When attending a black-tie event, such as a wedding, many men dread the moment when they have to decide between a tie or bow tie to complete their dapper look. Ultimately they both will make you look dressed up, but one will always reign supreme over the other.
Which accessory is that you might ask? The bow tie. There is just a certain je ne sais quoi with how the best bow tie can take a simple suit or traditional tuxedo and elevate it to be one of the best fits of the night.
Bow ties — or some iteration of the neck dressing — are one of the oldest forms of neckwear, dating back to as early as the 1600s. They were once used as an ornate necktie, as Croatian mercenaries would use pieces of fabric to decorate their neck and close their white dress shirts. Of course, as time went on, the bow tie lost any other function other than to finish off a formal look. That’s why today, the best bow ties are used to finish off an already handsome outfit.
The Best Bow Tie Styles
What makes the accessory more appealing than a tie is that it’s not subject to just one style. There are a few different styles of bow ties:
- Butterfly: Called the butterfly style because it resembles butterfly wings.
- Batwing: This style allows for a bigger knot.
- Pointed-end: A less popular style is a diamond shape resulting in a narrow bow.
- Asymmetrical: This style has two different ends — it’s rare.
- Single-end: This old formal style creates a slimmer bow tie and is actually considered by most to be easier to tie than a standard bow tie.
Now, we’re aware of how complicated it can be to tie a bow tie. All it takes is a little self-practice or watch a 10-minute visit to youtube, and you’ll be a pro in no time — or at least you can tell people you are. Or you can avoid the tying process and go for a pre-tied bow tie.
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The bow tie comes in many different prints, colors, and fabrics which can cause them to vary in price. And like most things, the higher the product, the better the quality. So keep that in mind when buying your neck accessory. Regardless of what your budget might be, here are the best bow ties for men to buy now that’ll elevate their black-tie outfits.
1. Turnbull & Asser Black Silk Bow Tie
BEST OVERALL
This Turnbull & Asser bow tie is a classic black silk bow tie from a classic British brand. The luxury accessory is hand-sewn by artisans in Kent using a Suffolk woven technique that dates back to the 1870s. It is a self-tie bow tie, so you better start touching up on your knot-tying skills.
2. Del Toro Navy Satin Bow Tie
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking to steer away from the traditional black-tie look but still want a classic vibe, go with this navy satin bow tie. The neckwear accessory is available in self-tie and pretied versions, and it will give you that hint of color you’re looking for to stand out amongst the crowd. You can even get it personalized with your initials for a bonus.
3. Herringbone Vow Burgundy Bow Tie
BEST COLOR
A burgundy bow tie is a tasteful color choice. This 100% silk bow tie stands out well against a white dress shirt, and it quickly elevates your suit or tuxedo. Not to mention, the bow ties are reasonably priced and come in self-tied, pre-tied, and kids size as well. With The Tie Bar being so reasonably priced, it’s no surprise it’s a top choice for grooms and groomsmen.
4. PLATINUM HANGER Satin Bowtie
MOST AFFORDABLE
Not interested in paying the prices for a silk bow tie? This option from Amazon is about as close as you can get to the fabric. The black polyester satin is a super easy alternative to silk, and if black isn’t your color, there are 16 others to choose from. When added to a dapper suit, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.
5. Saint Laurent Velvet Bow Tie
BEST VELVET BOW TIE
When it comes to Saint Laurent, you can always count on them for delivering on a sumptuous velvet bow tie — yes, sumptuous. Pair this with an all velvet tuxedo or smoking jacket for your next formal cool-weather event.
6. Tom Ford Silk-Blend Jacquard Bow Tie
BEST DESIGN
For the guys who love going for accessories they won’t see on another guy at the party, may we suggest Tom Ford. We promise you this baby is an exclusive rare find that will go with just about anything. The bow tie is a cotton-and-silk blend with a honeycomb jacquard weave. Add this bow tie to an all-black monochrome look for a well-cohesive fit.
7. Cinabre Black Satin Batwing Bow Tie
BEST STYLE
In our opinion, the batwing bow tie has to be one of the most underrated bow ties. While trying to achieve that slim signature style can be difficult, Cinabre will save you some time by offering you a pre-tied option.
8. R. Hanauer Yellow Halstead Polka Dots Bow Tie
BEST BOLD BOW TIE
Are you a fashion risk-taker? If so, then we are confident that you can pull off this yellow polka dot bow tie. Available in more sizes and shapes than usual, this bold, bright yellow polka dot bow tie will be the perfect finishing touch to your navy blue or charcoal gray suit.