How to Tie a Bow Tie | Step-by-Step Guide by General Knot & Co.
Step-by-Step Instructions
At General Knot & Co., we believe tying a bow tie should be easy, elegant, and enjoyable. Follow along with our short video tutorials and use the diagram below to practice at your own pace.
- Step 1: Drape the bow tie around your neck with one end longer.
- Step 2: Cross the longer end over the shorter and pull through to form a knot.
- Step 3: Fold the short end into a bow shape and hold in place.
- Step 4: Bring the long end down over the front and fold it back through the loop behind the bow.
- Step 5: Tighten and adjust both sides until balanced.
Need a visual reference? See the illustrated guide below:
The stop-motion version
Most bow tie videos have the same problem: the hands get in the way of the thing you are trying to watch. We made this one in stop-motion with our friends at One Upped so you can see the tie itself move, frame by frame, with nothing covering it.
Tips for a clean bow tie
A few small details separate a beginner's bow from a self-assured one. Symmetry first — the two ends of the bow should be roughly equal in length; if one looks longer, gently pull the long side back through the knot until they balance. Proportion next- the bow itself should sit about as wide as your collar, not extending past your jaw line.
Fabric matters too. Silk holds a crisper shape and reads more formal. Cotton bow ties have a softer, more relaxed look — fitting for daytime weddings, summer dinners, or anywhere a bit of texture is welcome. Both are correct; the choice is just about register.
One more piece of advice: practice in front of a mirror. The first attempt always looks lopsided. By the third or fourth, your hands will remember the moves.
When to wear a self-tied bow tie
The four-in-hand is your everyday default. A bow tie reads as deliberate — it tells the room you chose this. Tuxedo evenings are the obvious occasion, but a self-tied bow also belongs at black-tie weddings, formal dinners, holiday parties, and any moment that calls for a little extra. The fact that you tied it yourself, rather than relying on a clip-on, is part of the charm.
Common questions
Is it hard to tie a bow tie?
It is easier than it looks and harder than it sounds. The movements are the same as tying a shoelace, but you are doing them under your chin without being able to see clearly. Most people have it by the fourth attempt.
How do I know what size bow tie to buy?
Most self-tie bow ties are adjustable and fit a range of neck sizes. The width of the bow matters more than the neck band: it should sit about as wide as your collar and should not extend past your jaw.
Should a bow tie be perfectly symmetrical?
No. A self-tied bow is slightly uneven by nature, and that is how people can tell it is not a clip-on. Aim for balanced, not identical.
Silk or cotton?
Silk holds a crisper shape and reads more formal — the right choice for black tie. Cotton is softer and more textured, better for daytime weddings and summer evenings. Both are correct.
Can I wear a bow tie with a button-down collar?
Yes, and it is one of the better casual combinations. Button-down collars keep the bow sitting flat. Save the wing collar for black tie.
How do I store a bow tie?
Untie it and lay it flat or hang it. Leaving it tied sets creases into the fabric where the knot sat.
Pair it with the right bow tie
General Knot bow ties are designed in Bedford, NY. and hand-made in our local factory from selected specialty and contemporary textiles — printed patterns, hand-loomed cottons, classic black satin for formal evenings. Pick one that matches the formality of your event. For black-tie, solid black silk/cotton. For weddings and holiday parties, try a silk/cotton sateen for a rich color that shows up in photographs.
Ready to try your new skills? Explore our full collection of neckties and bow ties, or learn how to tie a four-in-hand knot.