Bow ties are rapidly returning into fashion these days. Whether you like them or not, they certainly don’t go unnoticed. Even so, you need to choose bow ties carefully and not just wear it to follow the trend. You should know the rules! Here are some simple rules to be followed when choosing to wear a bow tie. If you are not sure about the type you should choose, take a look at the most famous bow tie wearers in the world.

Bow tie types

Self-tie vs. ready-tie vs. clip-on bow tie

The self-ties are the best choice. Clip-on bow ties are meant for children, and you definitely do not want to look like one. The ready-tie is just for the beginners until you haven’t yet learned how to fix it on your own. Many people are able to see the difference between those self-ties and ready-ties even from a distance, so save yourself the embarassment and learn how to tie bow ties the right way.

Fixed-size vs. adjustable bow tie

Most bow ties are adjustable, but on the other side, the main advantage of a fixed-size bow tie is that the width of the bow is proportional to the neck size. The adjustable bow tie should be snug but not too tight. The same goes for the fixed size one and its bow should fall between the outer edge of a person’s eyes and the width of the face.

Butterfly vs. batwing vs. diamond pointed (rounded club)

A Butterfly (thistle) is the most used kind of a bow tie. It is called ‘butterfly’ because when the tie is laid flat, the ends are shaped like a butterfly. It should be matched with winged collars. There is also a version called big butterfly, which is nothing but a larger version of the butterfly.

A batwing (straight/narrow) bow tie should be matched with standard collars and worn in less formal occasions, but it is also suitable for black tie events.

A diamond pointed or rounded club bow ties are worn by the least number of people. They have pointed or rounded ends, which when tied give them an asymmetric look. They can be worn at both formal and informal occasions.

Match your bow-tie with the occasion

Not all the bow ties are made from the same fabric! The fabric, together with the right color have to be chosen depending on the occasion, i.e where you are going to wear them. For the casual instances, you could choose any, but pay more attention for those formal events.

White bow tie for white occasions and black bow tie for black occasions

White occasions are the most formal ones! Whether you are attending a state dinner or a formal ball or an evening wedding, your bow tie should be white and pure silk.

Black occasions include the opera, formal dinners, and evening weddings at which men should wear tuxedos and black bow ties.  The tie should be pure silk.

Semi-formal events

At these occasions, you could employ your imagination since at semi-formal events a person can wear colored or patterned bow tie of any fabric. Still, keep it simple! For the best effects of the ties, stick with black, navy, or gray suits, and white or blue shirts. As for the tie itself, you could take stripes, polka dots or paisley.

Wearing bow ties with your usual clothes

A bow tie added to the casual garments gives you an intellectual and a semi-traditional look. Be sure to put on your slim-fitting shirt since an ill-fitting one combined with a bow tie can make you look stodgy. Different materials are allowed here (linen, cotton, wool, flannel, denim), but avoid a shiny silk, since it is associated with a formal attire.

If you are a beginner in wearing bow ties

First of all, you should fix your bow tie properly. Practice it a couple of times before actually going out. Like managing any other tie, it requires a little practice before actually succeeding in fixing it firmly and properly. You should tighten the loops until adjusted. Don’t pull at the flat ends since that will only untie it. The finished bow should fall between the outer edges of your eyes and the width of your face. Your tie should be slightly asymmetric when tied. When you are wearing a wing collar shirt, you should tuck the wings of the collar behind the bowtie. This is according to the etiquette and it also helps to hold the tie in place.