(and impress all of your friends)
Tying a bow tie is a skill that every bow tie wearer should have in their back pocket. While it might seem impossible at first, mastering this technique will not only impress but is sure to come in handy at many events like weddings, galas, and formal dinners. Plus, it's a fantastic party trick!
Ready to learn? Remember, practice makes perfect, so try not to get discouraged! Below, we'll walk you through the step-by-step of how to tie your self-tie bow tie:
The bow tie has a rich history that may date back to the famed terracotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty in China, buried in 210–209 BCE. These sculptures were adorned with broad scarves around their necks. Later, in the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries caught the attention of French aristocracy with their distinctive neckwear. Adopting this style, the French transformed it into the "cravat", and then it is said to have evolved into the bow tie we recognize today.
It is uncertain whether the cravat then evolved into the bow tie and necktie or whether the cravat gave way to the bow tie, which in turn led to the necktie. Nonetheless, the bow tie has continued to evolve, maintaining its elegance and becoming a symbol of sophistication.
The standard butterfly style bow tie is perhaps the most recognized shape within the bow tie family, which is why it's our signature here at Knotty Tie. It's also been called the "thistle" and provides a classic look featuring wings that create a substantial and striking appearance once tied. The ideal bow tie style for formal occasions and events, if we do say so ourselves!
Follow these steps to tie a perfect bow tie every time:
If you're not quite ready to make the leap into tying your own bow tie, we do offer pre-tied bow tie options for adults and kids. These are perfect for when you're short on time and still want to maintain that polished look. Our pre-tied bow ties are designed to mimic the look of a self-tied bow tie, so it will be hard for anyone to tell you didn't tie it yourself!
Tying a bow tie offers a personal touch to your attire, and a well-tied bow tie will always make a statement. It's certainly a valuable skill to have, however, if you decide the traditional way isn't for you, rest assured our pre-tied option is just as stylish and practical.
Explore hundreds of customizable bow tie patterns and custom monogram styles to find the perfect bow tie for your next occasion!
Manufacturing in the USA allows quick customization with orders shipping in as fast as 7 days from order. Learn about our standard and expedite turnaround times and what you can expect based upon order size and shipping location.
We have no minimums so whether you want a full production sample to review prior to placing a large order, need only one product for now or want to order several different designs, go for it! Learn more about products and pricing at our FAQ.
You can easily start a custom design in just a few minutes and we'll work quickly to create a design in a business day or less, so long as we have the color and design assets needed. Request swatches to verify designs or ask for quick revisions to meet your design objectives.
Hundreds of patterns have completely customizable colors so you can match to a dress, suit, palette or just make a rad one-of-a-kind design you won't see anywhere else. Remember that colors on screen are different than print and if you need exact colors, please verify with the ColorMatch Chart.
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