Whether you're wearing a tuxedo at a wedding or singing in a group, you need to know how to tie a bow tie. This may not be something most of us do, but if you can tie your shoelaces, you can certainly tie a bow tie because the knots are the same. While this may be difficult the first time you try it because the movements of tying shoelaces and bow ties are slightly different, with patience and practice, you will be able to tie a bow tie as easily as shoelaces!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring Bow Ties
Step 1. Lift the collar
While the bow tie can be tied either with the collar raised or not, you will find it much easier to see your movements with the collar raised, so lift the collar and make sure the top button is attached.
You should too use the mirror to help saw the motion of tying the bow tie during the first few tries.
Step 2. Measure your neck
Stand straight and use a tailor's tape measure to measure your neck from the base of the back of the neck forward to the collar of the shirt just around the Adam's apple.
Place your index finger between the tape measure to make it easier for you to breathe
Step 3. Measure the bow tie
Although it only comes in one size, there are certain ways to adjust the length of the tie with a slider or buttonhole. Most bow ties come with a neck sizing label to adjust the size to your neck. Slide the sliders or buttons to your neck size.
Step 4. Place the bow tie around the neck
Just like tying a regular tie, one end of the bow tie must be extended to the chest more than the other end. Lay the bow tie so that one end hangs about 4 cm longer than the other.
Just like a regular tie, You can extend the end of the bow tie on either side. It's just that the end of the tie that will move more is the shorter end. So you may need to consider this.
Part 2 of 3: Tie the Bow Tie
Step 1. Cross the longer end of the tie over the shorter end
You should cross the tie near the neck so that the loop is wide enough but not loose. Do not let the bow tie hang in front of the chest.
Step 2. Twist the long end under crossing the two ends of the tie
With one hand holding the point where the ends of the tie meet in front of the collar, grab the longer end that hangs down and bring it up to where it meets.
- At this point, you can pull both ends of the tie to tighten it around the neck until it feels comfortable.
- Once the tie is tight, bring the longer end of the tie back to its original side. You won't need it again in the next step.
Step 3. Fold the hanging ends and form into a ribbon
Lift the shorter end (which is still hanging) and fold it in with the widest part on the same side. Lift the entire section and turn it 90 degrees so that it is horizontal. This fold will form a band that goes to the same side of the shoulder as the smallest part of the tie, which is right in front of the Adam's apple.
This part will be front arch tie so that it should look like a bow tie.
Step 4. Drop the longer end over the middle of the smaller tie
Bring the end of the tie that is longer than your shoulders and place it over the smallest section you made in the previous step.
Step 5. Press the two halves of the tie in front of the long ends
Take the right and left sides of the horizontally folded tie and press them in front of the hanging ends. The top of the hanging end will now be between the two.
Step 6. Thread the center of the hanging end into the tie knot
A small gap will form behind the tie that can be seen when you press down on it. Fold the overhanging end the same side as the short end and pull the pleat tape through the hole. Now this section forms the back half of the tie ribbon.
A gap will form between the slack knot of the second step and where you dropped the long end of the tie in step four.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Bow Tie
Step 1. Pull the ribbon on the tie
Pulling the loose ends of the tie will loosen the knot the same way you would pull on a dangling shoelace, so be sure to tighten the bow tie by gently tugging at the ribbon.
Step 2. Straighten the bow tie
When you're done, the bow tie will appear bent, but you can easily twist the tie back and forth to fix it.
You may have to pull a little loose ends to loosen the tie then fix it in position before screwing it back in. Make sure the tie is tightly tied.
Step 3. Lower the collar
Your bow tie is now tied and fully attached, so you can pull down your collar and finish getting ready.
Step 4. Check the position of the tie periodically
Bow ties cannot be tied in a double knot like shoes, so they can loosen during wear and even fall off. Check your bow tie regularly to make sure it stays tight and looks perfect.
Tips
- Practice tying a bow tie around your thighs. This exercise is lighter on the arms, and you can see the movement and feel the knots. Your thighs are just above your knees and almost as big as your neck.
- If you are confused by the step by step guide, imagine your shoes. The bow tie knot is the same knot most people use to tie shoes. Imagine your head sticking out of your shoe like a shoe sole. Now imagine tying shoes from below. That's how to tie a bow tie.
- Once you can tie the bow tie, try changing the angle of the tie or changing the size of the knot. Bow ties provide space to showcase your personal style.
- Make sure your tie is the right size and feels comfortable.
Related wikiHow Articles
- Tie Tie
- Tie Ribbon
