Tying a bow tie is a little trickier than tying a necktie, but once you learn how to do it, it’s a breeze. When I was learning how to tie a bow tie a few years ago, I was disappointed with the illustrated how-to guides out there. So Ted Slampyak and I put our heads together to create the visual how-to guide on bow tying I wish I had had when I was learning. While we think it does a good job of showing how to tie a bow tie, it will still take some practice and trial and error before you get it down pat.
With this guide and a bit of practice, you’ll be rocking a bow tie just like my man, Charles Osgood. I love CBS Sunday Morning.
- Star with bow tie around neck, allowing the left end (end A) to be a little longer than the right (end B). Cross the left end over the right end.
- Take end A and tuck it up in the hole between your neck and the bow tie.
- Fold end B at widest part, holding it sideways. It should look bow-shaped.
- Drop end A over folded end. Fold end A up.
- The tricky part. Pass folded end A under and behind folded end B on your left and through the loop behind folded end B
- Tighten know by holding both folded ends and pulling carefully. Straighten as needed.
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Like this illustrated guide? Buy the poster!