Whether you need to wear a tuxedo to a wedding or sing in an opera quartet, you need to know how to tie a bow tie. It's not something we're normally used to, but luckily with a little practice you'll be able to do it as easily as tying your shoes (it's pretty much the same knot). They may seem like two different knots at first, since the shoes and bow tie are in different positions, but with practice and a little patience you will be able to tie the bow tie as easily as shoes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measure the bow tie
Step 1. Lift the collar
Although it is possible to tie the bow tie with the collar up or down, you will have less difficulty following the maneuvers with the collar up, so put it on and button the first button of the shirt.
You should also use a mirror the first few times, which allows you to check the movements you make to tie the knot
Step 2. Measure your neck
Stand up straight and use a tape measure to measure the neck starting at the base of the nape and ending at the front where the collar passes in front of the Adam's apple.
Add a forefinger in the passage of the tape measure, so that you have some room to breathe
Step 3. Measure the bow tie
Bow ties have unique sizes, but there are several ways to adjust the length, for example using a slider or buttonholes. Most of the time, bow ties also have pre-set measurements that indicate how to fit it according to the size of the neck. Move the slider according to the size of the neck.
Step 4. Place the bow tie around the neck
In the same way you tie a regular tie, one end of the bow tie must be longer than the other. Place the bow tie so that one end protrudes approximately 4 cm from the other.
As in a normal tie knot, it doesn't matter which side is the longer garment. However, remember that you will be doing most of the work with the hand that is on the shorter side of the bow tie
Part 2 of 3: Tie the bow tie
Step 1. Cross the long end over the short end
You should cross the bow tie near your neck so that it is loose enough to continue working, but not too much - it shouldn't hang over your chest.
Step 2. Pass the long end inside the loop
With one hand, hold where the two ends cross in front of the collar. Take the longer garment, pull it back and then over the point where they intersect.
- At this point, you can pull both ends of the bow tie to tighten them around the neck according to the size of the neck itself.
- Once you have comfortably tightened the bow tie, lay the longest part back on the corresponding shoulder. You won't need it in the next step.
Step 3. Bend the hanging end to create a curve
Lift the shorter end (which is still dangling) and fold it back on itself at the widest part. Raise this whole portion and turn it 90 degrees, so that it lies horizontally. This will form a curve that points towards the same side of the shoulder on which you rested the longer end. Keep this fold along with the thinnest part of the bow tie, which should be right in front of the Adam's apple.
This will be the front knuckle of the bow tie once you've knotted it completely, so it should already give you an overall idea of the final shape
Step 4. Drop the longer end onto the central area of the bow tie
Take the longer end on the shoulder and bring it to the thinnest part of the curve you created in the last step.
Step 5. Tighten the bow tie after putting the longer end forward
Take the left and right sides of the horizontal curve and squeeze them together after dropping the longer end forward. The top of the latter will be in the middle of the horizontal curve.
Step 6. Thread the center of the hanging end into the knot
There will be a small gap behind the part of the bow tie that you can see while keeping it pinched forward. Fold the hanging end back on itself, as you did with the short one, and pull the curve out of the knot. At this point, you will have obtained the back knuckle of the bow tie.
There will be a gap between the knot described in the second step and where you dropped the longer end in the fourth step
Part 3 of 3: Grace the bow tie
Step 1. Pull the loops of the bow
By pulling the flat ends of the bow tie, you will untie it just as it happens with the shoelaces that hang down. Then, be sure to tighten the bow tie by gently pulling on the loops of the bow.
Step 2. Straighten the bow tie
When finished, the bow tie will likely be crooked, but you can easily move the bow loops at the front and back until you find the correct position.
This may require you to pull the nocks to loosen the knot and reposition the bow tie before tightening again
Step 3. Lower the collar
At this point, your bow tie is perfectly knotted and in the right position, so you can put your collar down and finish getting ready.
Step 4. Check the bow tie from time to time
Since it is not possible to double knot like shoes, the bow tie will probably loosen during use, even risking to unravel. So, check it every so often to make sure it is always tight and in perfect position.
Advice
- Practice tying a bow around your thigh. This is a good exercise, as it prevents you from tiring your arms and allows you a better view of the knot. Also, the part of the thigh just above the knee is usually the same thickness as the neck.
- If this step-by-step guide puts you in trouble, think about the shoes: the bow on the shoes is practically the same as that of the bow tie. Imagine your head sticking out of your shoes instead of your ankles and tying your shoes. This is how you need to tie the bow tie.
- Once you have mastered this technique, try to tie the bow tie by trying different angles or sizes. It is an accessory that gives you the opportunity to express your personal style.
- Make sure the bow tie fits you and fits comfortably.
