The Easy Way to Tie a Perfect Bow Tie

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Dress up your next formal outfit with a fancy bow tie

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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You may be used to putting on a regular necktie, but a bow tie? Not so much. Bow ties add a ton of style to button-ups, suits, and tuxedos, and you’ll have no trouble tying one if you already know how to tie your shoes. Whether you’re wearing a bow tie for the first time or just need a refresher on tying one, we’ll walk you through each step of the way. Once you finish reading, your tie will look neat and stylish for any occasion.

Things You Should Know

Put the bow tie around your neck so one side is slightly longer. Cross the long side over the short side, and pull it through the neck loop.
Fold the short side at its widest point to make a bow shape. Hold it horizontally where your tie overlaps.
Drape the long side over the front of the short side. Fold the long side into a bow shape at its widest point.
Pull the folded end of the long side through the tie’s loop. Pull the folded ends on each side of the tie to tighten it.

1

Drape the tie around your neck so one side is longer.

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Put the longer side of the tie on the same side as your dominant hand. Wear a button-down collared shirt with your bow tie for a classic look. Lift your collar, and put the bow tie around your neck so that the pattern is face-up. Position your tie so one end hangs roughly 1 ¹⁄₂–2 inches (3.8–5.1 cm) lower than the other end. From now on, the longer side is called “side A” and the short side is “side B.”^{[1]
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- Measure your neck to find out what size bow tie you need. Many bow ties have adjustable sliders or buttons that let you change the length to fit around your neck.

2

Cross the tie’s long side (side A) over the short side (side B).

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Pull side A over so the strap, which is the narrowest part, is just above the “leaf”, which is rounded, bulged section near the end, of side B. Leave 1 or 2 finger-widths between your skin and the tie where it overlaps.

3

Pull side A up through the neck loop.

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Push the end of side A through the bottom of the neck loop and pull it through. Pull side A tight until your tie is a finger-width away from your neck.^{[2]
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4

Fold side B over at its widest point.

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The fold creates the first loop of your bow tie. Pinch where your tie overlaps, and bring side B toward your non-dominant arm. Then, lift up the shorter end and fold it over on itself at the widest part to make the bow shape. Turn that section of your tie so it’s horizontal and right below your Adam’s apple.^{[3]
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- Keep your tie pinched so it stays tight against your neck.

5

Bring side A over the middle of the bow.

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Take the longer end off your shoulder and drape it over the skinniest part of the bow shape you just made. Make sure the patterned side faces out and lies flat on the bow.^{[4]
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6

Fold side A into a bow shape.

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Pinch side A right above where the strap starts to widen out and fold it back toward your chest. Then, fold your tie down at the widest point to create the bow shape.^{[5]
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7

Pass side A through the loop behind side B.

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Pinch the ends of side B together to expose the loop in your tie. Gently push the folded section of side A into the loop and pull it through. Smooth out the tie so it sits flat and aligns with the bow shape in front of it.^{[6]
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8

Pull the folded parts of the bow.

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You’re all done tying your bow tie after a quick tightening. Gently pull on the loops on each side of the tie until the knot is secure. If you need to even out the sides of your tie, then pull on the flat ends to make your adjustments. After that, just lower your shirt’s collar and finish getting dressed!^{[7]
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- Check your tie periodically while you’re wearing it to ensure it’s still straight and tight.

Community Q&A

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Question

What is the correct way to wear a fixed tie?

Community Answer

There is no correct way. Always buy a ''real'' bow tie. You can practice tying the bow tie on your leg; that's a good way to get the hang of it.

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How loose will the knot be?

Community Answer

The knot can be however tight or loose you want it to be. If it feels too loose, tighten it, or undo it and adjust the size. You should be able to have a space that you could fit your finger in between the fabric and your neck.

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If I want to make a bow tie that is one set length, corresponding to my neck measurements, how long do I make it?

Community Answer

First, measure your neck. The tie will have slots in it that the "hook" (usually a "T") slips into, creating the proper length for your tie. Traditionally, all ties start at 13 1/2" going all the way up to 19 3/4". Any larger and you may need a tailor-made tie.

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Tips

Practice by tying a bow around your thigh. It is less fatiguing on your arms, and you can see what you are doing and still get the feel of tying the knot. Your thigh just above the knee is about as thick as your neck.^{[8]
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If you’re still struggling to tie your bow tie, consider getting a pre-tied bow tie or a clip-on.

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