Black Tie
Compulsory with a Tuxedo
A BLACK silk bow tie is non-negotiable with a Black Tie tuxedo. Wearing a tie with a tuxedo is a serious faux pas. Learn to tie it yourself.
Style guide · Atelier Mesure, Paris 7th
Made-to-Measure Bow Tie
The accessory for tuxedos and distinctive occasions. The made-to-measure bow tie combines tradition and personality with a touch of elegant boldness.
15 chapters5 rules6 min read
Introduction
The bow tie is COMPULSORY with a tuxedo for Black Tie events. But beyond the tuxedo, the bow tie is also a distinctive style choice with a suit, asserting a creative and cultivated personality. Architects, academics, physicians, artists - the bow tie is the accessory for professions that combine tradition and creativity. For the tuxedo, a black silk bow tie is mandatory. For weddings and creative occasions, explore our coloured and patterned bow ties. Discover all our suit accessories. Occasions where a bow tie is appropriate or compulsory.
Distinction
Personal Style
With a city suit, the bow tie asserts a cultivated and confident personality. It is a bold style choice that sets you apart immediately.
Authenticity
Self-Tie
A proper bow tie is self-tied. Pre-tied bow ties (clip-on) are recognisable and less elegant. The slight imperfection of a hand-tied knot is part of the charm.
Tuxedo Black Tie
CompulsoryA black bow tie is NON-NEGOTIABLE with a tuxedo. This is THE absolute Black Tie rule. A tie with a tuxedo instantly identifies someone who does not master the codes.
Weddings & Events
FestiveFor weddings where you want to stand out with elegance. Coloured or patterned bow ties coordinated with the wedding palette. Particularly fitting for country or creative weddings.
Creative Professions
ProfessionalArchitects, university academics, physicians, cultivated lawyers. The bow tie asserts an erudite personality. Acceptable for daily wear in these settings.
Special Occasions
DistinctionElegant dinners, private views, cultural events. The bow tie is a statement piece that says 'I master the codes and I am confident in my style'.
Summer Garden Party
SummerA lightweight linen or cotton bow tie in pastel tones or discreet floral patterns pairs perfectly with outdoor receptions. Relaxed elegance at its finest under the sun.
Galas & Charity Evenings
PrestigeBeyond the classic tuxedo, galas sometimes allow a bow tie in velvet or textured silk that asserts your personality. The choice of fabric distinguishes the connoisseur from the ordinary guest.
A Confident Daily Style
BoldnessWearing a bow tie every day is a deliberate style statement. Physicians, academics and lawyers find in it a distinctive mark that conveys confidence and culture, far from the conformity of the classic tie.
New Year's Eve & Celebrations
FestiveThe festive season is the ideal time to sport an elegant bow tie. Burgundy silk, forest green velvet or refined festive patterns add a celebratory touch to your evening attire.
The cuts
- ButterflyClassic ShapeTraditional
- A wide butterfly shape. The ends flare broadly. The most classic and traditional style. Ideal for tuxedos and formal occasions.
- BatwingNarrow ShapeModern
- A narrower, straighter shape. Less flared ends. A modern, understated style. Suits all face shapes.
- Diamond PointPointed EndsDistinctive
- Diamond-shaped pointed ends. A distinctive, bold style. For confident personalities and creative occasions. Less formal than the butterfly.
Materials
The fabric and colour of the bow tie depend entirely on the context. A tuxedo demands black silk, but a suit allows creativity.
- Black Silk (Tuxedo)
- THE compulsory bow tie for Black Tie. Black satin or barathea silk. No acceptable alternative. Invest in quality - it will last 20+ years.
- Solid Colours
- Navy, burgundy, forest green, grey. For a suit with personality. Ideal in creative settings, weddings, events where you wish to stand out.
- Patterns & Prints
- Dots, stripes, checks, floral motifs. For weddings and festive occasions. Coordination with a pocket square is recommended. Asserts a strong personality.
- White (Rare)
- A white bow tie is ONLY for White Tie (tailcoat). NEVER with a Black Tie tuxedo. Reserved for state occasions and royal galas.
Fabric weights
- SilkClassic
- The standard fabric for a formal bow tie. Subtle sheen, impeccable knot. Black for tuxedos, colours and patterns for suits. Textured silk twill or smooth satin.
- Wool & VelvetWinter
- For autumn-winter bow ties with a suit. Matte texture, warm feel. Black velvet is acceptable for a creative tuxedo. Wool for smart casual.
- Cotton & LinenSummer Casual
- For summer and casual bow ties. Cotton pique or chambray, natural linen. Ideal for summer country weddings. A confidently relaxed feel.
The details
- With a Tuxedo
- Colour
- BLACK only - no other colour is acceptable
- Material
- Satin silk or barathea - never velvet or cotton
- Shape
- Butterfly or batwing - avoid diamond point, which is too creative
- Knot
- Self-tie is COMPULSORY - no clip-on
- With a Suit
- Contexts
- Creative, academic, artistic - not for strict corporate settings
- Colours
- Complete freedom - coordinate with suit and pocket square
- Shirt
- Cutaway or button-down collar - avoid the overly formal French collar
- Jacket
- Keep the jacket buttoned - a bow tie without a jacket looks odd
- Size & Fit
- Neck size
- Measure your neck precisely - the knot should fit snugly but comfortably
- Knot width
- Should not exceed the width of your face
- Height
- Proportionate to your neck - too wide looks comical
- Adjustable
- Sliding buckle at the back for precise adjustment
- Learning to Tie
- Learning time
- 10-15 minutes to master - like tying shoelaces
- Imperfection
- Slight asymmetry is normal and is part of the hand-tied charm
- Practice
- Practise several times before an important event
- Tutorials
- Numerous online videos available - the method is universal
Care
- After Wearing
- Untie the bow tie completely. Never pull to undo it - untie methodically. Leave it to rest flat or loosely rolled.
- Storage
- Store flat in a drawer or dedicated box. Avoid hanging, as it can lose its shape. Protect from direct light, which fades silk.
- Lifespan
- A quality silk bow tie lasts 15-20 years with ease. Occasional use (10-20 times per year) ensures exceptional longevity.
Bow Tie Investment
BudgetA made-to-measure silk bow tie starts from EUR 120. For a premium black tuxedo bow tie in silk: EUR 150-190. Coloured or intricately patterned bow ties: EUR 150-250.
Key takeaways
Bow Tie Rules
- With a Black Tie tuxedo: a BLACK bow tie is compulsory - no exception
- A slightly asymmetric bow tie proves it is self-tied - the imperfection is elegant
- Learn to tie it yourself - clip-ons are immediately recognisable and less refined
- Never wear a bow tie without a jacket - remove it if you take off the jacket
- The bow tie with a suit requires confidence and personality - own your choice
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
The budget depends on the bow tie material and the outfit to be coordinated. As a guide, a made-to-measure suit starts from EUR 980 and a made-to-measure shirt from EUR 150.
For a complete outfit, allow 4-5 weeks as a general guide. This lead time allows for selecting materials, fitting the shirt and validating the ensemble before delivery.
The process begins with a consultation and measurement appointment to define the level of formality and proportions. The fitting verifies the balance between shirt collar, jacket lapels and bow tie.
Black silk remains the reference for a Black Tie tuxedo. For a wedding or garden party, more textured or colourful materials can add depth without breaking with elegance.
It is suited to tuxedos, weddings, galas, New Year's celebrations and creative events. Width, texture and colour should be adapted to the formality level of the invitation.
Create Your Made-to-Measure Bow Ties
For your tuxedos and distinctive occasions, let us create perfectly fitted and elegant bow ties.
Further reading
