After many years of being out in public gatherings and following my last post, I have been asked – and emailed – with questions about my ‘trademark’ bow tie – and everyone wants to know if I prefer wear a“clip-on”, a “pre-knotted” tie or a hand-tied bow tie?
Well, my romance with neckwear goes way back (read TAKE A BOW, previously on this blog) to when I was a kid. Back then, I had a selection of bow ties which my father or my mother tied for me, but I also admit that I had the clip-on ones. No matter what, I had to wear a bow tie: to me it was a call to go out, to feel interesting, or to look different and dapper, perhaps. (I do not know for sure, I was just a kid!) But I do know that I loved my bow ties.
As you can probably tell, my choice is the hand-tied option.
Now, the process of tying the tie is very simple, yet daunting for some. Even if you have hours to get ready for a gathering that requires this accessory, you are always running, there is always something that gets in the way, always some activity which sidetracks your “getting ready” activity. So, my suggestion is to practice, and practice, until the process is one that is part of your protocol of getting ready. A man of distinction always take time to make sure his clothes are pressed ands clean, shoes are buffed and polished, all garments have their buttons on, and clothes are brushed and free of lint or dog hair. (In my case, with a pug at home, the little guy sheds so much hair, that a fur coat should be on it’s way in our house.)
So simply try and try and try until you are able to “Tie the Knot”.
Here is a step by step tutorial for tying your own bow tie, featuring model Mr. Drew Kenny.
Start with the left side in left hand extending 1-1/2″ below the end in your right hand.
The first step is actually to make sure that the bow tie is a look that you want to use – not many “dudes” out there decide to make a change to their daily wardrobe and use a bowtie for the office or to go out!
Cross the left (longer) end over the shorter side and pass up back through the loop.
Form the front loop of bow by doubling up the shorter end (hanging) and placing across the collar points.
Hold this front loop with your thumb and forefinger. Drop the long end down over the front.
Place your right forefinger, pointing up on bottom half of hanging part. Pass up behing front look and:
STEP SIX;
Poke resulting loop through knot behind front loop and make even ends tight, work it by loosing up and tighting up the loops…slowly and strongly at the same time.
Make the even ends tight, and work it by loosing up and tighting up the loops…slowly and strongly at the same time.
Slowly lower your collar wings and adjust bow tie to center of the peak.
You have learned a tradition: a neckwear piece tied by hand.
Simply add a saturated toned sweater, a cardigan or a simple vest in a soft material, and your looks will change to a sophisticated gent.
The use of layers will give you sophistication. A simple pocket square in the colors of your ensemble will address the “color” element and the “graphic” or “pattern” element that so many men are afraid to try.
A bit dapper? Yes, and why not? After all, your bow tie could be used for any occasion. There will be more examples when spring comes.
I found this very old tutorial via Bergdoff Goodman years ago and I kept the picture (for reference);
And in the world of video, I found this one:
“How to tie a Bow Tie – Fully Explained“….the most seen video about tying bow ties on YOU TUBE
(I believe the host’s British accent helps you to feel already “dapper”)
Here are some of my personal favorites in my own public appearances in terms of style, look, colors and proportions.
Now, some materials are easier to work with than others. Since I like a slick look, I tend to use heavy silk and cotton blends.
My style varies, from lots of graphics or patterns to the elegant and minimal monochrome.
Since I have a large neck and the size of my jacket is 44 Long, I have the tendency of using large bow ties to keep the proportions of my body on point. I would look a bit childish and inmmature if my bow tie was too small, so, I found a brand that carries large wings on their bowtie.
Here I am mixing similar patterns on the shirt, the bowtie and pocket square, the jacket blends all tones making the ensemble simply elegant.
Remember that the process is simple. Just learn how to tie the knot of your bow tie and the rest is up to you.
Later on this blog more about this look that makes any dude to look like an “ELEGANT DUDE”.
DISCLAIMER: All ideas, photography, styling and media on this blog photography, written or video are exclusive for the use of Oscar De las salas under www.whatwouldoscardo.com blog. Any use, copy, crop/paste action, or any similarity of this material is strictly prohibited unless authorized by http://www.whatwouldoscardo.com or by Author. All Copy Rights laws for internet or media use are applicable. If you want, need or require any of this material for any reason please contact my agent – Always in style – Oscar.)
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