Tying bow tie, idiots guide?

[makewayhomer]

I've seen other threads on the subject, links to videos, etc, but I'm lost. I'm a terrible spacial thinker and they all move too fast .

videos like this are too fast, and written diagrams unclear.

is there like some simple guide that anybody has used? I need a really slow, clear video or something I guess

also my bow tie has no sizes marked, so I have no idea if the length is right. help?

 

[pvrhye]

I find pinching the ends together and tugging outward during the last step helps me to find that damn loop.

 

[makewayhomer]

I'm at like step 1

I can't figure out what "snap it shut" means

 

[either/or]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

I find pinching the ends together and tugging outward during the last step helps me to find that damn loop.
^^this is what did it for me.

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

I'm at like step 1

I can't figure out what "snap it shut" means

-see quote above.

 

[BerryWall]

The steps to tie a bow tie are the same as those used to ties one's shoelaces-assuming that the wearer does not tie his shoes with a granny knot.
I agree that guides are not very helpful. I would suggest that the frustrated novitiate go to a reputable men's store and ask a salesman to show you how. Stay until you get it right. In my years as a "counter-hopper" in a fine old men's store, I gave many lessons in how to tie a bow tie.

 

[pvrhye]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

I'm at like step 1

I can't figure out what "snap it shut" means

The clasp on the back on the neck perhaps?

 

[shimjohn]

this video helped me out a lot...and +1 to pinching the ends together for the back loop

 

[MadAboutPlaid]

Originally Posted by BerryWall

The steps to tie a bow tie are the same as those used to ties one's shoelaces-assuming that the wearer does not tie his shoes with a granny knot.

Best advice you can get. It's really not that hard. Stand in front of a mirror and pretend you are tying your shoe.

 

[mmhollis]

Good advice here on the pinch, unfortunately, you're right so many of the videos are lackluster.

 

[alexanduh]

that video was too fast for you? that was like a snail's pace.

 

[Clark]

The video here helped me a lot: http://www.blacktieguide.com/Style_B...g_a_bowtie.htm /C

 

[Not Ed Harris]

I had the same problem. The interval between any occasions where I might wear a bow tie are usually long enough for me to have forgotten how to do it.

Last time I had to do it was a couple of weeks ago and I used the "How to Tie a Tie" android app, which is pretty good up until the very last step. Had a couple of goes practising the night before, but on the day I managed to do it first time even while slightly drunk. Only issue was that the tie didn't have an adjuster so it was maybe just a little looser than I'd have liked.

Also, if you really want to cheat get one with an adjuster that you can unhook. Tie the tie around your leg so you can see what you're doing, unhook it then reattach it round your neck.

 

[BerryWall]

^
I would also suggest using the leg of your wife and/or girlfriend to tie your bow tie/s on. Of course if your bow tie to be tied, fully extended, will only fit around her ankle, you may wish to reconsider this idea.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by alexanduh

that video was too fast for you? that was like a snail's pace.

All the videos I see either are unclear or move too fast through the tricky parts.

 

[AAP]

I just went through this myself a few weeks ago. The truth of the matter is that it is EXACTLY the same process as tying your shoes (assuming that you tie you shoes in the normal manner). I was going crazy trying to figure it out. Once I finally had it, I said "****, it really is exactly like tying my shoes - - why was I making it so difficult?!" I'm guessing that I was having difficulty translating the shoelace to the tie because of the added width of the tie.

I don't know how you work the length if it is not an adjustable tie, though. Mine has slots for each neck size.

Ultimately, the videos just confused me a bit. I found this image most useful. It showed me that the direction of the fold in Step 3 was the part I was getting mixed up on.

Keep at it. There's no reason you can't do this. We are men!