- Bow ties come in three major types. Freestyle, or self-tie, bow ties are bands of fabric that the wearer must tie himself. Many fashion experts consider this to be the true bow tie. Pre-tied bow ties come with the bow already tied and have a narrow band of fabric that wraps around the collar and hooks in place. Clip-on bow ties come already tied as well but do not wrap around the neck. They instead have a metal clip that attaches to both sides of the collar.
- Most bow ties are made from silk or polyester and come in various widths, depending on the style. Very slimline bow ties or batwings have loops that are about even with the center knot, and only about 1 1/2 inches tall. Standard, or slimline, bow ties are the most common width, with loops that stick up slightly above and below the center knot. Standard bow ties are about 2 1/2 inches tall. Butterfly, or jumbo, bow ties measure about 3 1/2 inches tall, with loops that are significantly taller than the center knot.
- Freestyle and pre-tied bow ties generally come in standard sizes that fit neck widths of 15 1/2 to 17 1/2 inches. Many formalwear shops also offer custom bow tie sizes for smaller or larger measurements. Clip-on bow ties are generally one size fits all, since they clip to the collar rather than wrapping around the neck. Smaller bow ties are available in children's sizes for ringbearer attire and similar formalwear.
- Various types of neck ties and scarves have been worn throughout history for decoration, or the practical purpose of keeping the shirt collar closed. Bow ties derived from one method of tying such collar scarves and were popularized in the early 19th century by Beau Brummel, a noted fashion setter, and with the invention of the tuxedo in 1886. Bow ties often came in a variety of colors, with more subtle shades, such as black and white, being reserved for formal occasions.
- Many celebrities and fictional characters wear bow ties, from James Bond and Fred Astaire to the Cat in the Hat. Although bow ties are most commonly associated with formalwear, such as tuxedos and dinner jackets, more casual, colorful bow ties are popularly associated with certain professions, such as attorneys, physicians and professors, as well as "preppy" style clothing. Some military dress uniforms also incorporate a bow tie. Oversized and brightly striped or polka-dotted bow ties may also be worn by clowns or other comedians. Although men most commonly wear bow ties, women may also wear them as part of a costume or fashion statement, a trend begun by Chanel in the 1950s.
