Whether you are wearing a tuxedo to a wedding or singing in a quartet, you need to know how to tie a bow tie. This, of course, is not something we do every day, but fortunately if you know how to tie your shoelaces, you can also tie a bow tie, since the same knots are used when tying a tie. To tie a bow tie, follow the instructions below.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measuring Bow Tie Length
Step 1. Raise your collar
While you will be able to tie the tie when the collar is down, it will be easier for you to do this when you turn the collar up. Therefore, raise your collar so you can see better when you knot your tie.
Also, you will need a mirror. Stand in front of a mirror while tying your tie, especially when you do this the first few times
Step 2. Measure the circumference of the neck
Stand up straight and using a sewing tape measure the circumference of your neck. The tape should go over the back of the neck and the bottom of the Adam's apple.
Place your index finger between the tape and your neck
Step 3. Determine the tie size
If we are talking about pre-tied bow ties, then it is easy to adjust the length on them using sliders or hooks on the ribbon. Many bow ties are marked with a size, so knowing your neck circumference will help you find the size you need. Pay attention to the size marked on the tie.
Step 4. Hang the tie around your neck under the collar and grab the ends
The right end should be about 4 cm longer than the left.
Of course, it doesn't matter which end is longer; however, keep in mind that you will be doing most of the work with the hand where the short end of the tie is. Be sure to take this into account
Part 2 of 3: Tying a tie
Step 1. Cross the ends, overlapping the long end over the short one
The ends should be crossed right at your neck, leaving not free space (you don't want the tie to dangle on your chest), but enough space to work with the tie.
Step 2. Pass the longer end into the loop, forming a simple knot
With one hand, hold the tie at the intersection of the two ends. Take the long end and throw it over the intersection of the two ends.
- If necessary, take the opportunity to tighten it tighter.
- Once you tighten your tie, slide the end over your shoulder for convenience. You will not need it in the next step.
Step 3. Take the other end to the left and bend it so that the fold looks to the right, and the end itself looks to the left and already resembles the shape of a butterfly
Lift this piece up and twist it 90 degrees. You will have a loop that will be on the same side as the first end, which is located on the shoulder. Keep this fold, it will be the front loop of the knotted tie and will be visible between the corners of the shirt collar.
At this point, you should have a loop that will already be part of your butterfly
Step 4. Lower the end of the tie that was raised earlier over the formed first loop
Take the long end that is on your shoulder and lower it over the first loop you made in the previous step.
Step 5. Grasp the left and right sides of the first loop and join them together so that the end overlaid on the loop is now between its two sides
The end that is on top should be between the two sides of the hinges.
Step 6. Draw the middle of the dangling end through the knot you made in step three
Fold over the free end and pull it through the hole. It will now form the back of the knotted bow tie.
You will have two butterfly parts, the first of which you made in step two, and the second in the fourth step
Part 3 of 3: The Final Stage
Step 1. Tighten the tie by pulling on opposite sides and ends at the same time
Pull front right from back left to loosen tie, pull front left and rear right to tighten. Do this to give the tie the desired shape and density.
Step 2. Line up the tie
Once you are done with the whole process, line up the butterfly so that it gets the look and shape you want.
To do this, you may need to loosen your tie slightly. When you have made the necessary adjustments, tighten the tie again so that you are comfortable
Step 3. Lower the collar
Your tie is knotted and you look good. Therefore, you can now lower the collar.
Step 4. Check your tie periodically
Since you cannot use a double knot when tying a tie, check from time to time to see if it has come loose and holds its shape.
Advice
- Practice tying the tie at your thigh. This will make your hands less tired, and you will at least understand what you are doing, and will also be able to fill your hand. The thigh has the same girth as your neck.
- If you are puzzled by this guide, think about how you tie your shoelaces. The knot used in this tie is the same one used by many people to tie their shoe laces. Just imagine you are tying your shoes.
- Once you learn how to tie a bow tie, you can try experimenting with the size of the knot and the sharpness of the corners of the bow tie. A bow tie provides ample opportunity to express your individual style.
- Make sure the tie suits you and you feel comfortable wearing it.