Proper bow-tie length and distance between eyes?

[The Dirty Pigeon]

I think that I read or heard somewhere that the proper length (across) of a bowtie (knot and wings) should be close or equal to the distance between the outer points of your eyes. Now, I can't find that "guideline" anywhere but it does make some sense to me. Is this one of those guidelines that everyone knows but isn't mentioned often? Or did I dream it up? I am about to buy a new silk bow tie for my tuxedo and want to get the dimensions right.

Here's a creepy looking drawing to illustrate my question. Enjoy!

 

[dieworkwear]

Have never heard of this.

 

[The Dirty Pigeon]

Have never heard of this.

After I posted this, I found the following statement on The Black Tie Guide that is similar but implies that my illustration would be the shortest length you'd want to go. Maybe I originally read about this in Flusser's book. Not sure.

Originally the rule of thumb was that the outer edges of the bow never extended beyond the edges of the collar. However, since wing collars are now much smaller than they were, it is safer to use Alan Flusser’s rule that the finished bow should fall somewhere between the width of the wearer’s face and the outer edges of his eyes.

Classic Neckwear - The Black Bow Tie

Generally, the ready-to-wear options used to be much more limited and many of the classic variations that used to necessitate the services of a custom tailor

www.gentlemansgazette.com

 

[papado]

Believe it's also referenced by Simon in this PS article (or the one subsequent about his personal one)

Permanent Style

The styles of bow tie – and why they matter

www.permanentstyle.com

 

[The Dirty Pigeon]

Believe it's also referenced by Simon in this PS article (or the one subsequent about his personal one)

Permanent Style

The styles of bow tie – and why they matter

www.permanentstyle.com

Ahhh nice! Thanks for sharing that.

 

[maxalex]

It’s always a good idea to bring a tape measure to black-tie events so you can check your bow width over the course of the evening—and that of your friends. The tape should be a metal carpenter’s type, never a soft tailor’s measure, and must be kept in the left outer jacket pocket (which should be jetted).

You’ll find it also useful for monitoring the width of ladies’ hair bows (if wearing) which must never exceed one half the distance between the lady’s breasts, measured center to center.