Tying a bow-tie is ridiculously difficult!

insolentpup · Oct 29, 2010

Hi guys

Have been trying in and off for the past two weks or so to tie a bow tie - I just cant manage it! I have looked at what seems like every guide online, every video and article, including the blacktieguide one, but with no success and I have to have it sorted by Friday the 5th of November!

Everytime I try the dickie bow is way too loose, the band down the middle is far too thick, and it just looks ridiculous! It also loosens out and undoes itself if left there.

Any tips?

bengal-stripe · Oct 29, 2010

Have you adjusted the bow tie to the right length?

insolentpup · Oct 29, 2010

Yeah, my neck is 14" so I put it to 14.5"

JGloger · Oct 29, 2010

It took me a while at first as well. Honestly, I was almost ready to give up after about the 3rd or 4th youtube video when my girlfriend figured out what I was doing wrong

If you're able to have someone there with you it could help to have another perspective. Ideally someone who already knows how to tie a bow tie, but another person working on it might help regardless.

jddillard3 · Oct 29, 2010

The part that got me was "snap it shut." After that I got it no problem.

HEWSINATOR · Oct 29, 2010

It is literally like tying a shoe lace. If it is too loose, you just tighten it by pulling the flaps. Once you get it, it is pretty simple.

Doxe · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by jddillard3

The part that got me was "snap it shut." After that I got it no problem.

+1

Best video there is. I especially like the part about pushing the tie through the hole. That's the main trick.

MBreinin · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by jddillard3

The part that got me was "snap it shut." After that I got it no problem.

Yep, this one taught me too! It can be hard to learn, but once you do...it is not that hard.

Mike

TC (Houston) · Oct 29, 2010

This is the best written one I've seen.

http://www.greatbows.com/store/tyingguide.asp

imschatz · Oct 29, 2010

I find tying bow-ties easier then normal ties. Most likely because I don't wear ties often .. but not having to adjust the length makes tying a bowtie pretty easy.

Made in California · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by JGloger

It took me a while at first as well. Honestly, I was almost ready to give up after about the 3rd or 4th youtube video when my girlfriend figured out what I was doing wrong

If you're able to have someone there with you it could help to have another perspective. Ideally someone who already knows how to tie a bow tie, but another person working on it might help regardless.
For me I have noticed it helps to have someone blowing me while I look in the mirror and do it.

teddieriley · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Made in California

For me I have noticed it helps to have someone blowing me while I look in the mirror and do it.

Do you prefer that he kneels or squats while performing such act on you?

niidawg3 · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by jddillard3

The part that got me was "snap it shut." After that I got it no problem.

Originally Posted by Doxe

+1

Best video there is. I especially like the part about pushing the tie through the hole. That's the main trick.

Originally Posted by MBreinin

Yep, this one taught me too! It can be hard to learn, but once you do...it is not that hard.

Mike

I was hit and miss for a while till i watched that video too.

Looks like that is the silver bullet of bow-tie edification ... lol.

darchmaul · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by jddillard3

The part that got me was "snap it shut." After that I got it no problem.

This is what I came to post. Check the youtube.

Blackfyre · Oct 30, 2010

thats a good vid, and like someone else said, its like tying a shoe. when i show someone how to tie it, i do it first around my thigh. the thigh method helps some and others it doesnt. give it a try

Tying a bow-tie is ridiculously difficult!

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