Types of Bow Ties: Shapes, Styles and How to Choose

A bow tie is the sharpest way to finish a formal look, and the right one comes down to how you tie it, its shape, and its style. Most men only know the classic butterfly, but each shape reads a little differently.

Below is a bow tie guide for men covering the main types of bow ties, how they compare, and how to choose the right one for your face and the occasion. Get it right, and a tuxedo goes from good to sharp.

A bow tie varies in three separate ways, and they are easy to mix up. Type is how it fastens, whether you tie it yourself or it comes ready to wear. Shape is its outline, from the wide butterfly to the slim batwing. Style is its look, set by pattern, fabric, and color. Settle the type and shape first, then choose a style.

The three bow tie types

Type is how a bow tie fastens, and it is your first decision. A self-tie carries the most formal weight, and you can learn ​how to tie a bow tie in minutes.

• Self-tie: you tie it yourself, the dressiest and most authentic
• Pre-tied: knotted for you on an adjustable band, quick and neat
• Clip-on: clips to the collar, easiest but the least refined

For a wedding or black tie, a self-tie is worth the extra minute it takes to learn.

The main bow tie shapes

Shape is the outline of the bow once it is tied, sorted by width. Where type decides how you fasten it, shape decides how it reads on your face.

Here is each one and where it fits, and you can see how a bow tie sits in the ​black-tie dress code.

Butterfly

The butterfly, or thistle, is the classic and most common shape, with flared, curved ends that suit almost every face and occasion.

• Best for: weddings, black tie, and first-time wearers
• Reads: timeless and balanced

Big butterfly

The big or jumbo butterfly is a larger version with wider wings, and it flatters taller or broader men while making a bolder statement.

• Best for: formal events and larger frames
• Reads: confident and dramatic

Batwing

The batwing, or straight, is narrow with straight ends and a low profile. The butterfly against the batwing comes down to this: flared and traditional versus slim and modern.

• Best for: modern, slimmer, or more casual looks
• Reads: sleek and contemporary
• Pairs with: a spread collar and a slim tuxedo or blazer

Diamond point

The diamond point has pointed ends rather than flat ones, for an asymmetrical, eye-catching finish that adds flair once you are comfortable wearing a bow tie.

• Best for: fashion-forward and cocktail looks
• Reads: distinctive and stylish

Bow tie styles

Style is the look of the bow, set by its pattern and finish. Where shape is the outline, style is the surface: plain or patterned, sleek or textured.

Patterns

A solid reads dressiest, while a pattern adds character for weddings and cocktail looks.

• Solid: one clean color, the most formal and versatile, and the black-tie default
• Pin dot: subtle dotted texture, formal from a distance with personality up close
• Striped: diagonal bands, a favorite for adding color across a wedding party
• Plaid or paisley: bolder and more expressive, best for cocktail, holiday, and fashion-forward looks

Fabric and color

Fabric sets how formal the bow feels, and color ties it to the rest of your outfit.

• Silk: smooth with a subtle sheen, the black-tie standard
• Velvet: rich and seasonal for winter and holiday events
• Wool or knit: textured and relaxed for daytime and casual looks
• Color: black for black tie, or a shade that matches your palette otherwise

How to choose a bow tie

Knowing how to choose a bow tie comes down to three things: your face, the occasion, and your outfit. Match the shape to your proportions first, and if you are torn between styles, our ​bow tie or necktie guide helps.

• Face shape: wider shapes suit rounder faces; slim ones suit narrow faces
• Proportion: the bow should not extend past the edges of your face or collar
• Occasion: butterfly or diamond point for formal, batwing for casual
• Color: pair a solid bow tie with a patterned shirt, or a patterned bow with a solid one

Get the fit right and build your look from home

A bow tie looks its best on a sharp, well-fitted tuxedo, and we handle the whole look. Answer a few quick questions like height, weight, and shoe size, and our ​fit process sizes you, backed by a fit guarantee.

Pick a bow tie from our full range of ​ties, including a classic ​black bow tie, pair it with a ​suit or tuxedo, and ​build your look from home in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bow tie's type and shape?

A bow tie's type is how it fastens, while its shape is the outline once it is tied. The types are self-tie, pre-tied, and clip-on, and the shapes include the butterfly, big butterfly, batwing, and diamond point.

What are the main types of bow ties?

Bow ties come in three types by how they fasten: self-tie, pre-tied, and clip-on. In shape, the main options are the butterfly, big butterfly, batwing, and diamond point, with the butterfly the most versatile.

What bow tie styles are there?

Bow tie styles run from solid to patterned, including pin dot, stripe, plaid, and paisley, in fabrics like silk, velvet, and wool. A solid silk bow tie is the most formal, while patterns and textures add personality for weddings and cocktail events.

What is the difference between a butterfly and a batwing bow tie?

A butterfly bow tie has flared, curved ends and a fuller, traditional look, while a batwing has straight, narrow ends and a slim, modern profile. The butterfly suits most faces and formal events, and the batwing reads sleeker and more casual.

How do you choose the right bow tie shape?

Match the shape to your face and proportions: wider shapes like the butterfly suit rounder or broader faces, while slimmer shapes like the batwing suit narrow faces. The bow should not extend past the edges of your face or collar.

Should you wear a self-tie or pre-tied bow tie?

A self-tie bow tie is the dressiest and most authentic choice, ideal for weddings and black tie, and it looks a touch more natural. A pre-tied bow tie is neat and quick, which makes it a fuss-free option for most events.

What bow tie do you wear with a tuxedo?

A black butterfly bow tie is the classic choice with a tuxedo for black-tie events. A diamond point works for a slightly more distinctive formal look, while a batwing suits a modern or less traditional tuxedo.