Bow Tie instructions/videos

[David in Boston]

Guys, I'm thinking of adding bow-ties to my wardrobe. However, I refuse to wear a clip-on and I don't know how to tie a bow-tie. In one simple word, HELP!
If you have some instructions or videos you would like to share with me and other B&B members please don't be shy. Thanks!

 

[Doc4]

 

[David in Boston]

Thanks for your help. I found a video that uses the mention method shown. Happy to report I can now tie a bowtie. Also I got some feedback that wearing a bowtie works as a look for me. Thanks.

 

[RaiserLiebe]

Guys, I'm thinking of adding bow-ties to my wardrobe. However, I refuse to wear a clip-on and I don't know how to tie a bow-tie. In one simple word, HELP!
If you have some instructions or videos you would like to share with me and other B&B members please don't be shy. Thanks!

I looked at dozens of pictures and vids before this discussion and video made it click http://www.blacktieguide.com/Style_Basics/Basics_Tying_a_bowtie.htm They have you practice on your thigh, which makes the connection to the bow you tie in your shoes clear. Once your hands have the motions down, you try it on your neck.

Bunches of other goodies at that site also- check it out.
Cheers.

 

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

Step seven is the hardest part Once you get that you are golden!

 

[Commander Quan]

I watched every video on the entire internet before I came across this one which finally did it for me.

 

[David in Boston]

I watched every video on the entire internet before I came across this one which finally did it for me.

That one helped a lot. He did a great job of explaining and demonstrating how to tie a bowtie in a simple manner.

 

[ncundertaker]

Hi David! The above video was similar to the one I saw about a year and a half ago where a men's clothing store owner in Columbia, SC demonstrated tying a bow tie. Very simple. I now wear bow ties to work every day and receive great comments, especially from the ladies. Good luck!

 

[David in Boston]

Hi David! The above video was similar to the one I saw about a year and a half ago where a men's clothing store owner in Columbia, SC demonstrated tying a bow tie. Very simple. I now wear bow ties to work every day and receive great comments, especially from the ladies. Good luck!

I saw that one also. Very helpful and the gentleman gave a few helpful pointers on getting the knot just right.

 

[Phog Allen]

I was intimidated by this when I got my first bow a year or so ago. It is exactly like tying your shoes but you need remember you are looking at it in a mirror image. Sometimes your hands are going one way and your brain another. After about ten to twenty times you will have it down easy. I still mess it up once in awhile but it is simply because I am not paying enough attention to what I am doing.

I like it that the chap in the video tells you to place the ends evenly once you have draped it around your neck. I watched too many videos and pictorials that said to offset them by about an inch or so. For me this was all wrong. I could not figure out why my bows were always lopsided or droopy on the ends. Then it dawned on me. Do you offset your shoe laces? I don't and they tie just fine. This is the same knot. The other thing you will notice in the video is when he wraps the tie over the top he keeps it wide and not yanked down tight and cinched. It took me awhile to grasp this but once it clicked it made good sense. You will see chaps here tell you to keep that center part wide and the final product not too perfectly symmetrical. They are spot on. The tie fits better when the center is wide and certainly looks better. And sometimes with a 1/8 inch offset between the looped ends and the single ends on the same side makes it look much better. It doesn't need much but fussing with them till they are cinched super tight and too even makes them look wrong sometimes. And pulling them too tight and yanking on the ends can abuse the silk and rough them up. You'll get it and when you do will always have one in your wardrobe.

Cheers, Todd

PS; About the offsetting length of the loose ends. I guess it would not hurt to have a bit of offset but I would start with no more than a half inch and see how it ties up. Adjust as needed.