Bow Tie
A bow tie is a type of necktie that is tied around the neck band to form a pair of wing-shaped knots at the center front, and is a fashion accessory used from formal wear to dressy outfits.
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Definition and Overview
A bow tie is a wide, horizontal necktie worn at the collar of a shirt. It is called this because the two sides of the knot look like butterfly wings. In general, unlike a necktie that hangs vertically, it has the feature of making the neck look compact.
In addition to black or white bow ties used for evening formal wear, there are also highly decorative styles that make use of color, pattern, and material. They are used not only for formal applications, but also for parties, stage costumes, uniforms, and casual jacket styles.
Shape and Fastening
The main body consists of left and right wing sections, a center knot, and a band section that passes around the neck. The wing sections come in angular shapes, rounded shapes, and shapes that taper toward the tip, and the impression at the collar changes depending on the outline.
A self-tie style is made by tying a single strip of textile at the neck. It gives the knot a slight character. A ready-made style with preformed wings, fastened with a neck adjuster or hook, has the feature of making it easier to shorten dressing time.
- A self-tie style allows you to adjust the size of the knot and the balance of the left and right sides.
- For a ready-made style, check the adjustable range of the neck measurement and the position of the fastening.
- Because the band passes inside the collar, compatibility with the shirt collar shape is also important.
Materials and Finish
Silk makes it easy to take advantage of smooth luster and color, and is used from formal wear to decorative designs. Wool blends and brushed textiles can add warmth, while cotton and polyester may be chosen to suit colors, patterns, and everyday applications.
The surface can have a variety of looks, such as satin weave luster, woven patterns, Jacquard, and velvet-like textures. For evening formal wear, matching the color and sheen of the facing used on tuxedo lapels helps create a coordinated overall look.
How to Coordinate with an Outfit
Black tie generally refers to evening semi-formal wear, pairing a black bow tie with a tuxedo and similar attire. White tie is a more formal evening dress code that uses a white bow tie. Priority should be given to the dress code on the invitation and the venue’s requirements.
For daytime formal wear, the treatment of bow ties varies depending on the category of dress, the region, and ceremonial customs. Colored or patterned styles are easy to incorporate into parties, semi-formal wear, and casual outfits, but at strict ceremonies, wearing one outside the specified dress code may be inappropriate.
Bow ties are often paired with wing-collar shirts. With a standard fold-down collar, checking whether the collar points are not hidden too much by the wings, and whether the collar opening and the width of the bow tie are balanced, helps keep the collar area neat.
Selection and Care Notes
When choosing one, check the neck measurement, the width and height of the wings, the collar shape, and the wearing occasion. If the wings are too large relative to the face shape or collar size, they can look overly strong, so judge by the overall balance including the shirt and jacket.
Silk and napped materials may change at the surface due to friction, moisture, or strong pressure. After wearing, loosen the knot or reshape it, and clean any dirt according to the care tag. When storing, avoid creases and direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are a butterfly bow tie and a bow tie different?
Butterfly bow tie and bow tie generally refer to the same item. Bow tie is a name derived from the English term, and it may also be written as butterfly tie. However, in sales and costume settings, only the preformed style may be called a bow tie, so check the shape and fastening method.
What kind of bow tie should I choose for black tie?
For black tie, a black bow tie is generally paired with a tuxedo. Matching the sheen and texture with the lapel facing makes coordination easier. Colored or patterned items, excessively large shapes, and casual materials are best avoided unless specified by the invitation or organizer.
Should I choose a self-tie style or a ready-made style?
If you value formal customs or the character of the knot, a self-tie style is an option. If you want a stable shape in a short time or are not used to wearing one, a ready-made style is convenient. In either case, choose after checking the neck measurement, how the fastening looks, and compatibility with the shirt collar shape.
