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How to tie a bow tie & fold a pocket square

A bow tie and a pocket square are two essential accessories for special occasions that every man should have in his wardrobe. You can add them to your outfit to look even more stylish. A bow tie is also a fantastic alternative to a tie. You can wear one to make your outfit stand out for a smart casual occasion or as the icing on the cake for black-tie events. In this article we'll show you step by step how to tie a bow tie, fold a pocket square and put together a stylish outfit.

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Contents

Step-by-step guide on how to tie a bow tie

In just a few simple steps you will be able to tie a bow tie. However, make sure to practice a couple of times at the beginning to make sure that you get the hang of it. Below we have put together a step-by-step guide on how to tie a bow tie:

  1. Start by folding up your shirt collar and putting the bow tie loosely around your neck. One end should hang a few centimetres lower so that you can make a smart bow at the end.

  2. Next, cross the longer end of the bow tie over the shorter one. The point where both ends overlap should be as close to your neck as possible but should not feel too tight.

  3. Keep hold of the point where both ends are crossed over with your thumb and index finger. Now, bring the longer end underneath with your other hand and place it on your shoulder.

  4. Take the shorter end and fold it into a typical bow tie shape.

  5. Hold the folded front side of your bow tie firmly and then place the longer end over it from top to bottom.

  6. Pull the longer end back over the middle of the front side. The resulting loop should remain loosely open at this point.

  7. Pass the longer end through the loose loop and then carefully pull the loop tight.

  8. If your bow is still a little misshapen, you can now carefully adjust it. To do this, carefully pull on the ends until it sits neatly and symmetrically. Now, all you have to do is fold down your shirt collar.

How to tie a pre-tied bow tie

Pre-tied bow ties with a hook closure are a practical alternative to bow ties that you need to tie yourself. They offer you a quick and easy way to create an elegant outfit and are therefore also a good choice for beginners.

In general, you don’t need to tie bow ties that are already pre-tied. You will only need to adjust the size. Pre-tied bow ties usually have a T-shaped hook and different slots, which you can use to adjust the size. Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to attach a pre-tied bow tie:

  1. Start off by folding up your shirt collar. Place the bow tie around your neck. The fastener should be facing forwards.

  2. Now, adjust the size of your pre-tied bow tie by inserting the T-shaped hook into the slot that feels most comfortable.

  3. Check how the bow tie fits. It should not hang down too loosely or feel too tight.

  4. To finish, all you have to do is close the two fastening hooks. Fold down your shirt collar and adjust your bow tie.

How to fold a pocket square

To add the finishing touch to your outfit, you can combine a pocket square with a tie or bow tie. A pocket square will add a certain je ne sais quoi to both casual and smart outfits. Pocket squares are also the perfect accessory to finish off your outfit for a formal occasion. There are various ways to fold a pocket square. However, with the following two simple methods below, you'll be ready for both everyday work and formal occasions.

Below we will explain step by step how to fold a pocket square in just a few simple steps.

How to fold a pocket square: a presidential fold

A presidential fold is the simplest way to fold a pocket square. This classic style is suitable for smart outfits, but also for smart casual occasions.

Method:

  1. Start off by putting the pocket square in front of you.

  2. Next, fold the right side over to meet the left, which should make a vertical rectangle.

  3. Now, fold your pocket square again from the top down to just above the bottom.

  4. Place the lower end of the rectangle just far enough upwards to leave a small gap from the upper edge. This part should not stick out of your breast pocket after you have put it in your pocket.

How to fold a pocket square: a one-point fold

A one-point fold is also a timeless classic. This is the perfect choice for formal occasions such as weddings.

Method:

  1. Start off by putting the pocket square in front of you at a 45° angle.

  2. Next, fold the lower end upwards and place it on top of the upper end. This creates an isosceles triangle.

  3. Now, fold the left and right sides of the triangle inwards along the lower folded edge. Your pocket square should now look like an open envelope.

  4. Tuck the pocket square into your breast pocket so that only the tip of the triangle is visible.

Tip

If you prefer something a bit more quirky, you could try a two-point fold. The first step is to fold the lower end slightly diagonally over the upper end. This will create two points. To finish, follow the other steps listed above on how to do a one-point fold.

FAQs on how to style bow ties and pocket squares

When choosing what accessories to wear, you should think about what you are going to wear for the occasion, but it is also important to find something that matches your own personal style. For an important business meeting, a combination of tie and pocket square may be suitable, whereas a bow tie is essential for a black-tie event. Below you will find answers to the most important questions about styling a bow tie and pocket square:

When should you wear a bow tie?

In general, you should wear a tie for work or for business meetings and important events. For special occasions such as weddings and events with a strict dress code, a bow tie may be the right choice. If the dress code on the invitation is black tie or even white tie, a bow tie is mandatory in order to be dressed appropriately. You can also wear a bow tie as a trendy accessory for everyday outfits.

What type of shirt should you wear with a bow tie?

To make sure that your bow tie stands out, you should opt for shirts with narrower collars. These include shirts with a Kent collar or button-down shirts. Wider collars such as on cutaway collar shirts can draw the attention away from your bow tie. For a particularly elegant look, you can also opt for a notched collar. This modern form of a mandarin collar is worn on formal occasions with a tailcoat or dinner jacket.

How to match a bow tie with your outfit?

When choosing your bow tie, it's up to you whether you want to stand out and add a splash of colour or complete your smart look with a bow tie. For an understated look, you can combine dark suits with bow ties in dark colours such as black, navy blue or claret. If you want to create a contrast and brighten up your outfit, light coloured bow ties in light blue, rosé or champagne are a great choice. It is important that you choose the right colour so that your bow tie matches your outfit. The combination of patterns and colours should never appear too busy. Generally, you can combine patterned bow ties wonderfully with plain coloured suits and vice versa.

How do you style a pocket square?

First choose the tie or bow tie for your outfit before you decide on a matching pocket square. Your pocket square should match your suit and any other accessories you are going to wear. It is therefore advisable to choose a pocket square with the same or similar colours and patterns of your chosen tie or bow tie. A perfect match is not necessary, as this can quickly make the outfit look quite dull. Contrasting colours are also possible, for example, a red pocket square with a dark blue suit. However, it is important to not combine too many different colours and patterns. You can emphasise a brightly patterned tie or bow tie with a plain pocket square in a similar tone and vice versa.

Conclusion: folding pocket squares and tying bow ties made easy

For formal occasions a bow tie is a perfect alternative to a tie and can add an elegant touch to even the simplest of outfits. However, bow ties and pocket squares are also becoming increasingly popular for everyday looks, as they give your outfits an extra touch of elegance. Patterned bow ties with a plain suit are a great choice if you would like your suit to stand out. Pocket squares, on the other hand, can be worn on their own or combined with a tie or bow tie to round off a smart outfit or to add a certain je ne sais quoi to your casual style. Combining different accessories sometimes requires a bit of flair, but it also allows you to express your personal style.

Bow ties and ties for every occasion

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