Six Simple Steps to Tying a Bow Tie

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Weddings Fall/Winter 2009

It’s not for everyone, but for the groom who dresses with flair or wants to make a statement, the bow tie is enjoying a resurgence as the wedding neckwear of choice. On the big day, pair a bow tie with an elegant cummerbund and tuxedo, or opt for a funkier pairing with suspenders or a vest.

“A lot of guys nowadays are doing bow ties with neat suspenders for a more urban and relaxed look,” says Victor Soto, formalwear specialist at Heimie’s Haberdashery in St. Paul. “But if the wedding is more formal, it is always wise to stick with a cummerbund.”

Tying a bow tie might seem a bit intimidating, Soto says, but once you master the art, it’s easy to make the look your own. Hey, you’ve already made it this far—how hard can it be to tie the knot?

Step One

Drape the bow tie around your neck so the left end is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than the right.

Step Two

Cross the left end over the right and pass it underneath and through the loop.

Step Three

For the front of the bow, double up the right side and place it across the collar pins.

Step Four

Hold this loop with your thumb and forefinger, and drop the left end over the front.

Step Five

Hold everything in place, pulling the left end behind the loop, and then folding it in half to create the other side of the bow. Poke this loop through the space behind the other loop.

Step Six

Voila! You’ve tied your bow tie. If it looks odd or lopsided, adjust the ends and straighten the center knot.