Self Tie Bow Ties vs Pre-Tied: What Changes
A pre-tied bow tie is sewn into shape, so it looks the same every time. A self tie version is a single length of fabric that you knot at the collar, which means the bow sits a little differently each time you wear it. Many people find the slight irregularity more natural, and it is the style that formal dress codes have always assumed.
Men's Self Tie Bow Ties in Satin Finish and Solid Colors
The Satin Self-Tie Bow Tie is the broadest choice here, with a soft sheen in white, black, red, pink, yellow, purple, blue, light blue and navy blue, plus a pale metallic shade. The Untied Bow Tie adds brighter and more unusual colors such as light aqua, lime green, hot pink, champagne, orange, gold and dark green, all in a smooth satin-finish polyester.
Single-shade pages save time: the Black Self-Tie Bow Tie for evening dress, the White Self-Tie Bow Tie, the Green Self-Tie Bow Tie in lime or dark green, and the Purple Self-Tie Bow Tie in lavender or purple. More single colors sit in our white bow ties and green bow ties collections.
Floral Self-Tie Bow Ties for Weddings and Spring
Prints bring a softer, garden-party feel. The Floral Self-Tie Bow Tie comes in gray, navy, pink, aqua, sage, black and white-and-blue floral designs, in a matte cotton-look fabric with a black neck band behind the bow.
Florals suit daytime and outdoor weddings, spring parties and summer events where a black tie would feel too stiff. Pick one color from the print and repeat it in a pocket square or the bridesmaids' palette; for a coordinated groom's party, see our wedding bow ties.
Self Tie Bow Ties for Men: How to Tie the Knot
Tying one takes a minute once you have done it a few times. Drape the band around your neck under the collar and let the left side hang about an inch and a half lower. Bring that longer side across and up behind the loop, as if starting a shoelace knot. Fold the short end into a horizontal bow shape at the collar, then drop the long end down over the front of it.
Now fold the long end back on itself to make the second wing and push that fold through the small loop behind the front bow. Tighten by gently pulling the folded wings in opposite directions, then straighten the shape. Practice once before the big day, in front of a mirror, with the shirt you will wear.
Wearing Self-Tie Bow Ties Untied Around the Collar
The untied look is part of the appeal. Late in a wedding reception or a party, pull one end, open the top button and let both ends drape down either side of the collar. It signals that the formal part of the evening is over without anyone needing to take off a tie.
It looks best with a crisp collar and a band that sits flat, so set the adjustable band before you tie the bow.
Mens Self Tie Bow Ties for Black Tie, White Tie and Parties
For black tie, choose black, tied neatly and matched to the lapel finish of your tuxedo; our tuxedo bow ties cover the classic options. White tie calls for white, worn with a wing collar shirt and tailcoat, as it was at the grandest 1920s dinners.
Gatsby parties are more forgiving. A satin-finish bow in burgundy, champagne or a gold color looks right with a cream jacket, and a bright untied color works well with bow tie and suspenders set styling. For the rest of the outfit, browse 1920s mens fashion.
Self-Tie Bow Tie FAQ
Are these bow ties hard to tie?
Not really. The knot is close to tying a shoelace around your neck; most people get a neat result after a few practice runs.
How do I adjust the neck band?
Each one has an adjustable band, so set the length before tying. Measure around your shirt collar and slide the band to match that number.
What are these bow ties made of?
The solid styles have a smooth satin-finish polyester look, and the floral prints use a matte cotton-look fabric.
Can I leave the bow tie untied?
Yes. Leaving it draped open around the collar is a classic end-of-the-evening look, and only a self-tie version can do it.
Which color should I wear to a black tie event?
Black is the safe, traditional choice for black tie. Save white for white tie dress codes and colors or prints for weddings and themed parties.
Is a self-tie bow tie more formal than a pre-tied one?
Traditionally, yes. Formal dress codes assume a hand-tied bow, and the slightly irregular knot shows that it is the real thing.
