Close up of well dressed man's torso. Guy wearing jacket, shirt and colorful handkerchief and bow tie

Introduction

There are three main types of bow ties – the Windsor, the Half Windsor, and the Four Inch Bow Tie. Each has its unique look and function, so it’s important to know what kind of bow tie will look best on you. This article will walk you through each type and show you how to put them on.

Bow Tie Knot Formation

There are three bow tie knots: the Windsor, the half Windsor, and the four-in-hand.

The Windsor knot is the most popular and is formed by wrapping the bow tie around your index finger twice, then pulling tight.

The half Windsor knot is formed by tying a Windsor knot around your index and middle fingers, then pulling both strings tight.

The four-in-hand knot is tied by taking the string between your thumb and first two fingers, then wrapping it around the thumb once. Lastly, tie a loop in the ends of the string and pull them tight.

Bow Tie Usage

There are three famous bow tie and vest combo types: the Windsor, the half Windsor, and the Four-in-Hand. They all have their unique style and use. Here’s a look at each:

The Windsor is the most common type of bow tie, and it’s made up of two pieces of fabric that cross in the middle. The left side is usually more comprehensive than the right side, and the two sides are tied together at the center by a thin thread. The Windsor is best used with a formal outfit, like a suit or a tuxedo.

The half Windsor is similar to the Windsor, but it has one less piece of fabric. The left side is usually more comprehensive than the right side, and the two sides are tied together at the center by a thin thread hanging from one side to the other. The half Windsor is best used with a casual outfit, like a dress or an open shirt.

The Four-in-Hand comprises four pieces of fabric that cross in the middle. The left side is usually more expansive than the right side, and the four pieces are tied together at the center by a thin thread. The Four-in-Hand is best used for casual outfits

Bow Tie Maintenance

There are three types of bow ties- the wide band, the narrow band, and the polka dot.

The wide band bow tie is the most popular type and comprises two parts- a band and a knot. To put it on, tie the band around your neck and tuck it in behind your collar. Make sure the knot is level with your collar, and tie it in a tight knot.

The narrow band bow tie is similar to the wide band but has a shorter band. To wear it, tie it in a simple knot at the base of your neck.

The polka dot bow tie is all about pattern and variation. To wear it, tie it in a standard knot at the base of your neck. But instead of tying it in a loop like a normal bowtie, make small circles with each end of the tie.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to up your formal dressing game, you need to know about the different types of champagne bow ties. The three most common are Windsor, Half-Windsor, and Bow Tie. Each has its unique look and function that can elevate any outfit. If you’re ever feeling lost or unsure about what tie to wear, consult one of these experts for guidance!