How to wear a bow tie

Men always have an occasion to wear a bow tie: a wedding, a gala, a party, a graduation... Some wear it daily and love the elegance it exudes. For others, it's a more challenging accessory and they prefer neckties. If you're here, you probably have some questions. Are you unsure about the style, materials, colors, or patterns? Perhaps you think it's only for tuxedos and other very formal attire? Would you like to learn how to coordinate it with your outfit? Or simply want to know more about it? We'll give you some tips to improve your style with this timeless accessory in the bow tie guide.

It's making a strong comeback for weddings...

The bow tie, synonymous with chic and elegance, is making a big comeback in weddings. When a beautiful occasion arises, a wedding bow tie allows you to make a statement. However, simply wearing one doesn't instantly make you an elegant man. On the other hand, if you follow a few rules, it will be a valuable ally. Whether you choose it out of personal preference or to match a theme, the bow tie allows you to easily distinguish yourself.

... But is not reserved only for ceremonial attire and dandies

With a wide variety of shapes, colors, materials, and patterns, the bow tie is an excellent space for creativity. In the collective imagination, it's either chic or eccentric. In reality, it's more nuanced and finds its place in multiple styles, from chic to preppy, including casual-chic. Of course, in everyday life, we can't always dress as we wish, but the bow tie is a wonderful accessory for moments when we can allow ourselves more stylistic freedom.

Both original because it's rarely worn and timeless in its shape, the bow tie has everything going for it.

Bow tie or necktie?

Want to improve your daily style by adding a touch of elegance? The bow tie requires some interest, but rest assured, it's simple to handle! It really brings something different compared to a necktie.

The bow tie in 2020

The bow tie is an accessory that can be worn at any age and for all important moments in our lives. You can change it often and build a real collection, or simply wear one when an occasion arises. It's relatively small, but immediately noticeable due to its placement just below the face, so it must be chosen carefully. Despite changing trends, it always remains synonymous with masculine elegance.

Which shirt to wear with your bow tie?

Generally, favor a formal men's shirt, although a casual shirt can also work. As for collars, some are totally suitable while others are strongly discouraged.

Let's start with the ones to avoid. Of course, straight-collar shirts, like Mandarin collar, officer collar, and wing collar shirts, are designed to be worn without accessories. As for more classic collars, avoid the cutaway collar as it's too wide. It drowns the bow tie in the space between the two collar points, which doesn't showcase it well.

Finally, let's talk about collars suitable for bow ties. First, the French collar, hassle-free. For example, for a country wedding, pair a French collar shirt with a Liberty bow tie, simple and effective. The Italian collar, although more open, can also work. The wing collar, often worn with a tuxedo, should be reserved for very formal occasions. The round collar, as shown above, is also an excellent choice. Indeed, its retro style makes all the difference and its rounded edges delicately match the bow tie. Finally, the small collar is also suitable and works perfectly with a slim bow tie. In all cases, consider the balance of patterns and colors.

How to match a bow tie?

Pocket squares

As with neckties, you can choose the same fabric for your pocket square. However, it's elegant to opt for a different pattern or just a color reference. For example, pair a green solid-colored bow tie with a green polka dot pocket square. In this case, the pocket square's color is slightly lighter and the dots add originality while remaining subtle.

Other accessories

Other accessories like men's socks or mid-calf socks and cufflinks allow for subtle color coordination. Suspenders can work with a bow tie, especially for a wedding, but be sure to choose subtle ones if you already have patterns on your bow tie.

There are some basic rules to know for wearing a bow tie well. Such as framing bold patterns with solid colors. The simplest approach is to start with a white shirt or one in a light color. This highlights the bow tie and naturally integrates it into the outfit. Multiple patterns can coexist in the same outfit, but this requires some expertise. Indeed, fashion isn't a science and you'll gain confidence with experience.

According to face shape

Your body type plays a role in choosing the shape and size of your bow tie. For the majority of our bow ties, the size is classic and suits most people. But we also offer pre-tied bow ties, which are larger, and slim bow ties, which are smaller. The goal is to find harmony through balance of volumes.

According to the lapels of your jacket

Once you've found the right shirt collar, also consider the lapels of the jacket. The bow tie is often worn with a suit or at least a blazer. And the size of a jacket's lapels can vary. Choose wider or narrower lapels depending on the size of your bow tie. A large bow tie needs a jacket with wide lapels to avoid looking enormous.

In an elegant style

This is its preferred style. As mentioned before, the bow tie alone isn't enough to be elegant. It must be integrated naturally, without looking like a costume. With a very formal outfit, opt for classic models like satin bows. If the occasion allows, you can also choose a more original bow with patterns.

In a casual style

The bow tie isn't just for suits and tuxedos - it also has its place in a more casual look. Being an elegant accessory, it goes without saying that you shouldn't wear it with too casual an outfit, as this would create too much of a style mismatch with the bow tie. This starts with tucking your shirt into your pants and being aware of the formality level of each piece. You could pair it, for example, with a chambray or Oxford shirt, raw denim jeans, and a knit blazer.

Bow tie materials

Like neckties, bow ties are made in many materials, each with their own qualities.

Silk

Silk is a durable and hypoallergenic material that allows for the creation of very elegant bow ties.

Wool

A soft and winter material, wool, alone or blended with silk, warms up your look.

Cotton

Cotton is particularly used for Liberty print bow ties, perfect for a country wedding.

Linen

Linen is a summer material. With its irregular appearance, it brings authenticity to your look.

Bow tie fabrics

Silk satin

Satin is made with a specific weaving pattern that conceals the crossing points between warp and weft threads. The result: the surface is smooth and satiny. The finish is highly elegant.

The braided

Its uniqueness comes from the crossing of threads of different colors to create a sort of small square pattern.

The grenadine

This silk or wool weave has a texture reminiscent of knitting. Resolutely modern, it is both original and elegant.

Velvet

Cotton velvet is a material that adds warmth to your look. In navy blue or black, the velvet bow tie is chic and adds a touch of originality. Perfect for a winter wedding.

Jacquard silk

Jacquard silk weaving allows patterns to be integrated directly into the weave. This is possible thanks to specific looms.

Knit

Bow ties in silk knit are less formal and integrate more easily into a casual outfit. Like knit ties, it brings an interesting texture that gives relief to your outfit.

Flannel

Wool flannel has a felt-like and fluffy touch, which gives an interesting contrast. Rather versatile, flannel bow ties can be integrated into both chic and casual looks.

How to choose your wedding bow tie?

The bow tie is indeed back in weddings. In this context, the choice will be more or less determined by the wedding style (classic, country, bohemian...), by the dominant color, as well as your role in the ceremony.

If you're the groom, plan ahead when buying your suit to be as relaxed as possible. You're the king of the day, so you have the freedom to choose the one you like best. The important thing is to feel comfortable. You can opt for a bow tie made from the same fabric as your pocket square or choose a different one, with a color reference, more natural and discrete. For example, if you choose a solid electric blue bow tie, a light blue pocket square with small patterns will provide contrast and soften the bow tie's color. This will make your look less classic.

What dress code for the groomsmen?

For groomsmen, it's preferable to inquire about the couple's choice of theme and dress code, to be in harmony without copying. A color reference is welcome and makes an impact. For example, if the groom wears a red bow tie, the groomsmen can opt for a similar red with patterns. Another option is for the groomsmen to choose a dark pink bow tie, a similar color. In case you don't have specific guidelines, keep in mind to be in harmony without overdoing it.

Wedding guest: how to dress?

As a guest, the rule is simple: don't exceed the level of formality of the groom's attire. This doesn't prevent you from opting for a bow tie, as long as your overall look respects this rule. Prefer a sober bow tie for a chic wedding, and if the dress code is more casual, you can dare to wear a more original model like a Liberty, tartan, or polka dot bow tie.

When to wear a bow tie?

For everyday wear

The bow tie isn't just for special occasions. Like a necktie, it can be worn daily. Naturally, in professional settings, the necktie remains the norm, although it's becoming less systematic.

For an event

Whether it's for an evening party, a baptism, a gala, a cocktail party, a family celebration, or for New Year's Eve, the bow tie is the accessory that punctuates important life events. The wide variety of colors and patterns allows it to be adapted to the occasion. The classic black satin bow tie to be tied, for a chic and sober gala. For a festive evening, let your creativity speak and dare to wear an original bow tie.

Who invented the bow tie?

Men have long worn pieces of fabric around their necks. The history of the bow tie isn't very clear, but one thing is certain, it's closely linked to that of the necktie. The latter finds its origin in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), where Croatian horsemen wore a kind of scarf in different colors depending on their ranks. The French, inspired by this, adapted it to bring elegance to their outfits. The word 'cravate' is actually a deformation of hvats in Croatian.

According to some, the bow tie originated at the same time as the necktie. Croatian soldiers sometimes tucked the ends of their scarves into their shirts to keep them in place. This looked more like a bow tie than a necktie.

For others, the origin of the bow tie would date back to the 17th century, but would be linked to the jabot, a white lace fabric tied around the neck and covering the chest. Moreover, the term "bow tie" in English could come from the French "jabot".

Another hypothesis attributes the paternity of the bow tie to Beau Brummell, a famous British dandy from the early 19th century. He had the idea of wrapping his tie several times around his neck and then knotting it to create his own style of knot and prevent it from moving too much.

The term "bow tie" began to be used from 1904, following the success of Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, where the hero wore this accessory. This form of tie therefore references the title of the work.

In the 20th century, with the rise of the tuxedo, the black bow tie became essential for weddings, galas, and all major occasions. This attire became synonymous with chic and elegance, and was notably adopted by show business.

The bow tie was also worn by certain professions like doctors, for practical reasons. At the end of the 20th century, when worn outside specific occasions, the bow tie became synonymous with eccentricity, being less conventional than the necktie. This phenomenon is amplified by cinema, where scientists and geek characters often wear it. And it must be said that they are not the best representatives of masculine elegance.

More recently, the bow tie has regained ground and major designers are showing renewed interest in this iconic accessory. In the 2000s/2010s, artists and hipsters modernized its image. More versatile now, the bow tie can be worn with casual-chic outfits, paired with less formal shirts.

Which bow tie to choose for beginners?

It's true that the bow tie is a less obvious accessory to handle than the necktie, as it's less present in our daily lives. If you want to wear one regularly, it's better to practice with basics in simple outfits. Prefer models with more casual weaves like braided wool or silk knit.

Which bow tie to choose? Pre-tied or self-tie?

Obviously, each has its advantages and disadvantages. We mainly offer pre-tied bow ties. They are more practical and quick to put on. Bow ties that need to be tied require taking the time to make the knot, but have the elegance of imperfection.

I would like to order several bow ties for my wedding, how does it work?

We are proud to have been helping grooms and their groomsmen develop their outfits for several years. We offer a discount on ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and ascots: a discount based on the number of items from the same collection and color: -10% for 5 items or more and -15% for 10 items or more.

How to wear a bow tie and avoid mistakes?

A few simple rules help avoid faux pas. Notably, don't overlay too many patterns, risking oversaturating your look. For example, if you decide to wear a Liberty bow tie, choose a plain shirt or one with fine stripes, not a floral shirt. With a little experience, you'll learn to subtly combine different patterns.

Bow tie or necktie for the groom?

It's first and foremost a personal choice, both are indeed possible and the important thing is to be comfortable in your clothes so you don't feel like you're in a groom costume. There is no right or wrong choice. Since the bow tie is more chic, it's more logical for it to be worn by the groom. This way, guests won't fear being more elegant and can choose between a bow tie or a necktie.

The lavallière is undoubtedly much more atypical, thus reserved for this type of occasion. It allows for greater distinction.

How to tie your bow tie

How to choose your bow tie for a wedding