How to Tie a Bow Tie

A bow tie is the perfect addition for some outfits. It adds just the right amount of class. Whether the outfit is a simple pin-striped suit to be worn to a dance, or a super-expensive tuxedo that you are wearing to a wedding, men look great with that finishing touch of a bow tie. It completes any dress outfit in just the right way. There is one downfall, though. Many high-quality bow ties have to be tied by hand.

Unfortunately, many men avoid bow ties and opt for clip-on ones because they believe that tying a bow tie is just far too complicated. Clip on bow-ties usually tend to be of cheaper quality material and not look near as good as the real thing. And this is just a poor excuse. Men, tying a bow tie is really possible.

Yes men, it can be done. And it really is not an incredibly difficult thing to do. All it takes is practice and some proper instruction and you will be well on your way to wearing a great bow tie with your outfit instead of just a clip-on version. Here is a step-by-step on how to tie a bow tie for all of you classy men who are beginners in tying a bow tie:

1. Proper tying begins with starting the right way, and that is holding a bow tie the right way. Hold the tie in both hands, with the right side extending about an inch and a half below the left hand.
2. The second step is very simple. Cross the longer end over the shorter one. This will make a loop around your neck. Take the longer end up through the underside of that loop in front of you. For now, you can just leave the longer end up out of your way for the next step.
3. The next step involves the shorter end of the tie. Double up the shorter end of the tie to make the front bow tie loop. Place this up between the points of the collar of your shirt where your bow tie will most likely sit when you are done. This is very close to the top of the buttons of your shirt, but not so much that it crosses the top of your shirt collar. You can look at photos if you have to of where exactly a bow tie should be worn.
4. This step is a little more difficult, but all it takes is a little coordination. Place one finger over the loop you just made to hold it in place. While you are holding the loop with one finger, use the other hand to bring the longer end of the tie over the front of the loop. Hold both of these in place.
5. This may be the most difficult step of all of them. You are about to make the back loop that finishes the bow tie. Bring the long end of the tie up between the front loop and the first cross-over you made earlier. This is the step that will require the most attempts and the most practice out of all of them, and the single reason why most men give up trying to make a proper bow tie.
6. Put the loop that results from the previous step behind the front loop, making the larger back loop that gives the bow tie its finished effect. You are almost done with your bow tie.
7. Hold both loops in each hand and pull to tighten the knot. And there you go! You now have a proper bow tie. It really wasn't that hard, was it?

Tying a bow tie may take a few attempts because it is not always an easy thing to do, but once you learn, you will be able to tie your own bow tie all the time. Then, you can wear a bow tie with all of your dress outfits for the right amount of sophisticated class. And everyone loves a little class added with any dress outfit, no matter what the occasion is that you are dressing up for.

Men: learning to tie a bow tie is a valuable skill. A bow tie is a great addition to some outfits. So, instead of opting for the cheaper, clip-on version of a bow tie, learn how to do the real thing, and finish your flawless outfit with something of quality that matches your amazing suit. That final touch will really make an incredible difference. 

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