How to tie a bow tie printable instructions

Watch this video to quickly get the hang of tying a self-tie bow tie.

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When it comes to tying a bow tie, practice makes perfect. At first it might seem intimidating, but tying a bow tie is easy if you follow these steps.

To tie a bow tie, the first step is to make sure that one end of the bow tie is longer than the other end by a few inches. The longer end of the tie should be on your right side.

Cross the longer end of the bow tie over the shorter end. Bring the longer end of the bow tie underneath the shorter end, then bring it out from the center.

Fold the shorter end of the bow tie horizontally.

Place the longer end of the bow tie over the shorter end.

Fold the longer end of the bow tie horizontally.

Insert the longer end of the bow tie through the loop at the back of the shorter end.

Pull both ends gently to tighten the knot.

Adjust as needed - and don't worry, slight imperfections add character.

Home How to tie a bow tie

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:

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE HOW TO TIE A BOW TIE GUIDE

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.

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