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in: Featured, Style, Ties, Visual Guides

• Last updated: June 9, 2021

How to Tie a Bow Tie

Tying a bow tie is a little trickier than tying a necktie, but once you learn how to do it, it’s a breeze. When I was learning how to tie a bow tie a few years ago, I was disappointed with the illustrated how-to guides out there. So Ted Slampyak and I put our heads together to create the visual how-to guide on bow tying I wish I had had when I was learning. While we think it does a good job of showing how to tie a bow tie, it will still take some practice and trial and error before you get it down pat.

Basic steps illustrated to tie a bow tie.

With this guide and a bit of practice, you’ll be rocking a bow tie just like my man, Charles Osgood. I love CBS Sunday Morning.

  1. Star with bow tie around neck, allowing the left end (end A) to be a little longer than the right (end B). Cross the left end over the right end.
  2. Take end A and tuck it up in the hole between your neck and the bow tie.
  3. Fold end B at widest part, holding it sideways. It should look bow-shaped.
  4. Drop end A over folded end. Fold end A up.
  5. The tricky part. Pass folded end A under and behind folded end B on your left and through the loop behind folded end B
  6. Tighten know by holding both folded ends and pulling carefully. Straighten as needed. 

Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.

Like this illustrated guide? Buy the poster!

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