The 5 Best Bow Ties

Nothing says "dapper" quite like a well-fitted bow tie. Far superior to neckties, bow ties can be found affixed to the collars of men and women from all walks of life. Their simple aesthetic can augment any outfit, so it's no wonder why they've remained a popular fashion accessory through the decades. With tons of options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pick. Thus, we've whittled down the selection to the best of the best in the world of bow ties. Here, we list our top five favorites, from the most stylish to the best budget buy.

QYdress Adjustable Male Fashion Boys Satin Bow ties

QYdress is the bow tie best

Featuring everything we look for in a bow tie, this option from QYdress wins the crown for its silky satin material to its fair price.

Best Overall

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Though we have pretty high standards when it comes to bow ties, this pick from QYdress passes with flying colors. The satin material sports the perfect shine and looks soft-yet-sturdy. Plus, this option is pre-tied, so popping it on is as easy as slipping it around the collar and clasping it into place. It’s the perfect pick for just about any occasion. And, with 21 different colors from which to choose, it’s also the ideal option for pairing with any outfit. Wear it to a wedding, a graduation party, or even as a Halloween costume accessory. Whatever context you wear it in, no one will ever guess that you only paid about six bucks for this dapper bow tie.

Pros

Variety of colors
Affordable price
Soft, durable materials

Cons

Too big for kids to wear

RBOCOTT Handade Feather Pre-tied Bow Tie and Brooch Sets for Men

Weird in a good way

Quirky and cool is how we like it. These bow ties from RBOCOTT feature an incredibly unique design that uses beautiful birds feathers in place of satin.

Best Style

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Sometimes a traditional bow tie isn’t enough to stand out in a crowd. Those that love cutting-edge fashion should take a close look at this premium option from RBOCOTT. Yup, that’s right, these beauties are made out of bird feathers. With twenty different designs from which to choose, this option is a stunning testament to high craftsmanship and fashion design. And though it may take a little extra charisma to pull off at a truly formal event, this bow tie can make an otherwise-boring suit pop. Best of all, it comes with a matching brooch to complete the outfit. It’s a high-quality fashion accessory, so the price is kind of steep. Nonetheless, you really won’t be able to find a better conversation-starter. Bird-lovers eat your hearts out.

Pros

Beautiful colors
Hand-made craftsmanship
Includes brooch and wooden gift box

Cons

Hard to clean

Elegant Pre-tied Bow Ties, Formal Tuxedo Bow Tie Set with Adjustable Neck Band, 5, 8, 10, or 20 Pieces

Suit up the squad for less

This five-pack from DanDiao looks suave, classy, and refined, yet only costs about eight dollars, making it the perfect multi-pack for those shopping on a budget.

Best Value

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Most people associate bow ties with high price tags. Indeed, there are many options out there that cost a fortune, but it’s kind of hard to tell the difference between the premos and the cheapos. That’s why we were pleased to discover this eight-dollar five-pack from DanDiao. Costing less than two dollars per bow tie, it rarely gets much cheaper than this. And, if you think cheap means low-quality, think again. These bow ties are made out of a durable and attractive material that sports a bit of a shine. Also, if you don’t like the designs of the five-pack, this option comes in packs of eight, ten, or twenty. That’s why DanDiao is our go-to for bulk buys, since they’re affordable and feature the widest variety of designs and colors.

Pros

Inexpensive
Wide variety of designs

Cons

Plastic clasps aren’t durable

Classic Pre-Tied Bow Tie Formal Solid Tuxedo for Adults & Children

Look dapper, even in diapers

Bow Tie House is a fantastic all-around choice and especially shines when it comes to sizing. With sizes for babies, toddlers, children, and adults, you can dress the entire family for success.

Best for Kids

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Babies deserve to look dapper, too. In fact, little kids love playing dress-up. Those in the market for different sizing options for their bowties should consider this quality line of neckwear from Bow Tie House. Their small option looks adorable on babies and toddlers and the medium size is the perfect fit for kids and teenagers. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a bow tie based on the sizing alone. These European-made Gabardine bowties are elegant and durable. They come in a wide variety of colors and feature high quality control and craftsmanship. Thus, Bow Tie House has a size and color combo for anyone, from the adult-sized to the petite.

Pros

Three different sizes
High-quality craftsmanship
Durable materials and stitching

Cons

Some people prefer softer fabric

Mens Classic Pre-Tied Satin Formal Tuxedo Bowtie by Platinum Hanger

Classy and classic

Those looking to shy away from the new-age styles might find what they're looking for in this classic satin bow tie from Platinum Hanger.

Best for Tuxedos

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There are options on our list with polka-dots and even one pick made out of bird-feathers. But even in this fast-changing 21st-century life, there are formal events that call for a classic look. Those on the hunt for that classic silky sheen should consider this affordable option from Platinum Hanger. It’s made out of a satin polyester that pairs perfectly with a classic tuxedo. And while the black option is certainly the most popular, these classy bows come in sixteen different colors. Though a truly classic bowtie would require tying, this one is pre-tied so that you can look on-point in a snap. But don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone that you didn’t tie it yourself.

Pros

Looks like real satin
One size fits all
Classic look
Inexpensive

Cons

Material is stiff

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a bow tie appropriate to wear to an event?

Bow ties are appropriate for just about any event and can replace the boring old necktie if paired with the right clothing. In fact, there are scenarios in which the bow tie is the only appropriate neck wear. We’re talking about award ceremonies, weddings, and formal balls. Of course, events such as these will likely inform you beforehand what to wear. At the end of the day, anyone can pull off a bow tie with the right amount of confidence and grace.

What are pre-tied bow ties and how do I tie them?

The original bow ties were notoriously difficult to tie and it wasn’t uncommon for men of yore to spend a frustrated hour trying to get their bow tie to fit properly. Nowadays, most options are pre-tied, so attaching them is a breeze. For those that have a traditional-style bow tie, you might have to do some extra homework to get it right.

To attach a pre-tied bow tie, first step in front of a mirror. With one hand holding the bow tie in front of you, wrap the rest of the tie around your neck. Insert the hook into the ringlet or clasp behind the center of the tie. You can then adjust the tightness of the tie by sliding the middle clasp up or down.

Why does my bow tie sag downwards?

Bow ties look best when they are perked up and look saddest when they sag down. Try tightening your bow tie to see if that props it up. Also, check around your collar for wrinkles or folds in the tie that might be twisting it. Finally, there’s a chance that it’s upside-down. Although most options are horizontally-symmetrical, try flipping it over to see if your saggy situation improves.