Description

A modern bow tie is tied using acommonshoelace knot, which is also called the bow knot for thatreason.It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar ofa shirtin a symmetrical manner so that the two opposite endsformloops.
There are generally three types of bow ties: the pre-tied, theclipon, and the self tie.[1] Pre-tied bow ties are ties in whichthedistinctive bow is sewn onto a band that goes around the neckandclips to secure. Some "clip-ons" dispense with the bandaltogether,instead clipping straight to the collar. The traditionalbow tie,consisting of a strip of cloth which the wearer has to tieby hand,is also known as a "self-tie," "tie-it-yourself," or"freestyle"bow tie.
Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are madefromsilk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. Somefabrics(e.g., wool or velvet) are much less common for bow tiesthan forordinary four-in-hand neckties.
Shown below on the right is one style of ready-tied bow tie;thereis also a clip-on that does not go around the neck but clipsto thecollar points. Wearing a ready-tied bow tie at formaloccasionsrequiring a black or white tie dress code is usuallyconsidered afaux pas, though at occasions such as Schools Leavers'Proms orones at which the participants are unlikely to have hadmuchexperience wearing bow ties it may be commonplace. If choosingaself-tie/tie-it-yourself/freestyle bow tie, there are usuallytwoshapes available: the "bat wing," which is parallel-sided likeacricket bat, and the "thistle," also known as the "butterfly."Anexample of each can also be seen below. Which is worn is amatterof personal preference. Some other shapes do exist; forinstance,the Diamond Point, with pointed tips at both ends. This isadouble-ended type, with both ends shaped, though occasionally,tiesare tied in the single-ended type, in which only one end flaresoutto give the batwing or thistle shape, and the other remainsthin.To tie one of these requires careful consideration, to ensurethebroader end finishes in front of the thinner one.