It’s easy to lose track of exploring various bow tie styles as there are so many. Owing to this diversity, choosing that perfect bow tie is often challenging, even for fashion veterans.
However, the one you choose should speak about your personality. You should own it and, more importantly, feel confident wearing it.
This guide will help you find all the bow tie styles that are currently trending.
Bow Tie Shapes
If you like to showcase style, various bow tie shapes can help you do that. Each sends a very different message.
However, it’s significant to realize that different bow tie shape suits different face and personality types. But there are some considerations.
For example, the bow tie you choose should look proportionate to your face. Precisely speaking, the width of the bow tie should not cross the outer edges of your eyes.
With that principle in mind, let’s discuss the popular bow tie shapes.
Butterfly
This is the most popular bow tie style of them all. Most butterfly bow ties have a 2-2.5″ width at their ends. So, these would be appropriate for almost any type of face.
This is also the best bow tie shape for anyone who prefers a classic and timeless style.
Lastly, if uncertain regarding the bow tie shape, a butterfly bow tie would be the most effortless option.
Jumbo Butterfly
Also known as the big butterfly, this bow tie stands out because of its size. Since it’s a statement-making style, it’s not made for everyone.
Tall gents, in general, or those with wide faces look proportionate with the jumbo butterfly. Also, men who want to sartorially spice up their wedding outfits can choose this shape.
One way to make this big bow tie easy to wear is through a “dropped” style. In this style, the bottom edge of the bow tie is larger than the top. So, the bow tie creates a dropping effect.
This way, narrow-faced guys can choose this shape. The bow tie will still make a statement but in an elegant way.
Batwing
A batwing bow tie is the most old-school option. But since you don’t see it very often, it became a contemporary shape.
A batwing bow tie has straight ends and a narrow silhouette. Therefore, lean gentlemen with slim faces are an excellent fit for this shape.
In addition, a batwing shape is a great way to stand out without going overboard. So, for non-traditional tuxedo styles like maroon or an ivory dinner jacket, this could be a great match.
Lastly, with a casual bow tie, a batwing bow tie shape will add a cool factor to your outfit.
Diamond
The diamond is another classic bow tie shape with some modern sensibility.
The uneven diamond-shaped pointed end makes this bow tie appear easy and relaxed. However, it shows impeccable attention to detail.
This diamond point bow tie should never be your first choice. Hence, it could be a great option once you develop a personality to wear bow ties.
And if you have a dandy and cheerful personality, this is an excellent pick.
Slim Diamond
Compared to the regular diamond bow tie, the slim variant takes coolness to the next level.
Again with the sleek look, this is an excellent shape for narrow face gentlemen. This could also work if you want a personality in your outfit.
Gents looking to showcase some style can wear a slim diamond bow tie. It could be trendy, and you can pull it off with even some casual attire.
Bow Tie Types
Self-tie, pre-tied, and clip-on are different bow tie types. These primarily vary depending on the way to tie up the bow.
With self-tied bow ties, for example, you have to tie the bow on your own. In comparison, a pre-tied bow tie comes pre-tied for you.
Similarly, pre-tied bows are easy to put on and can be adjusted to the collar size. In comparison, self-tie bows are often cut to the specific collar size but sometimes are adjustable.
With these differences in style, bow tie wearers are divisive among the types. And every gentleman, over time, develops a preference.
Which one should you choose? We’re going to discuss this next.
Self-Tied Bow Ties
Just like a normal tie, making your own bow represents the supreme of all styles.
And it’s not just that self-tied bow ties show attention to detail. But it’s the ritual that adds character and personality to your outfit.
Plus, this perfectly imperfect style gives a little kick of elegance to an already charismatic item. As a result, you’ll look authentic and sophisticated.
So, for formal occasions, like weddings, wearing a self-tied bow tie is the best option.
Pre-Tied Bow Ties
Pre-tied bow ties are a less sartorial but effortless way to style your bow tie. Unfortunately, for many gents, these seem overly perfect, so pre-tied bow tie wearers get a backlash.
But there are instances when you can style pre-tied bow ties without bothering the fashion police.
First is when you want to put in less time and effort required to tie a self-tie bow tie.
Second is with the less formal occasions where mastering every detail isn’t mandatory. These include casual night outs, dates, festive cocktails, etc.
Lastly, pre-tied bows can be a reasonable choice
with heavier materials like velvet, wool, and tweed.
Clip-On Bow Ties
Clip-on bow ties are even simpler than pre-tied bows. These attach to the shirt collar front via a clip.
With such an easy attachment, it often looks tacky, even in a casual style. Plus, it stays a little high on the neck, which makes it difficult to look down.
Additionally, the tie can be very difficult to adjust once it comes off-center.
Foreseeing these things, we don’t recommend wearing clip-on bow-ties.
Bow Tie Styles for Different Formality Settings
It’s necessary to wear bow ties with black and white tie dress codes.
However, this staple menswear item has a creative apprehension to fit into many other dress codes. But the styling would vary.
Here, we’ll discuss choosing the right bow tie styles to match the formality.
Evening Formal Wear with a Tuxedo
Any formal evening event that requires you to wear a tux should be matched with a bowtie. These include black tie invites, weddings, proms, formal dinners, galas, etc.
In such situations, wearing a black bow tie with a tuxedo is the only option. Also, make sure the bow tie and lapel material match.
Satin and grosgrain weave made out of silk are popular options. The pure silk bow tie is a great option for a self-facing lapel type.
It’s best to avoid velvet and wool bow ties with this formal dress code. For the shape, choose the butterfly as a classic, while the batwing as a stand-out choice.
Semi-Formal Occasions with a Suit
Once you replace the pleated shirt and tuxedo with a plain shirt and suit, wearing a bowtie becomes cheerful. Here, you have a variety of colors and fabrics.
First, for the suit, three-piece suits will work better. It’s because the vest covers the torso, which otherwise remains exposed.
Classic suit colors like navy, dark grey, and black will look best here.
For the bow tie fabric, you can opt for wool and tweed. Slimmer bow ties usually work best here.
Matching the suit fabric and color with the bowtie is unnecessary. Instead, have a little contrast to show some personality.
Stand Out in More Casual Settings
Wearing bow ties in casual settings can sometimes be hard to pull off. However, careful thought into details can make you look jubilant and confident.
To look smart, first, you should be sure of the dress code. Next, choose a bow tie fabric and style that has the most contemporary feel.
For most people, cotton and linen are great options for summer.
In comparison, wool can be a year-round choice. For the bow shape, batwing is the best option.
Finally, complete the look with any other interesting item. Pink shirts, for example, work best in many situations.
How to Tie a Bow Tie
Learning how to tie your bowtie is a skill every guy should know. So here we explain it in the easiest possible way.
- Hang the bow tie around your neck, making one end longer than the other.
- Cross the longer end over the shorter one, and pull it through at the collar.
- Hold the longer end aside, and make a bow from the shorter end.
- Bring the longer end down, and make it hang over the top.
- Join the sides of the bow across the center. You would see a loop in the front of the collar button.
- Push the longer through this loop. Finally, pull the folded end through to the side till it forms a triangle. Your bow tie is now ready, and you can adjust it to your liking.
