How to Tie a Bowtie: An Easy Tutorial
Whether it's for the holidays or a more casual look that's spiffed up, here's how to achieve the coveted menswear detail.
When it comes to looking spiffy in menswear, sporting the perfect bowtie is a good trick to keep in the arsenal. According to the famously stylish French writer Jean Genet, it was the slight imperfection of a hand-done bow tie that decrees the true elegance, differentiating stylish men from those with less spunk. But, assuming you're not using a clip on, it takes skill to achieve the perfect knot.
Tying a proper bowtie is no easy feat, and many find themselves scrambling to tie their own or their partner's during holiday season. The proper technique starts with finding a bowtie that's long enough for the neck. To start the process, hang it around the neck and under the collar of your shirt with one end sitting lower than the other. The end which sits lower should match your dominant hand. Then, pull the longer end under the shorter end, creating a single overhand knot. To finish the look, let the longer side hang down the midline of the bow before putting it through the first knot, pulling the fabric through to complete your bowtie.
These look best when styled as formal wear with collared shirts that have a spread or wing collar, as these give enough room to let the bowtie stand out. If you're ditching the tuxedo or something similar for a more casual ensemble, a semi-spread collar with your bowtie will do the trick.
For those who could use a visual aid, keep scrolling to watch the video below that demonstrates how to tie a bowtie and master this coveted menswear look.
