Classic bow tie shapes

Bow ties come in many patterns and fabrics as the four in hand.  But there are only three classic shapes for bow ties.  All are proper for daywear or for formal wear.

Butterfly:  The butterfly has ends that flair as they extend outward to straight edges.  The most common shape of bow tie, the butterfly appeared in the early years of this century as a wider version of the traditional bow tie.  In the days when more rigid rules of dress dictated a man's attire, the bow tie & four in hand were considered proper formal daywear.

Bat's Wing:  The bat's wing is narrower than the butterfly.  Its edges are pointed.

Straight (or Thistle):  A tie that, as its name suggests, extends straight outward.  The narrowest bow tie & the least common style of the three.  Edges are usually straight, but they can be pointed. 

How is a bow tie knotted?

It has been said that a bow is tied the same way that you tie your shoes, except you have to imagine your shoe on your neck.  The confusing part is looking in the mirror.  Simply focus on what you are doing, do not glance in the mirror, and just tie the bow.  Most bow ties have adjustable sizebands; before you buy one without a size band, make sure it fits be trying it on.  Typically, sizebands have necksizes printed on them or woven in them (although the numbers are not so important).  Once you adjust the sizeband appropriately, you create the knot.

Keep your bow tie about as wide as your shirt collar, neither too small nor too large.  Any smaller, and you will look too large for it; any broader, and it will look clownish. 

If you have any questions or special requests please do not hesitate to email us... Cheers... :)

Thank you for stopping by...