How to Tie a Regular Tie Into a Bow Tie

The bow tie is sported by gentlemen around the world. The bow tie accents the gentleman's neck and makes a suit look more formal. It may seem surprising, but you can use a regular tie to tie a bow tie.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Drape your tie around the back of your neck with both ends hanging over your collarbones. One end should hang longer than the other. If you are right-handed, the longer end should be hanging over your left collar bone. Reverse that if you are left-handed.

2. Cross the longer end of the tie over the shorter end and pull it underneath and through the middle of the hole, much like the first step of tying a shoe. Do not pull tightly; just let it hang loose, but make sure it will not slip out.

3. Fold the shorter end down its own length and hold it horizontally so it can touch each of your collar bones. Then pull the longer end over it and tie it gently. This will make half of the bow.

4. Repeat Step 3 to make the other half of the bow. Fold the longer end over its length and hold it gently. Do not tug on it, or you might pull the bow out.

5. Tuck the folded end into the loop behind the squared shorter end. When you tie the longer end over the first folded end in Step 3, it will make a loop in the back. Tuck the longer folded end into this loop. Then pull both sides very gently to tie the knot.

6. Look in a mirror to make sure your bow tie is tied straight. Adjust it slightly by yanking on whichever end needs to be straightened.

Resources

• Watch a video demonstration on tying a bow tie
• View a diagram of tying a bow tie