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Ball season4 minutes
How to tie a bow tie: A guide for your ball look
By Mary De LucaUpdated
- A real bow tie is placed around the shirt collar using a continuous band and tied like a shoelace.
- The knot is based on the classic bow knot, where one end is pulled through a hidden loop behind the bow.
- Perfect symmetry is not the goal, as slight asymmetry proves its handmade character.
- For a tuxedo, a black silk bow tie is mandatory, while only a white bow tie belongs with a tailcoat.
A self-tied bow tie is the ultimate sign of classic style on the dance floor. With our precise guide, you will master the elegant knot in no time and shine at every ball.
What you need for the perfect knot
- Real bow tie to tie yourself
- Matching tuxedo or tailcoat shirt
- Well-lit mirror
- Correct collar size adjusted
Why the real bow tie makes all the difference
Anyone who chooses a real, self-tie bow tie demonstrates a sense of style and an eye for detail. A pre-tied bow tie with an elastic band often looks stiff and unnaturally perfect. Only the fine, charming asymmetries of a self-tied bow tie give your festive outfit the character of true elegance. When you are preparing for your big appearance in a tuxedo or tailcoat, this step is simply part of the process. Take some time in front of the mirror and stay calm: with the right technique and a little patience, the bow tie will become a striking highlight of your outfit.
When buying, make sure that the bow tie is made of high-quality silk or a fine silk blend. For a classic tuxedo, choose a black silk bow tie, while a white piqué bow tie is traditionally required for a tailcoat. You can find out more about the precise differences in formal wear in our guide on dress code & styling for the ball season. Before tying, ensure that the length of the bow tie is adjusted exactly to your collar size: most models have a practical scale with hooks on the inside for this purpose.
Seven steps to the perfect loop
Align the ends unevenly
Place the bow tie around your popped shirt collar so that the left end hangs down about three to four centimeters longer than the right end.
Cross the ends
Cross the longer end over the shorter end close to your neck, so that a tight cross is formed.
Pull through the loop
Take the longer end, which is now on top, and pull it from bottom to top through the neck loop, then tighten it slightly. For now, place this end over your shoulder.
Forming the first loop
Take the shorter end hanging down and fold it horizontally at the widest point, so that the typical loop shape is formed. The center of the loop should be positioned exactly on your larynx.
Let the long end drop
Let the long end drop from your shoulder straight down over the center of the loop you have just folded.
Expose the back loop
Fold the two wings of the front loop forward. This opens a small, hidden loop behind the loop.
Insert and tighten
Fold the hanging strap into a loop as well and push it through this rear eyelet from the side. Pull on the folded ends to tighten the knot and adjust the shape.
The path to the perfect gentleman appearance
Stylish and correct
- Choose a real bow tie made of silk or piqué
- Adjust the bow tie exactly to your collar size
- Accept slight asymmetries as a sign of quality
- Flip the collar up completely while tying
Avoid style mistakes
- Wearing pre-tied bow ties with an elastic band
- Tying the bow much too tightly around your neck
- Trying to force perfect symmetry
- Tying the bow tie with the collar folded down
The schedule for the perfect fit
Ten minutes before
Preparation
Right in front of the mirror
Arrival
On the dance floor
During
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a self-tied bow tie can and even should be slightly asymmetrical. It is precisely these small irregularities that show it is a genuine, hand-tied bow tie and not a stiff, pre-tied plastic one.
For a tuxedo at a ball, you should always choose a black silk bow tie. If you are wearing a tailcoat, a white cotton piqué bow tie is the only correct choice.
Always use a special tuxedo shirt with a wing collar or an elegant shirt with a spread collar for a bow tie. The collar points should sit neatly under the wings of the tied bow tie.
Glamorous ball nights near you
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