Until three or four years ago, I really liked wearing bow ties. I'm certainly a little past that, but that doesn't stop me from finding people who wear them really stylish.
Especially since today there is a huge choice on the market. Many brands have embarked on the bow tie adventure but I will come back to it, we will see that at the end of the article.
I know that for some, it's a difficult accessory to wear, which can quickly look too much or waiter.
Back when I wore them, I remember people looking at me strangely. In their heads, they must have thought something like “ but he fell for him with his bow tie ”. Regardless, I continued to incorporate it into my looks and enjoyed it!
Don't worry, I'm here to prove to you that you can wear a bow tie without trying too hard, while having fun.
The bow tie, from A to Z
A little historical parenthesis: the birth of the bow tie
We are at the beginning of the 19th century. The fashion is for a thin white linen tie. The first appearances of the bow tie
Followers wrapped their tie several times around their neck and tied it in the front, without the tails falling on the shirt.
Beau Brummell, fashion designer at the court of George IV and one of the spiritual fathers of dandyism, proudly wore this symbol of English elegance.
It was in France that this knot would have transformed into a butterfly. It would have been named in honor of Puccini, following the success of “ Madame Butterfly ” in 1904.
What followed was the golden age of the bow tie. From Winston Churchill to James Bond, or in street fashion, it is worn by everyone, especially in recent years where it is once again arousing interest.
Just one rule to remember
There are different types. None is more appropriate for this or that occasion : here, everything is really a question of taste.
The different shapes of bow ties, illustrated by the founder of the brand Le Petit Noeud .
The only thing you need to pay attention to, which is a rule in itself, is the width of the knot. If you don't want to look ridiculous, make sure it doesn't exceed the width of your face.
The stronger you are, the more generously sized you can get a bow tie.
The different types of fasteners
There are mainly three:
- Mounted and sewn knots : they cannot be undone and are practical to use but less aesthetic. We mainly find this type of knot at the entry level.
- Staple knots : two fasteners allow you to clip it. They are often pre-tied but can be untied if necessary.
- Self-tie bows : they can be adjustable or have a fixed neck size (like shirts). We find them rather widespread in the high-end sector, they exude a certain authenticity.
Which shirt collar to wear it with?
Yes, a bow tie cannot be worn with just any shirt collar!
From now on, put aside shirts with Italian and English collars : they are not suitable for wearing a bow tie, from a practical and especially aesthetic point of view. It's a story of balance between the collar and the knot.
The French collar is the type of collar that I think most of you should have in your personal collection. It is the reference collar for wearing your bow tie without risks. It is suitable for all sizes: slim, normal and large.
The French collar suits all bow ties.
The narrow collar is less common in men's wardrobe. Most of the time, it is worn with a slim bow tie.
Once you are familiar with this accessory, you can try other sizes of knots for a more substantial look.
The club collar (which more or less corresponds to the "Peer Pan" collar for women), allows you to add an original touch to your outfit. I recommend that you wear a slim or normal-sized bow, so as not to hide the rounded edges that make this collar so interesting.
The stylistic effect is great, I guarantee it!
The wing collar is used for shirts worn with a tuxedo. If you want to emphasize the elegance of your outfit and look your best (for the holidays for example), choose a small or normal size bow tie.
Don't hesitate to choose a patterned bow tie to add a quirky and original touch!
On a very elegant wing collar, a patterned bow will easily add a little fantasy.
Once you have chosen the shirt based on the bow tie, you will potentially have your own to tie. Let's see it together!
How to tie a bow tie?
For this part, an effective image is worth all the explanations in the world.
It's no more complicated than a tie!
And if you prefer, you can also learn in video:
Little tip: to practice, don't hesitate to practice on your thigh. It's easier to understand, at least at first.
How to wear a bow tie correctly?
Since we are talking about an accessory , the goal here is not to worry but to have fun.
How to wear it stylishly without overdoing it?
How to avoid looking too much ?
First of all, I think you should avoid wearing it with a butler-style suit vest , venturing into it can be dangerous. Likewise, certain looks combining a bow tie + suspenders are sometimes successful, but it seems quite rare to me. The combination of the two is a little too much in my opinion.
In terms of color and patterns, however, I see no limits! On the contrary, it is the possibility of expressing one's personality that makes the room interesting.
The only advice I could give you if you opt for a yellow bow with green polka dots: choose a more sober shirt (white poplin or chambray for example).
Here for example, the knot stands out well thanks to the choice of the white shirt. If it had been patterned, it would have been too much.
For the more skeptical among you, opt for something discreet like tone on tone, or the classic black bow tie at first. Once you're used to this accessory, don't hesitate to play with colors and patterns for a more personal look.
A black bow tie is really easy to wear, it's the easiest to start with in my opinion.
Some examples of stylish combinations...
Here, the outfit is relatively busy but works well. The bright red is toned down by the navy blue. The shirt being striped, we choose a plain knot. And finally, the brown echoes the cover.
I really like the combination of materials between the jacket and the bow tie, both being tempered by the smooth shirt with discreet checks.
Last example, rather original. Combining three patterns (houndstooth, chevrons and camo) is very risky but it ultimately gives a really stylish unexpected look!
Selection of bow ties
They exist at all prices, from 10 euros to around a hundred. As you will have understood, the price fluctuates depending on the material chosen, the quality of manufacturing and the possibility of customization (tailor-made).
Also note that the thrift stores that abound in France are also a very good way to find bow ties. I've already found some for just a few euros.
We now move on to the selection of brands to find your beautiful bow tie. 😉
Bruce Field
The brand offers a wide variety of bows, the design of which is correct and the price very affordable : they are all offered at the single price of 20 euros.
I particularly like their knitted patterns.
The Flageolet
Le Flageolet is a young brand that makes bow ties in an artisanal way. There is something for all tastes and colors, in a multitude of materials (toile de jouy
Count on average 50 euros for these accessories to tie yourself.
Made-to-measure is also available for special occasions.
Colonel Mustard
This brand offers a wide variety of models, with designs that are truly original and elegant at the same time ! The design is good for a price which is again very affordable. Allow around thirty euros.
All knots are pre-tied.
Jicqy
A very good brand for all things ties and bow ties . You will find classic models and other more colorful ones for 49 euros!
Python effect bow tie on a denim shirt, when we tell you that the bow tie is not just limited to suits!
Laurent Desgrange
I also wanted to introduce you to a Parisian designer specializing in bow ties: Laurent Desgrange . I appreciate it for its originality, its slightly “crazy” side and the mastery of French know-how (workshop located in Paris).
In my opinion, he's a bit of a bow tie troublemaker.
To wear this type of original and colorful bow, a sober suit and white shirt are essential.
Drilling
Now let's look at Forage. This American brand, existing since 2000, uses antique materials. This is why a certain character emerges from their set of bow ties .
Wear with a shirt, preferably plain, to avoid an overload of patterns . Between 30 and 55 euros.
All knots are handmade.
Cinnabar
Last step of our selection, with the Cinabre brand. The finishes are handmade in France and all the knots are doubled.
Model in denim and pique cotton.
In addition, your name can be affixed to the product using a hand-marked label. Its price of 85 euros is certainly expensive, but there is really a lot of work behind it.
The final word
Beyond prejudices, the bow tie is a much simpler accessory to master than one might think.
Available in a multitude of colors, patterns and materials, there is something for everyone. The offer has greatly diversified in recent years and, generally speaking, a brand recognized for the quality of its ties will generally also be recognized for its bow ties. This is the case with Howard's , for example.
The holidays are the perfect opportunity to try it . Don’t hesitate to give us your feedback, by comment or photo!
Thanks to Othman Boubazine for writing this article which I then completed myself.
