Bowtie Tying

Lafont · Oct 23, 2007

Okay, I might actually wear my self-tie silk bowtie to my daughter's wedding. I've got loads of illustrations and a video to go by but I can't find the answer to this:
When the bowtie is tied correctly, please describe each section of the bow - left and right. Is each a loop with a single piece behind each loop? Are one or both halfs the single piece in front and a loop behind? Two loops for each half?
I like to think of it like tying a pari of shoes but one difference is that with the tie the two ends are of different lengths at the start. Thanks!

Minkous · Oct 23, 2007

With my experiences on one side the loop will be infront of the single strand and on the opposite side you will have the loop behind the single strand. I personally feel that the imperfections of hand tied bow tie knots adds to the old fashion appeal of real bow ties as compared to clip-ons. So dont fret if the knot isnt perfect it only adds to the charm

tsherry · Oct 23, 2007

^ What he said.

Master Shake · Oct 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Minkous

With my experiences on one side the loop will be infront of the single strand and on the opposite side you will have the loop behind the single strand. I personally feel that the imperfections of hand tied bow tie knots adds to the old fashion appeal of real bow ties as compared to clip-ons. So dont fret if the knot isnt perfect it only adds to the charm

Yes, one side will have the looped side in front, one side will have it in the back.

Lafont · Oct 23, 2007

Hi. I've done that, only one loop on one side and a loop and single piece on the other, and two loops on one side. My ready-tied bowtie has two loops on one side and a loop and single piece on the other side ()sort of two pieces sewed together. Looks very "self-tied and from a very good tailor/shirtmaker.
Keep 'em coming, please.
If I wear a size 15 shirt should the jigger on the tie be in the 15" position? Larger? I don't know if this is standard but it's sort of a prong that fits into a notch.

grimslade · Oct 23, 2007

One loop and one end on each side. On one side, the loop is in front. On the other side the loop is in back and the end is in front. There is no other way. Your "pre-tied" tie is not tied at all, so it does not serve as a guide. Five people have now told you the same thing. This is not hard.

Adjust the tie 1/4" - 1/2" larger than your neck size. The additional length will make it easier to tie. The important thing is to have the thick and thin bits in approximately the right places. Pull the initial knot tight against your top button or stud, as unlike a necktie, you can't easily adjust this parameter later.

Will · Oct 23, 2007

I think I already posted this but there is an excellent video at cravateroyale.com that's better than any diagram I've ever seen.

grimslade · Oct 23, 2007

http://cravateroyale.com/bow_tie_instructions.php

That video is great, Will. Anyone who can't follow that is beyond help.

flylot74 · Oct 23, 2007

Oh, this is the best video I've seen on the subject. Well done! Thank you for the link.

Minkous · Oct 23, 2007

Found this one might help also! This old nerd taught me!

Max Inseam · Oct 23, 2007

It's just like tying your shoes. Once you get you mind around that, your fingers will know what to do.

Sartorian · Oct 23, 2007

My history teacher in high school had me practice on my thighs. That worked quite well for getting it down and figuring out the technique. It is just like doing the shoe, but a different (and therefore confusing) perspective.

upnorth · Oct 24, 2007

Thanks for the links. In spite of the dozen of books I have illustrating this, I never could get it right. The video is defnitely invaluable.

Another question, could a black satin bow tie be used in conjunction with a pure white straight point collar white shirt and a dark navy suit?

My tailor says it should strictly be a pleated wing collar shirt and tuxedo. He clearly knows I own no tuxedo. Is he out to make a sale?

Tomasso · Oct 24, 2007

Originally Posted by upnorth

could a black satin bow tie be used in conjunction with a pure white straight point collar white shirt and a dark navy suit? .
Black satin or grosgrain ties are best left for semi-formal wear. BTW, I hope you not trying to pass off a lounge suit as a dinner jacket.

Originally Posted by upnorth

My tailor says it should strictly be a pleated wing collar shirt and tuxedo.
A formal shirt with a turn down collar is perfectly acceptable, in fact I never wear a wing collar with semi-formal, though I'd wear one with a formal rig if I ever had use for one.

dirk diggler · Oct 24, 2007

the cravate royal video is ok, but the problem is he has the short end too short. It should be only about 1-1.5 inches. the end result will be a more even looking tie rather than more bow showing up front.

Bowtie Tying

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