How to Tie a Bowtie!

by Rayray2297

4.9K824

Intro: How to Tie a Bowtie!

My name is Rayshun Williams and I will be showing you how to tie a bowtie.

STEP 1:

Get any self-tie-bowtie and wrap it around your neck! Collar up!

STEP 2:

Next you would want to pull down one end of the bowtie until the middle of the extended side meets the head of the other side.

STEP 3:

Now that's done, you would want to take the extended side and place it across the bottom portion of the other side.

STEP 4:

Now put the extended side underneath the bowtie and over the ledge.

STEP 5:

Great! You're almost there! Now you want to tighten the bowtie around your neck, but not to tight of course!

STEP 6:

Take the short side of the bowtie and bend it half way against your neck.

STEP 7:

Take the extended side and place it on top of the folded side. It should look like this.

STEP 8:

Now pull the folded side forward on both sides.

STEP 9:

When you pull the folded side forward you should see a small opening like so.

STEP 10:

While continuing to hold the sides, take the extended side and push it halfway through the hole. If the outcome does not look like this picture simply take it back out and try the other side of the bowtie

STEP 11:

Now the tricky part. As you can see on both sides of the bowtie there are holes where the sides were folded. Place both index fingers in both holes. Place your thumbs behind each single flap, after this is done simply pull and you should see the bowtie come together in all its glory!

STEP 12:

Now PULL!!! Pull in the opposite direction until you feel the middle knot getting smaller and tighter against your neck. The end result should look like this. Congratulation!! You just tied a bowtie.

4 Comments

Dr. Gonville Farnsworth 8 years ago

Thank you Ray for posting this instructable. Remember gents, you are essentially tying the same knot your tie your shoes with. Easy, yeah?

I first started wearing them about three years ago when my daughter worked at Jos. A Bank clothiers. She made sure I knew about all the sales. I now have several. Once you wear them a few times you realise how comfortable they are and how many nice comments you will receive whilst wearing them. I prefer them to regular ties these days.

There are a few things you blokes should keep in mind when tying the bows.

First, do not obsess about getting each side even with the other. A slight difference between them adds distinction and does not result in a pre-tied look.

Second, don't cinch the knot too tight. See above about pre-tied look. There is a sweet spot between a good stable knot and one that is too tight. It will only take a few times to get the feel for it.

Third, don't stress about the nerd jokes. I do think there is something to the idea that some guys can pull off the look and others can't but it is RARE that you cannot find one that looks right on you. I have received nothing but compliments on mine.

Fourth, don't be surprised when you find yourself searching out bow ties. They really are nice to wear.

Last, I would say til you become more comfortable tying and wearing bow ties, stick to the somewhat 'regular' sized ones. About 1-1/2"(35mm or so) wide. These are much easier to match to collar lapel sizes. I would also avoid wearing them with shirts that have very wide spread collar spacing. The bow ends need some collar underneath them to look correct. Finally, just enjoy them. Thanks again Ray for posting this.

apeine 8 years ago

Great. Never seen before how to tie a bowtie, and now I'm eager to buy one and use.

tomatoskins 8 years ago

Everyone needs to know how to tie a bowtie!