Men's Bow Ties for Every Smart Occasion
There's a reason the bow tie has survived while plenty of other menswear trends have come and gone. It's distinctive, versatile and, when worn well, looks effortlessly smart.
A bow tie is the obvious choice for black tie, but you certainly don't have to wait for a tuxedo invitation before wearing one. Patterned bow ties can work brilliantly with wedding suits, waistcoats, tweed and smart separates, while more colourful styles are ideal when the dress code leaves a little room for personality.
Self-Tie or Ready-Tied Bow Tie?
This is probably the first decision to make.
A self-tie bow tie is tied around your neck yourself. It takes a little practice, but that's part of the charm. The slightly irregular shape of a properly tied self-tie bow gives a formal outfit a traditional, authentic finish.
A ready-tied bow tie arrives already formed and is simply fastened around the neck. It's straightforward, consistent and particularly useful if you're buying bow ties for a wedding party or don't fancy learning another knot five minutes before leaving the house.
Neither is inherently "right" for every occasion. For strict formalwear and black tie, a self-tie bow tie is the traditional choice. For weddings, parties and less rigid dress codes, either can work.
Black Bow Ties & Black Tie Dress Code
If you've been invited to a black tie event, a black bow tie is the classic choice. Traditionally, black tie means a black dinner suit or tuxedo, a formal white shirt and black bow tie, accompanied by the appropriate eveningwear accessories.
A black silk or satin bow tie is a dependable option for this sort of occasion. Marcella styles can add texture while keeping the overall look traditional.
For a black tie event, resist the temptation to overcomplicate things. The appeal of formal eveningwear is in the simplicity: good tailoring, a clean white shirt and properly chosen accessories.
If you're looking for specifically formal styles, have a look through our formalwear collection as well.
Bow Ties for Weddings
Weddings are where bow ties get considerably more interesting.
A patterned bow tie can be a brilliant way to introduce colour to a relatively traditional suit. Paisley, floral and other designs can work particularly well with navy, grey, blue and neutral tailoring.
If you're part of the wedding party, consider coordinating your bow tie with the wedding colours while varying the exact patterns or shades between different outfits. This can look more natural than having everyone wearing an identical accessory.
Bow ties also pair particularly well with waistcoats and suits where a conventional necktie might feel a little predictable.
What Shirt Do You Wear With a Bow Tie?
A bow tie is traditionally worn with a formal shirt, particularly for black tie. The collar should provide enough space around the neck for the bow tie to sit neatly without being swallowed by the collar.
For less formal occasions, a standard dress shirt can work perfectly well. The key is proportion: make sure the bow tie sits comfortably at the collar and doesn't look either lost or oversized.
Choosing a Bow Tie Colour
Black is the obvious formal choice, but don't stop there.
Navy and burgundy work well with classic tailoring, while green, blue, pink and other colours can bring personality to wedding and party outfits. Paisley and patterned bow ties are particularly useful when the rest of your outfit is relatively plain.
As a general rule, if your shirt and suit are both fairly simple, your bow tie can do more of the talking. If the outfit already contains strong patterns, a simpler bow tie may be the better balance.
More Than Just Black Tie
The modern bow tie isn't confined to tuxedos. Wear a cotton or patterned bow tie with a blazer and chinos for a dressed-up casual look, or pair a colourful design with a wedding suit for something that feels less conventional.
For a complete outfit, explore our ties, cravats, formalwear and pocket squares alongside the bow tie collection.
Whatever the occasion, the aim is simple: wear the bow tie with confidence, keep the rest of the outfit reasonably balanced, and enjoy the fact that you've made slightly more effort than the bloke next to you.
