How to Tie the Perfect Bow Tie | Lessons from a Men's Shop 

I'm 76 years old and never in my life attempted to tie a bow tie. When bow ties recently became popular I vowed I would learn how to tie one. I watched several videos on how to tie a bow tie. Some were confusing, some were stupid, but this one got me on the right road and now I'm tying my own bow tie with ease. Thanks so much!

Didn't make a tie but I did discover an new interest in asphyxiation.

My oldest son went to homecoming recently and wore a bow tie. He used this video to practice over and over again. Now he's a pro at it and yes he told me that he did untie it at the end of the night because some of his classmates doubted that he tied it himself.

The tip about pulling the elephant ears forward to get the other half through the hole in the back... absolutely genius.

9 yrs after the fact, and you folks are still my Go-To refresher folks for the Bow. THANKS!

You guys are amazing! For someone who just purchased his first suit at the tender (LOL) age of 43 AND to learn how to tie a bow tie from the steps you have shown, is a miracle for me. Took about 15 min to get it right. Thank you guys so much for the instructions!

This is the only video I've found that actually made sense... must have been the cheesy animal puns... Great instructions.

Precise and clear description. Nothing sloppy like "right side needs to be longer". He says right side needs to be 2 inch longer. Says what the tricky part is. Gives tips on what the finishing touches involve. Nice!

What a GREAT VIDEO! It helped my 13yr old son tie his bow tie for his football dress day! Thanks for helping this single mom out!

Thank you thank you! Frustrated senior Prom guy & mom with first bow tie . Tried for 45 minutes using other videos . found your video and 5 minutes had it done!!! Excellent instructions!

I just subscribed because your presenter on the bow tie was not only clear and helpful and respectful, but also gave off an aura of kindness that you can't fake.

I am left-handed, and I reinforce every stereotype of leftedness one will find. This is BY FAR the best of all the videos and charts I found to try to learn to tie a bowtie (I just did the opposite of the right/left directions.). And I found the animal analogies quite helpful (but please, do not tell anyone that).

Time and time again I come back and watch this, at least twice a year its a great instructional video

The first video we watched and I didn't have to search for another to help my son tie his bow tie. For years, I handmade them for him where the bow was already in place. I just purchased him a handmade one by J.Crew for the holidays. Thank you.

I have literally, seriously watched at least 50 videos on how to tie a bowtie and this is BY FAR the easiest for me to understand and it had me tying a bowtie in literally a few minutes. Thank you for this instruction! So much easier than those other videos! :)

This is one of the best videos I've seen on how to tie a bowtie. The use of the animal puns are brilliant. Easy to memorize.

"Perfect knot is a sign of a clip on bow tie". 😂

I used to wear a bow tie all the time and I had forgotten how to do it so I came here as I have a black tie event tomorrow. Works perfectly the technique shown here, the trick is the last bit it's not easy to get the tie looking symmetrical and you can overdo the tightening so the back is bigger than the front (not what you want). Otherwise, this is a solid video and probably the best I've seen for the teaching of a bow tie.

Tried three videos before finally managing with this one. Turns out I’m a child and animal references make my brain go brrrrrr

Extremely clear language with clear vision of each action. For left handed knot. Terrific .

after 3 different sets of instructions, this one finally got me to do it. thank you sirs

The best video for this. I've forwarded to many wannabe bow tie wearers.

I think one of the most important parts of this tutorial that I struggled with at first was the two loops part. When you tie it, you’re going to have one large bow in the front and then a smaller bow in the back. The bow in the front that’s larger has a loop on the left hand side. You can pull on it to tighten the front tie and make sure both sides of the bow are symmetrical in the front. Then you can pinch the front bow together and look at the smaller bow in the back which has a loop on the right side. You shouldn’t pull this loop all the way through or else youll eliminate that bow in the back. Just make sure it’s symmetrical. The whole bow tie knot isn’t going to be tight like a clip on, it’s going to be fluffier which is what makes it stand out vs a clip on. What’s also super helpful is 1:36, pinch the bow together and turn your body in the mirror so you can really see that loop you’ve created. What made it click for me is that you have to pull the “elephant trunk” counter clockwise through that loop. From there the hard part is done and then you just adjust and tighten with the two loops you’ve now created.

this helped me with my cosplay. Thanks

The best bow tie video tutorial ever.

I remember using this video almost 4 years ago after searching through other confusing videos. I've come back as I'm tying it myself again and boy am I glad I did!

This was and is the only video that taught me to tie a perfect bow tie. It’s also the only one I found that thank fully wasn’t long winded like so many others. Great video.

SUPER smart of somebody to show a neophyte trying to do this next to the person who knows how, for easy, fast audience identification. PLUS, using mnemonics during the instruction. Inspired bits of psychological insight. Cheers!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I had a job interview today and I needed something to help me not just look professional but also not so "young." Essentially a more "upscale" look. I struggled for about 2 hours with your video but I can now say I know how to tie a bow tie and I was able to get it right in time for my interview. Thank you

I come back to this video every time I need a refresher. When I'm trying my bow tie, I also intone the name of the animals as I tie them. Thank you so much!

Best bowtie video on RU-vid, the "Counterclockwise" detail saved me. Thanks👏👏👏

I wear a bow tie to work every day. This is the video I learned to tie them from. They're dressy, they give a nice visual pop, but they also give you that go-to-hell look without being a hipster d-bag. Plus, it's nearly impossible to spill food on a bow tie - the same can't be said for regular ties. They're also easy to make (see 'how to sew a bow tie' on RU-vid).

Y’all are amazing, first day ever trying to tie one (the day before a day wedding) and I got a perfect knot on my third try. Just want to say thank you for saving my wedding suit✊

Wow this was the easiest video to learn from. Not gonna say which three other you tubers attempted to make an “easy” tutorial, but this one actually did.

pink one tied better than the teaching guy.

My go-to bow tie instructional video.

This is the first video I've seen which explains the part of the 'tunnel'. Thanks you and your animals

I have watched this video on many special days. Weddings of friends, holiday parties, very special occasions. Watching this video means I have a lot to look forward to. Thanks so much for making this video, guys.

You know as kids, they use animals or objects to teach you methods of doing things. Like tying your shoes, and the laces are rabbit ears, that kind of thing. I've watched other videos giving an 'adult' explanation of how to form a bow tie and didn't get it down at all. Then I watch this video that uses dumbed down, child like explanations and I finally got it! I whisper to myself, 'parrot shoulder.... Fat fish... Like an elephant...' And it works! Just like I still use the bunny example still to tie my shoes as a 22 year old woman, I will always use the parrot, fish, and elephant to tie a good bow tie :P

Been watching youtube videos on how to tie this thing for 45 min, finally found this and got it! THANK YOU!

1:47 Me everytime I forget how to tie a bow tie and come back to this video.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I actually have tied my own bowties in the past, but I always struggled with it and it always took me about 20 to 30 minutes. I ams headed to a senior prom this weekend with my wife and wanted to wear my black bow tie with my white tux jacket and thought to myself "I better practice tying that dang tie". and also thought there has got to be an easier method. I downloaded several diagrams and I was still struggling; they weren't much help. I then came across your video and was over joyed. The parrot, the fish and the elephant were perfect helping points. But the clutch move, (as others have said below), is pinching the elephant ears forward to create that hole. That's the key secret as you stated. I practiced it a couple more times like you instructed, and WOW, I did it quickly, proficiently and without sweating! Super thanks again. And yes, untieing it adds a big wow factor. I purposely untie the bowtie about half way through the night to be sure EVERYONE sees it. Guys would come up to me and comment "Now that's the man!", and the ladies were impressed as well. Woah, one lady told me that the untied tie hanging around me neck was "too sexy". I wish I had known this when I was single! I'll never go back to a clip-on after that compliment!

Instructions were not clear, I now have a rogue elephant on the loose, with a parrot on its shoulder, fighting a fish.

I agree with another in the fact that this is the one video that makes sense. So many out there are so long winded and corny. This is straight to the point and after this I was tying a bow tie with no problem. Two thumbs up!

Great tutorial and made learning how to tie a bow tie super easy! I watched several other videos and was very confused. After watching this, I was able to get it right the first time. Thanks for sharing!

The only video I watched on this topic and I got it first go in front of a mirror. The animal references do help to remember the steps when learning. Thanks guys!

When he walked out that door he immediately forgot how to tie a bow tie

31.12.2022: first time I’ve been able to tie one of my (many) bow ties that have sat in a box. Thank you gentlemen. It meant I could at last match my turquoise, black & yellow diagonal stripe tie to my turquoise & penguin dress shirt - HOORAH! And I did it after only 2 watches of your vid & a number of pauses. Much admired by fellow chaps at NYE party tonight so will now practice on other bow ties for forthcoming(2023) events. SPLENDID! 👍🇬🇧🥂⚒

Haven't heard it explained that simply before. Well done! Let me know when the next awesome bow tie sale is and I'll be there!

In my Opinion, this is the best tutorial for Bow Ties. Thanks!

I like how the guy who has "no idea what he's doing" tied a nicer tie XD No-shade.

Thank you. 8 videos later and yours is the one that actually helped me do it correctly

I love how the learner in this video's Bow tie looks better than the on shows teaching.

I watched like 4 videos before finding this one. The how you make the knot tight and ease it in is so crucial to this making sense. So many videos pull it tight 1 and done and it just did not make sense. Thank you!

I viewed several videos including a Playboy Playmate try and teach me how to tie a bow without success, then I watched your video and after 1minute and 53 seconds I was able to successfully tie a bow. Thank you so much for the simple explanation! Can you teach me calculus? :-)

Great video! The only tutorial to show you what it looks like in front of a mirror. I had the hardest time tying my bowtie until I stumbled upon this

I looked at 3 other videos and couldn't do it but THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME! The animal puns really help you find your place in the process. You saved me!

Thanks guys I tied my first bow tie all thanks to this short to the point video !!! I am proud of myself lol ...yayyy

Great video. My problem is I always swing the first fold in the wrong direction. This video is easier than using any pictures on the net. Thanks!

Easily the very best video on how to tie a bow tie properly! It's true that it makes absolute sense! It seems that most of the other videos are overly complicated and ALL seem so very long winded with repetitive rhetoric, where this one cuts to the chase, with easy stages to remember and for me personally went from a never tied one before to a perfect bow tie after the very first time trying. That's what we wanted and that is what you get here.

The guy hes teaching is better than he is lol

My autistic son loves bow ties, this video has helped me learn how to tie a bow tie. Thank you!

The guy who was learning how to tie the tie does a better job than the instructor 😂

Thanks guys! At long last I can tie a bow tie. I'm really grateful.

I always return to this video when I forget how to tie one. Always a reliable video

I have been at this for DAYS! This is the only video that has made this come anywhere close!

Officially added 'How to tie a bowtie' to my skillset. Thanks RU-vid!

This is the method that worked for me. Many thanks from a truly appreciative individual.

Started out good, then the camera angle changed several times and I got lost. Ugh.😂

I miss working in a Shop like this, and teaching how to tie bow ties & Windsor knots. Thank you.

The best video I’ve seen thus far. It’s such a pay it forward teaching technique.

....ditto what Mr. Saturn said! After 5 different vids, this one made it happen! Thanks guys!!

I think its hilarious how every bow tie tutorial has about 1/10 of people disliking it because they couldn't figure it out :P Its not the video guys! Its you!

Hands down the best video on how to tie a bow tie

Bow ties are cool!

This is my go to video. Every time I wear a bow tie I look up this video!! Thanks so much for posting it…. And yes, I always end the night with it hanging around my neck lol

I can't fucking do this for my life i have seen every video and can't learn

Best bow tie video. You fellows have done something amazing -- covered a subject MUCH BETTER THAN Bill Nye the Science Guy. Now how many people can say that? GREAT JOB.

Instructions not clear. Hair stuck in blender

I watch this about every 3 to 4 months, glad it’s here to save me each time! 🤣

This video is the only reason I can get dressed for lodge lol.

This is the best one of these I've found. Watched like 20 of them that made no sense. These guys are awesome. Thank you!!!!!!!

Will it work on a blue bow tie

Easiest instructions to follow. Nailed it on the first try. Added perk of being funny. Well done.

"Bow Ties are cool"

Thank you! I have done it repeatedly and confirm I now know how to do it thanks to your video! I'm 52 btw, taken a while to learn

if no "hole in the back " it is usually down to bow tie being too small

This Video literally saved my life tonight. Thank you kind Sir!

Im having trouble putting the `elephant trunk` halfway through the hole. In fact I dont see the hole

Good job guys. One of the OG’s at my church taught me how to tie a bow tie. I love it.

I don't think this guy knows what a pun is...

I watched a few RU-vid Videos on how to tie a bow tie, but I just couldn’t seem to get there. Yours is the first that actually helped me tie it completely. I have to get it adjusted and get it to look nicer, but at least I can tie it now. Thank you so much :)

I'm having trouble tightening the KNOT and it PISSES ME OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried 5 different videos. This one did the trick! Thanks for posting!

Now I regret buying the clip on. This isn't nearly as daunting as I thought it would be.

Thank you guys! You saved the night :) No one in our house could figure out how to tie my son's bow tie for his high school winter formal. THANK YOU!!!

Fuck it, I'm buying a clip on.

I have watched about 10 videos on this. This is the best one for explaining what to do when you bring the long end down, and the first one I was able to follow. Maybe It’s me but Thank you.

It's funny because I'm watching this so I can tie my dates bow tie for prom

The best and easiest video on how to tie a bow tie on RU-vid. Thank you so much