Bow tie: useful tips for choosing

It is not known exactly when the first men's bow ties made from ribbons and other materials appeared. There are many interesting versions about this beautiful accessory. It is believed that at different periods of history it was worn throughout the world, but in the 19th century, butterflies were especially popular in Italy. And the French gave this tie its name.

Classic bow ties received their modern appearance and widespread popularity after Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Madama Butterfly” or “Cio-chio-san”. The audience appreciated the unusual accessories worn by the orchestra musicians. And from now on, millions of men in different parts of the world wear bowties under their suits.

What types of bow ties are there?

Most men have superficial ideas about this accessory. But in reality, this is not just a “bow” for a suit. The classification of butterflies is impressive: they can be tied in different ways, they have different shapes and sizes, and most importantly - a huge selection of colors and patterns. And you should learn more about the types of bow ties.

Let's start with the tying method. Based on this feature, all butterflies can be divided into three types:

Bow ties attached to the collar. They do not need to be tied, just fasten them to the collar of your shirt using a special fastener. Of course, this option is not the most suitable for an expensive tuxedo or an official reception. Although, in an informal setting, such butterflies are quite appropriate.
Pre-tied bow tie (with clasp). Like the clip-on one, it is completely ready to use. But it has a ribbon fastening and has a fixed or adjustable length. This option is ideal for young guys; such accessories can be worn with different clothes - from formal suits to vests.
A self-knit is a knotted bow tie, which is a flat, symmetrical ribbon. It looks decent, but it is difficult to tie, since you have to form a neat bow. It can be one-sided or two-sided, the second option is the “squeak” of fashion. For a stylish man, such an accessory is the right choice.

It’s good if you have several bow ties of the second and third types in your wardrobe. With the help of these accessories you will successfully complement both formal and business looks, as well as less formal looks.

Men's bow ties: how to wear, what to combine with

The main source of modern men's love for the unbuttoned top shirt button is the inability to choose accessories correctly, skillfully combine them, tie them beautifully and wear them elegantly. A closed collar, decorated with a stylish, perfectly chosen, slightly casually tied tie (or bow tie) makes the look neat, but not boring; energetic, but without vulgar sportiness; refined, but not sweet - in general, what a man with good taste should strive for.

Today we will narrow the topic of neck accessories and talk in detail about bow ties: what shapes there are, how to tie them, what items of clothing to combine with them, and where to buy a bow tie in Moscow.

Various shapes of bow ties

Having dealt with the main types of bow ties for men, let's talk about what shapes they come in. This parameter is determined by the “waist” (middle) and “wings” (edges) of the accessory. Here are the most common forms of butterflies, rightfully considered stylish:

Butterfly (classic butterfly) is a universal classic that is always in trend. Its “wing” width is 6.5 cm, and its “waist” is narrow, with a minimum number of folds.
Large Butterfly (large butterfly) - an accessory with a width of 8-8.5 cm, ideal for formal and special occasions, looks good on a wide neck.
Batwing (bat) is a small bow tie, the narrowest of all existing ones - only 4-4.5 cm, it has no “waist”. This is an accessory for special occasions.
Diamond point (diamond) is a cross between a classic butterfly and a bat. Half of the tie, when folded, is shaped like a diamond.
Rounded club (with rounded ends) is a non-standard accessory for meetings with friends, informal parties, corporate events, relaxing in a club and similar options.
Western (bow tie) is an elongated and sophisticated men's accessory that will be appreciated by aesthetes and creative people. It makes it easy to create a memorable image.
The Continental tie (another bow tie) is very similar in shape to the Western bow tie, but has its own characteristics. It is worn with different costumes.

Now you know what men's bow ties are called and you can no longer go wrong when choosing one or another option. Ideally, you need to have several variations of the accessory in your wardrobe in order to quickly prepare an image for both formal and informal events at the right time.

How and with what to wear a men's bow tie?

If an ordinary tie has long been nicknamed the “collar of civilization,” then a bow tie is a special thing. Both before and now, this accessory will tell a lot about the status, tastes and other characteristics of its owner. If an ordinary tie is an accessory for business people, then a bow tie is an invariable attribute of an aristocrat, a romantic and a dude.

These accessories are very different, and this is their main advantage. See what looks a bow tie you like can complement:

Black tuxedo. If you are going to an official reception or an important gala event, then a classic tuxedo will be complemented by a black bow tie.
White or light classic suit. A state reception, a state dinner or a wedding ceremony are occasions for an elegant suit and a white silk bow tie.
Bright butterfly with patterns or prints. Are you going to a party, corporate event or photo shoot with your loved one? Then experiment, there are no strict requirements for the accessory in this case.

What do we have in the bottom line? Surely, you don’t plan to pick up dozens of bow ties for yourself. But it’s worth having black and white options - it’s a classic. Colored butterflies will also come in handy - they will complement informal bows.

How to choose a bow tie for a shirt or suit - a few simple tips

with black butterflies - they will always look appropriate special events But with colored butterflies, not everything is so simple. Today we will tell you how not to make a mistake when choosing the color of a butterfly.

In fact, colored butterflies are appropriate in many situations , the main thing is to choose the right color . You can even wear a colored bow tie to the office and it will look appropriate.

And now a few examples with illustrations of how best to combine a bow tie and clothes:

Any colored bowtie will go well with a white shirt and blue jeans .

A colorful, bright butterfly goes well with a plain shirt in light colors and a dark jacket .

If you have butterflies with a small pattern or a regular plain one , then it will go well with a checkered or visible striped .

A simple solid color bowtie will look good with a colorful jacket . Also if you are wearing a checkered or striped shirt .

Solid wool bow ties look great with checkered shirts and vice versa .

Remember the most important point - if your bowtie is colorful, it needs to be balanced with a plain suit or shirt, or if your suit or shirt is colorful, balance it with a plain bowtie.

Source of the article: https://noho.by/blogs/style/kak-podobrat-babochku-k-rubashke-ili-kostyumu

What about shirts?

It is clear that you will not always wear a bow tie with a suit or tuxedo. Often this accessory looks good with shirts. Here are some bows that look especially good with men's bow tie shirts:

with a stand-up collar - classic butterfly;
with a butterfly collar - a large butterfly;
with a regular shirt - a bat.

In order for the shirt and accessory to complement each other, you need to select models with a collar, the edges of which are spread apart at a moderately obtuse or right angle. A shirt with a button-down collar can be combined with any bow tie, and options with special collars should be complemented only with silk black or white butterflies.

Options for what to wear with a bow tie

To make the butterfly look great, you should carefully choose a shirt. We recommend paying special attention to the shape of the collar. Shirts with edges separated at a moderately obtuse or right angle are best suited for wearing with a bow tie. A shark collar with an extremely wide opening with a butterfly will not look harmonious.

For wide collars, it is worth choosing a wider and more massive bow tie. The combination of this accessory with a button-down shirt, typical of the preppy style, looks good.

It is impossible not to mention the special type of stand-up collar (wing collar). It is combined with a tailcoat or tuxedo, so the presence of a bow tie is mandatory. Moreover, its color can be white or black, and the material is exclusively silk.

An image in which the butterfly does not look like the main accent, does not attract increased attention, but only laconically supports a small visible section of the shirt, the rest of which should be covered by a jacket, cardigan, vest, or sweater, looks balanced. Waiters wear a bow tie on their bare shirt.

Moreover, not every jacket will cope with the task of covering a shirt sufficiently, so a two-button jacket is not recommended for wearing with a bow tie. It leaves too much open space and the bowtie doesn't cover the button placket like a classic tie.

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A knitted (or other material) vest, double-breasted jacket, cardigan or sweater with at least three buttons will save the look and make it more sophisticated.

The butterfly will fit elegantly into a retro-style look or with a classic coat or woolen suit. In the English country style with its tweed jackets, caps, and plaid shirts, this accessory simply begs to be worn. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of showing off your impeccable dandy look.

The student preppy style is perfectly complemented by a bow tie. Put on bright trousers, a button-down shirt, a cardigan, a bow tie, and the look of an Ivy League representative is complete.

Remember the top layer

If you have already tried on looks with shirts and bow ties, then you understand well: just a shirt is not enough. An additional top layer is needed, which can be not only jackets, but also other types of men's clothing:

vests - knitted ones are especially good;
jackets – double-breasted will be just right;
Sweaters and cardigans are the solution for winter.

Remember about another win-win option - English country style. Its components are a good tweed jacket, a hat or cap, a checkered shirt and, of course, a beautiful bow tie.

And if you like to be the center of attention, then you will definitely appreciate the preppy style - when bright trousers and jackets are complemented with button-down shirts and bow ties with patterns and prints.

Current images of 2021

This year is distinguished by interesting and unusual fashion solutions in the selection of any men's accessories, including bow ties. Designers are introducing to the markets models made of wood, leather, knitted options, made in the form of chain mail, multi-layered and many others. Geometric patterns, floral patterns, and bright colors are very popular. Also, butterflies tied with some asymmetry and carelessness are becoming more and more popular. This season, models with diamond-shaped or rounded edges are taking the lead.

But the classic models have not lost their position; many stars, representatives of intellectual professions, businessmen and other men without fail replenish their wardrobes with them.

Men's bow ties can do a lot. This seemingly monotonous element can add elegance, romanticism, strength, brutality, and severity to an image. And this is, of course, one of the most noticeable details of the wardrobe, distinguishing its owner in any company.

How to tie a bow tie?

Here are simple step-by-step instructions:

Place the butterfly over yourself with the seams facing in and adjust the ends so that the right side is larger than the left. Let's call the left end A, the right end B.
Place end A over end B and form a crosshair, then pull end A to your neck, pass it under the collar, fold end B into an accordion, and place end A on top.
Try folding end B in the same way, pull folded end B into the resulting loop, stretch the butterfly by the edges and make them even.

Now you know how to wear a bow tie correctly. Practice a little at home in front of the mirror - and you will succeed quickly and effortlessly.

Summarizing

Have you received a lot of useful information about bow ties, but still doubt that such accessories will really be useful in your wardrobe? Then look where you will wear them at least a couple of times a year, even if you prefer an informal style of clothing:

For a wedding or formal event. Remember offhand how many friends you have seen wearing a bow tie at weddings? This wedding accessory is a trend that never loses its relevance. The groom's suit with a bow tie becomes more elegant and colorful, making it stand out among the guests.
To work or to a corporate event. Why do you need a reason to be stylish and original? If your office doesn’t have a dress code, feel free to create casual looks with bright accessories – men’s bow ties made of wood or leather.
On a date with a girl. An ordinary romantic walk or a marriage proposal - there are plenty of reasons to be remembered by your significant other. Your bow will be made up of little things. Create looks with a bow tie and receive admiration and gratitude from your beloved.

These situations are just the tip of the iceberg. Remember that there are other special events. For example, New Year or a friend’s birthday, meeting with classmates or celebrating a wedding anniversary in a restaurant. Choose bright bow ties for the New Year and other events - and you will always be the center of attention.