Are you making good use of bow ties, which are more visually appealing and allow you to express your personality more easily than regular ties?
"The most common occasion for wearing a bow tie is weddings, but recently they've become increasingly popular with casual everyday wear, such as pairing them with denim shirts," says Ikeuchi, a stylist specializing in dress shirts and ties on the 1st floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . Here are some Q&A about bow ties, which you'll want to make use of in December, when there are more occasions to dress up, such as year-end parties, Christmas parties, and class reunions.

Expand your wardrobe with a bow tie that can be a conversation starter.

The bow tie style allows you to show respect to others even in the relaxed atmosphere of a resort wedding or garden party. Above all, it conveys an air of "enjoying wearing the V-zone," which can be a conversation starter with people you meet for the first time.

"We've noticed a growing interest in bow ties in wedding attire, both for grooms changing outfits and for guests' attire. While there are strict rules for formal wear, bow ties are a great choice for less formal parties and gatherings. Choosing a darker color will prevent it from looking too cute and make it easy to wear even on a regular basis," Ikeuchi recommends.

Q1. What types of bow ties are there?

A

Bow ties come in two types: "self-tie" ties, which you tie yourself, and "pre-tie" ties, which are pre-shaped and fastened with a clasp around the neck. Self-tie ties are for advanced users and require practice to tie neatly, but their appeal lies in the ability to adjust the size and other aspects of the tie, giving a sophisticated look.

The pre-adjustable bow tie, which can be fitted to your neck length, is currently the mainstream style and is easy to wear as it only requires fastening a hook. It is also popular with people who worry that a hand-tied knot might come undone.

Q2. What shapes do bow ties come in?

A

Bow ties can be broadly divided into three shapes. The "butterfly" is the most orthodox, formal, and widest style. Its size makes it difficult to balance, but that's precisely what makes it so appealing—it has a strong impact and makes a statement. If you prioritize tradition, start with the butterfly.

A "semi-butterfly" bow tie is slightly smaller than a butterfly bow tie. It's the most common shape and size in stores, and it's easy to style, making it a great choice for bow tie beginners. With its just-right size and wide variety of colors and patterns, you can enjoy a casual look that isn't too formal.

"Pointed" shoes have a unique asymmetrical design with a pointed, sword-like tip. Also known as diamond-tip shoes, they are perfect for glamorous party occasions.

Furthermore, the straight-end (or batwing) style, with its stylish bat-wing-like shape, is often slim-fitting and is popular among those who want a fashionable look.

Q3. How do I choose the right size bow tie?

A

Choosing the right size bow tie is all about balance. One guideline is to measure the width of the outer corners of your eyes downwards and make sure it aligns with the ends of the bow tie's knot. Also, consider how it looks on your body, so try on different sizes in-store.

Q4. How do I choose a bow tie for a formal occasion?

A

For the most formal and high-pressure situations, plain black is a sure bet. Silver and white are also popular choices. For casual wear, blue, pink, or pastel colors will help your personality shine through.

While silk satin is considered formal, velvet and cotton also give a more elegant impression. Tying a bow tie that suits the season—wool in autumn and winter, and linen in spring and summer—shows thoughtfulness towards the other person.

Q5. How do I coordinate a bow tie with a suit or shirt?

A

For formal occasions, a dark suit with a white shirt is the standard. While it's often said that "wing collar shirts are for formal occasions," recently, this rule has been broken, and it's become common to wear shirts with wide or semi-wide collars paired with a bow tie. For casual parties like after-parties, a colored shirt is also acceptable.

While the idea of "tying a bow tie" might seem formal, please feel free to wear one not only at weddings and parties, but also at business receptions, operas, classical concerts, Kabuki performances, and other casual occasions.