BOW TIES 101: AN INTRODUCTION TO BOW TIES

One thing every gentleman knows is that knowledge and wisdom are the corner stones to being successful. In order for you to successfully wear a bow tie, you must first know the basics about bow ties. This nugget of information below is reposted from Jennifer Song onThe Gentle Manuel blog.

Know Your Bow Tie Shapes

The Butterfly

The first shape is the modern butterfly, also known as the thistle shape. This is the standard style that most people are familiar with. On average, it is around 2.3 inches in height and fits most face shapes. This particular style is very versatile and works for virtually every occasion. It is a great starting point for those who are just venturing into the world of bow ties and should be a staple in every man’s wardrobe.

The Big Butterfly

Next, we have the big butterfly, which has a larger and more relaxed silhouette. It is sometimes worn for very formal events with a tuxedo. Think Hugh Jackman presenting an award at the Golden Globes. These are typically three inches or greater in height and recommended for those don’t mind looking a bit cheeky.

The Batwing

The batwing shape, also known as a straight or slim bow tie, is the smallest in height. No, this won’t turn you into Batman. But this will make you look a little more like Don Corleone from The Godfather. When untied, this style looks like a long rectangle strip with flat ends. Batwing bow ties are typically less than two inches in height and provide a clean and modern look. It is slightly less formal than the butterfly, but is still acceptable for black tie events.

The Diamond Point

A shape gaining popularity is the diamond point bow tie. Instead of having a flat end, the edges are pointed to give it diamond shape. When tied, this style has an asymmetric look and adds even more personality to the self-tie bow tie. Although very stylish, these are not often seen.

The Rounded Club

The most rare of the bunch is the rounded club bow tie. Like the name suggests, the ends are rounded instead of flat. This style is not for the shy as it is very unique.

Now you may ask: which one should I wear? Choosing a bow tie style is more about personal taste than steadfast rules. While some styles may work better with your proportions or face shape, we recommend that you try a few and just pick the style that makes you feel the best.