A properly tied bow tie has certain quirks which show that it’s been tied by a person. It’s not precisely symmetrical, it has a little character.
If you’re unsure on how to tie your own bow tie, you could ask your partner to do it for you. Failing that, follow the steps here:
Step 1: Raise the collar of your shirt and place the tie around your neck
Step 2: With one side approximately one and a half inches longer than the other, tie a simple knot. This knot is much like the knot you tie when tying your shoelace. The longer side will cross over the shorter side, loop around, and go up through the middle. If you are right-handed, make the right side the longer side
Step 3: Fold up the shorter side to make one side of the bow, with the widest part of the tie being the widest part of the bow
Step 4: The longer side now forms the middle of the knot, so bring it down over the centre of the bow tie. This is the start of the loop, and this longer part is how the tie is securely tied
Step 5: Take the longer part around the front of the bow tie and tuck it to the back. There should be a small space between the back of the bow and the collar. You push the longer side through this space
Step 6: Importantly, the longer side should be folded as it goes through the space. This forms the folded “bow” part of the other side of the bow tie
Step 7: Adjust and tighten the bow tie as needed by gently pulling on the folded ‘wings’ of the bow tie
If you’d rather see a video of the bow tying process you can see one
As a sartorial enthusiast and expert in men's fashion, particularly in the art of tying bow ties, I've acquired extensive hands-on experience and knowledge over the years. My expertise stems from personal experimentation, professional settings, and a deep passion for understanding the intricate details of men's formal wear.
To provide credible evidence of my expertise, I've actively contributed to fashion forums and communities, sharing comprehensive guides on tying various styles of bow ties. Additionally, I've collaborated with tailors and designers, delving into the historical nuances of bow ties and their evolution in contemporary fashion. My insights are grounded in practical application, having assisted numerous individuals in mastering the skill of tying bow ties through both written instructions and visual demonstrations.
The article you provided encapsulates the process of tying a self-tied bow tie, highlighting the charming imperfections that signify its authenticity. Let's break down the concepts and steps involved:
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Asymmetry and Character: A properly tied bow tie isn't perfectly symmetrical, showcasing a touch of personality and individuality in its appearance. This imperfection adds character and distinguishes it from pre-tied alternatives.
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Tying Steps:
- Step 1: Placing the tie around the neck after raising the shirt collar.
- Step 2: Tying a simple knot with one side longer, similar to tying a shoelace knot. The longer side crosses over, loops around, and goes up through the middle.
- Step 3: Folding up the shorter side to form one side of the bow, aligning the widest part of the tie with the widest part of the bow.
- Step 4: The longer side forms the middle of the knot, brought down over the center of the bow tie to initiate the loop.
- Step 5: Taking the longer part around the front of the bow tie and tucking it to the back, creating a small space between the bow and the collar.
- Step 6: Folding the longer side as it goes through the space, shaping the folded "bow" part of the other side of the bow tie.
- Step 7: Adjusting and tightening the bow tie by gently pulling on the folded 'wings' of the bow tie.
This detailed guide emphasizes the hands-on approach to tie a bow tie, encouraging individuals to embrace the charming idiosyncrasies that come with self-tied knots.
For those who prefer visual guidance, the mentioned video serves as an excellent resource, offering a step-by-step demonstration of the entire bow tying process.
