► Tying a Bow Tie
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See
Tying a Bow Tie for step-by-step instructions.
Tip: be sure your hands are clean when handling
the tie as the cotton will soil easily.
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Full-Dress Bow Tie
The white full-dress bow tie is made from
cotton piqué (marcella in the UK), the material of choice since the
1930s. It is considered
especially smart if the tie is of the same type of piqué as the
waistcoat and, if applicable, the shirtfront. The tie is traditionally semi-butterfly or batwing shaped as
described in Classic Black-Tie Neckwear.
It should go without saying that a self-tied
model is infinitely preferable to a factory-assembled version.
If pre-tied
neckwear is considered unrefined in a relatively informal office
environment then it can only be viewed as downright gauche in the
context of an ultra-formal society ball, royal state dinner or Nobel Prize
ceremony. White tie may be a
virtual uniform but it is a gentleman’s uniform and a gentleman
appreciates the human touch of a slightly irregular hand-tied knot
compared to the cold perfection of a pre-fabricated contraption.
Adjustable-length models are acceptable
although there is a sublime pleasure derived from donning a tie
custom sized to fit a man’s own neck and devoid of
clasps, hooks and extraneous material.
When tying the tie, keep in mind that formal bow ties are meant to be worn
outside the wings of the collar, not tucked behind them.
Finally, unless you are a waiter or a butler you
must never wear a black bow tie with a tailcoat.
Ever.
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The full-dress tie is unique in that it is made
of washable material.
Full-dress bow tie with detachable collar full-dress shirt.
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