This article was co-authored by Sahra Brandt and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect 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.
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You may be used to putting on a regular necktie, but a bow tie? Not so much. Bow ties add a ton of style to button-ups, suits, and tuxedos, and you’ll have no trouble tying one if you already know how to tie your shoes. Whether you’re wearing a bow tie for the first time or just need a refresher on tying one, we’ll walk you through each step of the way. Once you finish reading, your tie will look neat and stylish for any occasion.
Things You Should Know
- Put the bow tie around your neck so one side is slightly longer. Cross the long side over the short side, and pull it through the neck loop.
- Fold the short side at its widest point to make a bow shape. Hold it horizontally where your tie overlaps.
- Drape the long side over the front of the short side. Fold the long side into a bow shape at its widest point.
- Pull the folded end of the long side through the tie’s loop. Pull the folded ends on each side of the tie to tighten it.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the correct way to wear a fixed tie?Community AnswerThere is no correct way. Always buy a ''real'' bow tie. You can practice tying the bow tie on your leg; that's a good way to get the hang of it.
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QuestionHow loose will the knot be?Community AnswerThe knot can be however tight or loose you want it to be. If it feels too loose, tighten it, or undo it and adjust the size. You should be able to have a space that you could fit your finger in between the fabric and your neck.
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QuestionIf I want to make a bow tie that is one set length, corresponding to my neck measurements, how long do I make it?Community AnswerFirst, measure your neck. The tie will have slots in it that the "hook" (usually a "T") slips into, creating the proper length for your tie. Traditionally, all ties start at 13 1/2" going all the way up to 19 3/4". Any larger and you may need a tailor-made tie.
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/uCkdNFG7sr0?t=203
- ↑ https://cdn.website-editor.net/35da68eee8e8453488427b7ad0313837/files/uploaded/Bow%2520Tie%2520Tying.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/HWmNAIzwhEo?t=12
- ↑ https://youtu.be/uCkdNFG7sr0?t=219
- ↑ https://southernweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bowtiesteps.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/iQct9QAThvM?t=245
- ↑ https://youtu.be/zD9SWgodiek?t=91
- ↑ https://southernweddings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bowtiesteps.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/oChkiqHfsmM?t=26
About This Article
1. Cross the longer end over the shorter end.
2. Loop the long end under where the two ends cross.
3. Fold the dangling end to make a loop.
4. Drop the longer end over the skinny center of the bow.
5. Pinch the bow together in front of the long end.
6. Feed the middle of the dangling end back through the knot.
7. Pull at the loops and straighten the bow tie.