How to Tie a Big Bow Tie (Step by Step)

Before you start

Fasten your collar and set the bow tie so the band sits flat against the collar band, not on top of the shirt. Adjust the strap so the band is snug but you can still slide a finger underneath.

• Stand in front of a mirror at chest height.
• Leave the right side roughly 3-4 cm longer than the left.
• Keep every fold flat — oversized bows show creases more than skinny ones.

The six steps

1. Drape the tie around your collar with one end longer than the other. 2. Cross the long end over the short end and pull it up through the neck loop. 3. Fold the short end horizontally into a flat bow shape, centred over your collar button. 4. Drop the long end straight down over the middle of that bow. 5. Fold the long end back on itself and push it through the loop behind the short-end bow. 6. Pull both folded ends outward — never the loose flaps — until the knot tightens.

Making an oversized bow sit right

Volume is the point of a big bow tie, so don't over-tighten. Pinch each wing near the knot and pull gently to even the width, then flatten the front layer with your thumb. If one side droops, the knot is loose: tug the opposite folded end a few millimetres.

Matching the handkerchief

With a patterned bow, fold the matching handkerchief into a simple flat presidential fold so the two pieces read as a set rather than competing. With a solid bow, a puff fold adds texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to learn to tie a big bow tie?

Most people get a clean bow within five or six attempts. Practise with the tie around your thigh first if the mirror is confusing you.

Should a big bow tie be wider than my face?

A good guide is that the bow should not extend past the outer edges of your collar points and should stay inside the width of your face.

Can a big bow tie be worn with a normal collar?

Yes. A spread or semi-spread collar frames a wide bow best; a narrow point collar makes the bow look larger by contrast.