White Bow Ties & White Tie Attire

Contrary to popular belief, it is not the black tie dress code that is most formal, but a dress code called White Tie Affair. As the name suggests, white tie attire requires men to wear a white bow tie in combination with a tailcoat jacket and waistcoat. Not any white bow tie would do, but the bow tie has to be self-tied. Most common are white bow ties made from a smooth and shiny sateen silk but white bow ties made from pique are an excellent formal alternative. If a white pique bow tie is chosen then the waistcoat should be made from the same white pique fabric.

Different Styles of White Bow Ties

We at Mens-Ties.com carry self tied – also known as freestyle bow ties – as well as the more convenient pre-tied bow tie. Besides these two styles it is the shape of the bow itself that offers some variation. Most common is the butterfly bow tie that has a bow spread of 2 – 2.5 inches. Batwing bow ties are much narrower (1-1.5 inches) and have flat ends. Finally there is the bow tie with pointed ends – a style that is excellent for formal white tie and black tie dress codes.