old-timey aesthetic and just a hint of mischief. [20]
    • Make sure to wear your bow tie with a slim-fitting shirt. An ill-fitting shirt combined with a bow tie will make you look stodgy. [21]
    • Experiment with different materials, such as bow ties made of linen, cotton, wool, flannel, denim or even wood (yes, wood!) [22] not shiny silk, which is more appropriate to formal attire. [23]
    10. Advertisement


Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Wearing your Bow Tie

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tie your bow tie. Be sure to practice a couple of times before you need to wear your tie. Like any other tie, tying a bow tie properly takes a little practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't get the perfect tie at first.
  2. Tighten the loops until you have adjusted the tie to your satisfaction. Pulling at the flat ends will only untie your tie.
  3. Make sure the finished bow falls somewhere between the outer edges of your eyes and the width of your face. If not, you may need to adjust your knot, or the length of your bow tie. [24]
  4. It is supposed to look that way. The small irregularities found in a self-tied bow tie give it charm. And the natural look of a self-tied bow tie helps it to stand out from the cookie-cutter look of ready-tied versions. [25]
  5. This is the proper way to wear a tie with a wing collar according to etiquette. Also, this positioning helps to hold the tie in place. [26]
    6. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can a woman wear a bow tie?
    Sahra Brandt
    Personal Stylist
    Sahra Brandt is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.
    Sahra Brandt
    Personal Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Oh, for sure! If you're a feminine leaning person, you can also put it in your hair or do it on your wrist, double tying it!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Match Colors of a Tie, Suit, and Shirt
      How to
      Tie a Tie
      The Easy Way to Tie a Perfect Bow Tie
      How to
      Tie a Full Windsor Tie: 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Wear a Sweater over a Dress Shirt
      How to
      Wear a Cummerbund
      How to
      Make a Bow Tie
      How to
      Make a Cravat
      How to
      Wear a Tie Tack
      How to
      Wear a Tie Clip
      How to
      Make a Dollar Bill Bow Tie
      How to
      Tighten and Adjust a Bow Tie
      How to
      Fold Ties
      How to
      Make a Tie
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mensxp.com/fashion/fashion-tips/6286-rules-of-wearing-a-bow-tie.html
      2. ↑ http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Neckwear.htm
      3. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      4. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      5. ↑ http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Neckwear.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      7. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      8. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      9. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      1. ↑ http://www.mensxp.com/fashion/fashion-tips/6286-rules-of-wearing-a-bow-tie.html
      2. ↑ http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Neckwear.htm
      3. ↑ http://www.protocolprofessionals.com/tips_opera.htm
      4. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/black-tie-formal-wear/
      5. ↑ http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Neckwear.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      7. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/when-to-wear-a-bow-tie-2014-8
      8. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/when-to-wear-a-bow-tie-2014-8
      9. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/the-art-of-wearing-a-bow-tie-20140426
      10. ↑ Sahra Brandt. Personal Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      11. ↑ http://gizmodo.com/5885844/from-winston-churchill-to-andre-3000-the-ecclectic-appeal-of-the-bow-tie
      12. ↑ http://stylefordorks.com/2014/09/15/bow-tie-emergency/
      13. ↑ http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/vOs0zctzITqAvJlEITgWbK/Nothing-says-hipster-like-a-wooden-bow-tie.html
      14. ↑ http://stylefordorks.com/2014/09/15/bow-tie-emergency/
      15. ↑ http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Neckwear.htm
      16. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties
      17. ↑ http://www.ties.com/blog/bow-ties

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wear a bow tie, choose a black bow tie for black tie events such as the opera or a wedding. Alternatively, experiment with different colors or patterns for semi-formal events. For example, try wearing a striped or polka dot bow tie with a tailored jacket. If you want to wear a bow tie with casual attire, make sure you’re wearing a slim-fitting shirt so you don’t look stodgy. You can also pick a bow tie made with other fabrics, like linen or flannel, for an edgier look. For more tips, including how to tie your bow tie, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,287 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement