Dress up your next formal outfit with a fancy bow tie

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.
1

Drape the tie around your neck so one side is longer.

  1. Put the longer side of the tie on the same side as your dominant hand. Wear a button-down collared shirt with your bow tie for a classic look. Lift your collar, and put the bow tie around your neck so that the pattern is face-up. Position your tie so one end hangs roughly 1 12–2 inches (3.8–5.1 cm) lower than the other end. From now on, the longer side is called “side A” and the short side is “side B.”[1]
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2

Cross the tie’s long side (side A) over the short side (side B).

  1. Loosely overlap your tie right below your Adam’s apple. Pull side A over so the strap, which is the narrowest part, is just above the “leaf”, which is rounded, bulged section near the end, of side B. Leave 1 or 2 finger-widths between your skin and the tie where it overlaps.[2]
3

Pull side A up through the neck loop.

  1. Set side A on your shoulder after so it's out of the way for now. Push the end of side A through the bottom of the neck loop and pull it through. Pull side A tight until your tie is a finger-width away from your neck.[3]
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4

Fold side B over at its widest point.

  1. The fold creates the first loop of your bow tie. Pinch where your tie overlaps, and bring side B toward your non-dominant arm. Then, lift up the shorter end and fold it over on itself at the widest part to make the bow shape. Turn that section of your tie so it’s horizontal and right below your Adam’s apple.[4]
    • Keep your tie pinched so it stays tight against your neck.
5

Bring side A over the middle of the bow.

  1. The tie strap forms the center of your bow tie’s knot. Take the longer end off your shoulder and drape it over the skinniest part of the bow shape you just made. Make sure the patterned side faces out and lies flat on the bow.[5]
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7

Pass side A through the loop behind side B.

  1. Each side of the bow will have a folded and flat part. Pinch the ends of side B together to expose the loop in your tie. Gently push the folded section of side A into the loop and pull it through. Smooth out the tie so it sits flat and aligns with the bow shape in front of it.[7]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What is the correct way to wear a fixed tie?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There 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.
  • Question
    How loose will the knot be?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The 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.
  • Question
    If I want to make a bow tie that is one set length, corresponding to my neck measurements, how long do I make it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    First, 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.
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About This Article

Sahra Brandt
Co-authored by:
Image Architect
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. This article has been viewed 2,616,397 times.
1 votes - 0%
Co-authors: 85
Updated: February 24, 2023
Views: 2,616,397
Categories: Ties | Knot Tying
Article SummaryX

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.

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