How to Tie a Bow Tie

Tie a classic self-tie bow tie in a few steps — it's the same knot as tying your shoes.

1. Set the starting length

   Drape the tie around your collar with one end hanging about 1.5 to 2 inches longer than the other. Call the long end A and the short end B.

2. Cross and loop the long end

   Cross A over B, then bring A up and behind the cross and through the loop at your neck, creating a simple half-knot. Let A hang down out of the way for now.

3. Form the front bow with the short end

   Fold end B horizontally to make the front loop of the bow, holding it flat against your collar at the center where the knot will sit.

4. Drop the long end over and tuck it through

   Bring A straight down over the center of the folded bow, then fold A back on itself and push it through the small loop behind the bow (the gap behind end B).

5. Tighten and adjust

   Gently pull the folded ends and tug the loops to balance both sides. It should look slightly imperfect — a perfectly symmetrical bow usually means it's a clip-on. Straighten until even.