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Need to learn how to tie a bow tie in a hurry? Don’t panic - we’ve got you covered. If the invitation says 'Black Tie', then yes, it means you need to wear a shirt and bow tie. Bow ties are usually worn to formal events, like weddings, red carpet events, awards evenings, and so forth. You can wear one to elevate your look on most formal occasions or even just for fun to more casual ones. Learning how to tie a bow tie has been a rite of passage for generations of smart dressers. But rest assured, it's easier than you may have been led to believe. At Charles Tyrwhitt, we've guided countless gents through their first knotty negotiations. We're not purists about how and where to wear bow ties – there's definitely a place for ready-tied styles, and a suit and bow tie offers a dapper alternative for businesswear. However, if you want that classic, distinguished look for a formal occasion, a self-tie bow provides an extra-refined finish. And, of course, you can undo the knot towards the end of the evening to channel artfully dishevelled Casino Royale style… So, how to tie a bow tie? Easy. Simply follow our handy step-by-step guide on how to knot a bow tie.
Here are the Charles Tyrwhitt step-by-step instructions on how to knot a bow tie. This easy tie a bow tie diagram and tutorial will quickly make you a pro.
As per the bow tie tutorial diagram, place the bow tie around your neck, with one side hanging down at least two inches longer than the other.
Cross the longer end over the front of the short end.
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Place this on top of the knot at the neck, then hold it in place.
Return to the end that you slung over your shoulder, and drape it over the skinny centre of the first bow.
This is the fiddly bit (but you've got this). Holding the draped end in place, take both sides of the first bow with your free hand and pull gently forward. From the side, you can now see a small loop between the first bow and the collar.
Almost there. Take the draped end of the bow tie and fold it along the widest part of the bow tie.
Tuck the fold through the small loop behind the first bow, then pull this halfway through to form the second bow.
You should now be able to see your bow tie coming together. Tighten your tie using the opposing front and back sides of each bow to complete it. Carefully adjust it as you tighten it for a comfortable fit and a neat finish.
Pull it up through the gap between the tie and the neck – forming a loose knot – and then pull both ends tight. Place the longer end of the bow over your shoulder.
Lift the hanging end and fold it in half over your index finger, at the widest part of the bowed shape.
And there you have it - you've now mastered how to tie a bow tie. Just one practical tip: practise how to tie a dickie bow well ahead of the event (and have a handy ready-tied option in your tuxedo pocket, just in case). For some formal occasions, you might prefer to try a Windsor knot or tie a Half Windsor. However, when it comes to black tie events, the best tie is undoubtedly bowed. To find out more about capturing that sharp evening wear look, take a look at our guide to how to dress for a dinner party. Complete your black tie outfit with other items from our dapper collection, from dinner jacketsto cuff links, silky pocket squares to polished shoes.
Are bow ties appropriate for weddings? Yes, bow ties are appropriate - and look so dapper - for weddings. Whether to wear a bow tie or a classic necktie depends on the formality of the wedding, the dress code specified, and your style. Is it okay to wear a bow tie with a normal shirt Bow ties are often associated with more formal attire, but you can also wear one in a way that works well with a variety of shirts, including casual. Think about the occasion and dress code. While bow ties can work with casual shirts, they may be more suitable for somewhat informal settings. Use your judgement based on the event and the level of formality. Do you wear a bow tie with a morning suit? Yes, it’s fine to wear a bow tie with your morning suit. People also often wear a regular or Ascot tie with this dress code. Do bow ties go under or over the collar? The classic way to wear a bow tie is to put it beneath the collar for a professional and polished look. Details matter. Understanding how to tie a bow tie and wear it correctly shows you’re refined.
