Originally created in Croatia to tie the opening of shirts, the bow tie started as a practical piece but by the 19th century had become the fashionable bow ties we know today. A must-have piece worn by any stylish gentlemen, the vintage bow tie has evolved over time to include different shapes and structures, and the likes of velvet bow ties can now be found on red carpets worldwide. Here's our handy illustrated guide to help you learn how to tie a bow tie:
STEP 1
Hang the bow tie around your neck, pulling one side longer than the other by approximately 2 inches / 5cm.
STEP 2
Pull the short side close to your neck and at wearer’s angle of approximately 8 o’clock. Cross the long side over the short at an angle of approximately 4 o’clock.
STEP 3
Loop the long side underneath the top of the short side to create a simple and loose knot.
STEP 4
Fashion a bow shape in the short side by pulling it to the left and folding it back on itself to the right. The fold should sit comfortably between the two points of your collar.
STEP 5
Drape the unfolded side over the front of the folded side.
STEP 6
Fashion the unfolded side in the same way as the folded.
STEP 7
Pass the latter folded side through the loop behind it.
STEP 8
Pull through, but not completely, to create the back half of the bow.
STEP 9
Tighten the knot by pulling on the strap and adjust until even by pulling on both sides at the same time. Pull the front left and back right section to tighten, and the front right and back left end apart to loosen.