No matter how laid back or informal you may be, there will come a day when you will have to make the infamous decision – tie vs bow tie.
Whether it’s for your wedding, a work event, an award ceremony, or something else you will need to choose what kind of tie to wear to a formal event. If you’ve never done it before or if you’ve made a faux pas in the past, you may be nervous to make the choice now.
Have no fear! This is the ultimate guide on how to wear a tie and choose the right one.
When to Wear a Bow Tie
The general rule for wearing a bow tie is that you definitely should wear one if you’re attending a formal event. This may come as a surprise for anyone who associates the bow tie with goofy, nerdy, or hipster looks. While they may have become a casual look in modern culture, any bow tie fashion guide will tell you that they were initially for the most formal events.
Bow Ties With Tuxedos
Suit fashion practically demands that you wear a bow tie if you choose to wear a tuxedo. Think back to weddings you’ve attended. If they’ve been formal enough to warrant the groom and groomsmen wearing tuxedos, they were likely wearing bowties too.
Celebrities on red carpets often choose to wear a bow tie with a tuxedo too unless they’re making some kind of bold fashion statement.
Don’t feel limited by the bow tie with a tuxedo look though. Formal bow ties don’t have to just be black. Adding a tasteful print, texture, or colored piping on the outer edge is encouraged
How to Wear a Casual Bow Tie
As mentioned before, the bow tie has become an option for casual wear too! The best way to do it is to lean into a vintage or hipster look. Forget the jacket or blazer and go with a button-up with rolled-up sleeves. Add suspenders and your favorite bowtie, and you’ll have a great look!
When to Wear a Tie
While the bow tie is great for formal or quirky looks, a tie is the easier and more classic choice for everyday wear, semiformal events, and of course the office. If you’re wondering what to wear with a classic blazer suit (not a tuxedo), a tie is likely the answer.
Formal Tie Looks
You can wear a normal tie with a tuxedo, but if you do make sure that it’s absolutely the nicest tie you own preferably in white, silver, or black. Even then, be prepared for the tie to dress down the formality of the look a little bit.
Wear a Tie With a Suit
If you aren’t wearing a tuxedo there are plenty of semi-formal options for a suit and tie that even verge on formal. We’re talking more about a cocktail hour than evening wear here, but there are plenty of ways to look sharp in a suit and tie.
You can experiment with different kinds of knots in your tie, different fabrics, and prints, and add other suit accessories. A vest added to your suit to make it three-piece instantly brings your style to another level of formality.
Tie Vs Bow Tie – It Depends on the Event
When it comes to the debate between tie vs bow tie, it really comes down to what event you’re attending and the level of formality you’d like to achieve. But remember that with some tweaks and personal style, you can make either work for any occasion.
Do you have more questions about men’s formal attire? Check out our Man section for more articles like this one.
