The Best Bow Ties For Men
Old but not forgotten, the bow tie is an accessory that has stuck around so long for good reason. It can add that final touch to a full suit or provide some class to a button-down shirt and khaki pants ensemble. Add suspenders and you'll be ready for any black-tie event. Because the bow tie provides instant sophistication without taking itself too seriously, it's appropriate for nearly any occasion. To help you find the right one for your needs, we rounded up a few of our favorites.
What to Look For
When it comes to finding the right bow tie, we had three primary focuses: the size, quality of the material, and whether it comes pre-tied or not. These criteria helped us highlight a few standout options. For example, Tinyhi makes a high-quality, affordable satin bow tie that we love. It’s appropriately sized, has a nice length and width, and it’s pre-tied. But the smaller size is really best for a child, so you’ll want to make sure that the larger sizes actually work for you and your needs. For a more universal fit, the self-tie option from John William is an excellent choice. Did we mention that it’s made of silk? For a closer look at the rest of our options, take a look below.
Tinyhi Pre-Tied Satin Bow Tie
Look ma, no hands
Pre-tied so you don’t have to figure out how to do it yourself, this satin bow is sleekier and classier than most. The band itself extends up to a full 18 inches, making it a one-size-fits-most option. And considering the price, it’s hard to go wrong with this pick.
Pros:
- We love the sleek, shiny satin finish that adds a look of luster to any dressy outfit.
- The unisex fit means that this bowtie will work well for all genders.
Cons:
- The smaller size is best for a child.
Adam Young Bow Ties
Crisp and shiny
Featuring four layers of satin polyester, this bow tie sits perfectly in place and stays that way, too. A fully adjustable length, a hook-and-eye closure, and an array of bold color choices all make this an excellent option for dressier events.
Pros:
- The available colors are made with coordination in mind, making this an excellent bow tie for prom, weddings, and other similar events.
- We appreciate that the bow arrives looking crisp and in place. Crucially, it stays that way even in humid weather, while dancing, and after hours of wear.
Cons:
- While this bow tie shouldn’t need frequent washing, you’ll definitely need to make sure that you gently hand-wash it when you do.
Ausky Elegant Pre-Tied Bow Ties
Color me pretty
We’re suckers for prints, and this set of bow ties is no exception. Featuring crisp lines, an adjustable neck, and multiple, colorful prints, this set is great for the frequent bow tie wearer. We appreciate how thin the neck strap is, which is ideal for a variety of types of shirts and neck sizes.
Pros:
- Although the neck strap is thinner, the bow is perfectly weighted so as not to flop while you wear it.
- Unique patterns make these bow ties memorable, and thus appropriate for special events such as weddings.
Cons:
- These are on the smaller side, so this set is best for young men, children, and smaller people.
Alizeal Tuxedo Bow Tie, Hanky, and Cufflinks Set
All the class
Including all the details needed for a flashy, put-together look that screams fashion, this sweet little set is just the ticket for a black-tie event. Each piece of this set, —the bow tie, hanky, and cufflinks — all feature the same vibrant color fabric. And speaking of the fabric, this is a high-quality polyester that will keep its shape while feeling as soft and sophisticated as silk.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for an affordable set for a more cohesive look, this is an excellent option.
- The hanky is black on the other side, which looks beautiful when it’s folded correctly and displayed as a pocket square.
Cons:
- The cuff links aren’t the highest quality, but they match well and complete the look.
John William Self-Tie Bow Tie
Do it your way
If you like the option of tying your own bow tie, you’ll love this one. This bow tie is made of 100% silk, taking the look a step above the rest in terms of quality. Plus, it has a nice wide strap, which is ideal for keeping a bow crisply tied.
Pros:
- If you’re unsure about how to tie your own bow, don’t worry — this bow tie includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.
- Although this bow tie is made from high-quality silk, the price point is still budget-friendly.
Cons:
- We wish that there were more color options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tie a bow tie?
Although it does take some time and effort to learn the art of tying a bow tie, as it turns out, there are plenty of online tutorials for learning how to do it. A simple search will reward you with both videos as well as written tutorials, so you can learn in the way that best suits your learning style needs. If all else fails, a pre-tied bow tie is always an excellent option. In fact, we recommend always having a favorite pre-tied bow tie on hand for this very reason.
How do you properly clean and care for a bow tie?
While this does depend on the type of material, it’s best to spot-clean your bow tie. If it truly needs a thorough washing, you’ll want to be sure to gently hand-wash your bow tie and hang it to dry. Be sure to iron it after, as well.
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