How to Tie a Perfect Bow Tie

Tying a perfect bow tie doesn't have to be complicated and difficult. With these instructions and a little practice, you can graduate to a new level of elegance with your own hand-tied bow tie.

You may wish to print these instructions for future reference.

	Step 1 Start with the tie around your neck, with one end about one and a half inches longer than the other. Cross the long end over the short end and pull it through the center. Keep this snug against your neck.
	Step 2 Form a single loop with the short end, centering it where the knot will be. Make sure the end of the loop is the widest part, to ensure your bow will have the proper shape.
	Step 3 Bring the long end over the looped short end. Now you can begin to see how the bow will take shape.
	Step 4 Form a loop with the long end, again making sure the end of the loop is the widest part. Push this loop through the knot behind the previous (front) loop.
	Step 5 Tighten the knot by pulling on the loops and adjust the ends carefully. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Watch a video demonstration