Necktie vs Bow Tie : Your Guide To Choosing The Right One
Wearing a suit to a formal setting isn’t complete without the appropriate neckwear. Often, looking at your outfit can influence your choice, as the garments you wear dictate selecting a necktie or bow tie.
Choosing between a necktie or bow tie can seem like a dilemma at first, but worry not! We have broken down the key differences and prepared a style guide to help you get ready—hassle-free! Let's dive in.
Firstly, what are the apparent differences between neckties and bow ties?
In this blog
NECKTIE
Evolution & Cultural Influence
A necktie is a long and narrow piece of fabric that is knotted at the throat and often hangs down the chest. It comes in many variants such as the ascot, cravat, zipper tie, and knit tie. The early tie dates back to Croatian mercenaries wearing knotted neckerchiefs that piqued the interest of Parisians, eventually gaining the name Cravate in french.
Thereafter, it spread around Europe and was adorned by men and women alike as it sparked a fashion trend among the masses.
Necktie widths have experienced an evolution throughout fashion history. Wide ties were all the rage during the 1940s to 1970s. Meanwhile, skinny ties gained popularity during the early 1960s, thanks to British bands like the Beatles, and because fashion at the time became more form-fitting and tailored. During the 2000s, the skinny tie has experienced a resurgence and influenced modern trends as they give a more contemporary, youthful appeal.
Versatility
Neckties are considered classic and traditional. Some may even say that they’re easier to put on because the average man is more familiar with ties than bow ties, despite there being a need to follow a tutorial on how to tie a knot for the first time. With a variety of ways to tie a necktie, unfortunately, none of them are truly beginner-friendly. That said, it’s worth noting that most men already own a selection of ties in their wardrobe, making them a straightforward and convenient choice.
Easier to coordinate with other accessories and adaptable to different styles and suits, neckties have what’s called a “slimming effect”: thanks to their design—narrow and long—they create somewhat of an optical illusion, making the wearer appear elongated and slimmer. This is perfect for men looking to pair neckties with slim-fit suits, as they work together to accentuate your figure.
As for which is more suited for professional settings such as business meetings and interviews, that spot is solely reserved for the classic necktie: a versatile piece of accessory that pairs well with any type of shirt and suit, and a great way to give life to an old outfit or suit.
Types of Necktie Knots
Another worthy note about ties is that each knot style is reserved for a specific occasion and setting.
For example, the Windsor knot is wide, symmetrical and radiates power, making it ideal for business and professional settings. The Half-Windsor by name tends to be slightly smaller than the Windsor knot, but is still seen as professional. On the other hand, a knot like the Four-In-Hand is asymmetrical and is considered best suited for daily wear.
BOW TIE
Evolution & Cultural Influence
The cravat had evolved into more structured forms during the 18th and 19th centuries. By the mid-19th century, the bow tie came out as a distinct style and gained popularity among upper-class society and academics. Soon after, it became predominant in formal dress codes, academic settings, and high-society gatherings.
During the 19th century, bow ties were associated with evening wear such as black-tie and white-tie events. In the 20th century, they became associated with academics and intellectuals alike, such as professors, doctors, and even politicians. Meanwhile in our modern era, the bow tie kept its formalwear staple reputation while also evolving into a fashion statement in some creative industries, embraced by artists, indie musicians, and fashion designers.
Formality
The bow tie is the most formal type of neckwear; this is why they’re typically worn with dress shirts and reserved for tuxedos. That’s not to say that you cannot get away with pairing a necktie and tuxedo together, but some formal dress codes (black tie and white tie) specifically call for a tuxedo and bow tie.
A bow tie is a great way to showcase your personality, especially if you choose a funky pattern or radiant colour. A statement bow tie that complements your personal style is set to make you stand out from the crowd and make for a lasting impression.
Bow Tie Types
In terms of use, bow ties are by far less complicated and time-consuming than neckties. Ranging from a pre-tied bow tie with an adjustable belt to a self-tied tie, which requires manual typing (and is seen as more sophisticated in a formal look), these design variations offer options for convenient dressing and craftsmanship.
Which neckwear is quicker to wear, a necktie or bow tie? It's easily bow ties. They also require less adjustment throughout the day. Their compact design also ensures they stay neatly in place, making them a practical yet elegant choice for those who want to make an impact with minimal effort.
Wrinkle Resistance
Both neckties and bow ties can get wrinkled, but neckties tend to show creases more easily. Since they’re longer and more prominent, any wrinkles become much more noticeable. If keeping your ties crisp and wrinkle-free feels like a constant battle, a bow tie might be the way to go. Unlike neckties, bow ties hold their shape well, so you can wear them multiple times without worrying about ironing or pressing them.
Bow Ties in Modern Fashion
As for their influence on fashion trends and even music, we see that they have made their mark in hipster, alternative, and indie scenes. Bow ties have also witnessed a revival in men’s fashion due to designers incorporating them into recent runway shows, street styles, and wedding trends.
While bow ties remain a classic pairing for stricter formal dress code events, there was a shift from formal to playful, colourful patterned bow ties, making them a versatile finishing piece in high fashion and casualwear.
Necktie or Bow Tie: When to Wear Each
By now you might have questions like, “Should I wear a necktie or bow tie to a wedding?” “How about a necktie or bow tie with a vest?” “When is it appropriate to wear a necktie or bow tie?” We’ll break down the occasions where you’re expected to stun in a fancy bow tie and where you could wear a regular tie or cravat to complete your outfit.
Occasions That Call for a Necktie
Kicking it off ties, their inherently versatile and reserved nature makes them perfect for the following occasions and settings:
- Business and Corporate Settings: Whether you’re lined up for a job interview or working at an office job that has a strict business formal dress code, dressing sharply is essential—and even a sign of respect. This is especially true in fields like government, law, and finance, where professionalism is key.
- Semi-Formal and Business Casual Events: If the setting has a little bit more leniency and the dress code is a blazer with chinos or dress trousers, you can experiment with your necktie and go for a knit or textured tie.
- Weddings: If the dress code calls for something less formal than a black tie or white tie, you can get away with wearing a necktie that matches the wedding theme. It’s also worth noting that wearing anything too flashy is frowned upon, so keeping it simple is crucial in order not to draw attention away from the newlyweds.
- Religious Ceremonies: Whether you’re attending as a worshiper or as a guest, wearing a tie here is considered a sign of respect and reverence for the occasion and place of faith.
- Funerals: It’s a sign of respect to the deceased and their loved ones to look polished and put-together, so wearing a tie to a funeral is necessary. A black or a dark-coloured tie with a dark, muted suit is best for these sombre occasions.
- Formal Dinners and Special Occasions: A tie is a requirement for fine dining establishments. If you’re attending an anniversary dinner, a holiday gathering with family and friends, or celebrating a milestone birthday, it’s also expected to look and feel the part.
- Everyday Wear: You can pretty much wear a tie whenever you feel like it—not just exclusively with a suit. A plain shirt and tie set is one option. Other ways to wear a necktie casually are to consider bolder colours, textured fabrics, slim ties, and loosely tied styles. These work best with casual office days, date nights, or fashion-forward events.
- If You’re Wearing a Wool Suit: Whether you’re planning to wear a worsted wool or wool blend suit, the heavy textured fabric calls for formality and refinement. What’s better than a tie to bring it all together?
Occasions That Call for a Bow Tie
Bow ties are associated with strict formal events, but as we’ve covered earlier, they experienced a resurgence in recent years thanks to fashion designers and creative industries' love for them. That said, exactly when is it appropriate to wear a bow tie?
- Weddings: A bow tie is considered a fancier upgrade from a tie; this is why they’re a perfect, classic choice for formal weddings. The colour palette and pattern is up to you, though it’s best to have it match the wedding theme. For example, if you’re wearing a black tux, go for a matching bow tie, either in velvet, satin, or silk.
- Black-Tie Events and Formal Galas: Black-tie affairs strictly call for a tuxedo and a black bow tie. However, if you are keen on adding a touch of colour to your outfit, at some events, you could get away with wearing a burgundy bow tie. Always remember that the best bow tie to wear with a tuxedo would be one that matches the dinner jacket’s lapel. Satin lapel? Satin bow tie.
- White-Tie Events (Most Formal Dress Code): From royal banquets and state dinners to high-society balls, these events all strictly require a crisp white bow tie to complete the most formal outfit: tailcoat, waistcoat, and formal tuxedo shirt.
- Opera or Theatre: For opera or theatre, a bow tie is a must. It maintains the formal elegance of the event, while a regular tie would look too casual. A crisp black bow tie completes the tuxedo, ensuring you stay sharp and in line with tradition.
- Cocktail Parties: Despite cocktail parties being less formal than black-tie affairs, they still call for a sleek and refined look. Finishing off with a bow tie can be just the right stylish choice your outfit requires.
- Creative Artistic Professions: An ideal way to showcase some personality and a popular choice among the creative industries. If you’re an artist, fashion designer, or work in any of the creative fields, bow ties are the perfect statement piece for you.
- Themed Parties and Casual Occasions: A fun way to show off your personality is to wear a bow tie to casual occasions, whether it be a costume party, a holiday party or retro-themed events.
- Academic and Intellectual Settings: Bow ties are mostly popular among doctors, professors, scientists, and especially lab technicians, as traditional neckties can create a safety hazard. Bow ties offer a practical solution while combining classic charm and style.
- If You’re Wearing a Pleated Shirt: A pleated tuxedo shirt bib is always worn with a tuxedo, and some may feature black studs. Wearing a regular tie won't work in this case, as it would cover the pleats and black studs (if your shirt has them). This is why bow ties are the best choice for this type of shirt. For a detailed guide, check out How to Wear a Bow Tie with a Tuxedo Shirt.
When Should You Avoid Wearing a Necktie or Bow Tie?
Picking between a necktie or bow tie can feel like a challenge sometimes. Here are a few common questions to help you figure out when a necktie or bow tie just isn’t the right choice:
Can I wear a tie with a tuxedo?
Is it okay to wear a bow tie to an interview?
Bow ties are bold and fun, but they may not always be the safest bet for a job interview—especially in more conservative fields like finance or law.
In these settings, a necktie is generally the way to go, as it tends to feel more professional and understated. That said, if you're interviewing in a creative field—think fashion, media, or the arts—a well-chosen bow tie could make a stylish statement that shows off your personality. Just keep in mind the company culture and the role you're applying for before making the choice.
Other Times You Might Skip a Necktie or Bow Tie
- Casual Days: For a laid-back weekend or a casual dinner, neckwear can be overkill. If you do want to add something, maybe go for a simple knit tie or skip the tie entirely for a more relaxed look.
- Hot Weather: When it’s boiling outside, neckwear can feel like the last thing you want to deal with. If you have to wear a tie for a formal occasion, try to stick to light fabrics like cotton or linen—or, if it’s truly blazing hot, you might want to skip it altogether.
- Physical Jobs: If you work in an environment where you’re moving around a lot or around machinery, neckwear can become a safety hazard. In these situations, it’s best to leave your tie or bow tie at home.
The Finishing Touch
A necktie or bow tie are more than just accessories; they’re a statement—and often an extension of your personality. They convey respect for the occasion as well as those around you. Therefore, choosing the right one is essential and ensures you stand out for all the right reasons.
Looking for the perfect necktie or bow tie to complete your look? Look no further than our extensive men’s accessories collection. From neckwear sets to cufflinks and belts—you name it, we have it.
