Buying a Bow Tie: How to Choose the Right Fabric & Style for Every Occasion

How do you pick the right bow tie? Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift - buying a bow tie is about far more than just selecting a color.  Quality should always be the first criteria on your checklist, but then there is also bow tie fabric, shape, and of course, personal style. 

At R. Hanauer, we have decades of experience helping gentlemen (and the special people in their lives) choose the perfect fine accessory. So let’s jump into how to pick the right bow tie for every occasion! (Short on time? Check out the table in each section for a quick buying guide!)

What Fabric is Best for Bow Ties?

The fabric of a bow tie can dramatically impact its style and appropriateness for different occasions, dress codes, and seasons.

Most people think of silk or satin when picturing bow tie material, but there are many other natural fibers and woven fabrics – each providing a distinct look and feeling different to the wearer. 

Natural Fibers

Silk is the classic choice for formal events such as black-tie weddings, galas, and upscale soirées. Known for its smooth texture and natural sheen, silk bow ties are synonymous with luxury and elegance. They pair effortlessly with tuxedos and tailored suits, making them a timeless option suitable for year-round wear.  

For more casual or daytime events, cotton bow ties provide comfort and versatility. Lightweight and breathable, cotton is perfect for garden parties, brunches, and casual weddings, particularly during spring and summer. Available in a variety of prints and patterns, cotton bow ties are a fun and stylish way to express personality.  

Linen is another relaxed fabric ideal for warm-weather events like beach weddings or outdoor gatherings. Its crisp, textured look pairs well with lightweight suits or shirts, making a linen bow tie a go-to option for casual or summer formal dress codes during spring and summer.  

For a more rustic or winter-friendly option, wool provides warmth and texture. Perfect for business events, casual gatherings, or rustic weddings, wool bow ties pair beautifully with tweeds and heavier fabrics. It’s an excellent choice for creating a sophisticated, rugged look during colder months.  

Woven Fabrics

Woven bow ties are crafted with interlaced threads to feature intricate patterns like herringbone, paisley, or geometric designs. Two popular fabric weaves favored by gentlemen are satin and velvet. 

Satin is a popular option that also offers a polished and sleek look with more affordable appeal. It’s an excellent choice for weddings, proms, or semi-formal events, adding a touch of refinement without being overly formal. Satin bow ties work beautifully for both day and evening occasions throughout the year.  

Velvet is the epitome of luxury and is best suited for festive occasions like holiday parties, winter weddings, or formal evening events. Its rich, textured appearance is striking in deep, jewel-toned colors such as burgundy, navy, and emerald. Velvet bow ties add warmth and opulence, making them ideal for fall and winter.  

Bow Tie Fabric: Quick Tips

What Criteria Should You Use to Choose a Bow Tie Shape?

The shape of a bow tie affects the overall look of an ensemble. At R. Hanauer, we offer five bow tie shapes: Classic, Butterfly, Diamond Tip, Straight, and Single-End. Let’s look at the face shapes and occasions that best suit each.

Classic Bow Tie

The classic bow tie shape is timeless, symmetrical, and versatile. It works well for all face shapes and is an excellent choice for both formal and semi-formal occasions. Its balanced proportions make it suitable for almost any outfit, whether it’s a tuxedo, a business suit, or even a more casual ensemble.

If you're unsure which shape to choose, the classic bow tie style is a foolproof option. At R. Hanauer, our classic shape is called The Henry.

Butterfly Bow Tie

The butterfly bow tie features larger, rounded ends. This shape is ideal for those with larger or more angular face shapes, as it softens features and creates balance.

The butterfly bow tie is often seen at black-tie events and other formal occasions, where it makes a bold yet elegant statement. At R. Hanauer, we have two butterfly bow tie styles – the Phillip is 2½" and the Stuart is 3”, offering a bit more dramatic flair. 

Diamond Tip Bow Tie

With pointed ends instead of the traditional rounded ones, the diamond tip bow tie is perfect for those who want to stand out. Also known as the diamond end or diamond point, it offers a stylish, edgy look that works for semi-formal to formal occasions.

This shape flatters slimmer or oval face shapes by adding angularity. Diamond tips are a great choice for men looking to add personality to their attire without sacrificing sophistication. We offer two diamond tip bow tie shapes at R. Hanauer – the Louie is 2⅜" and the Stanley is slightly smaller at 2".

Straight Bow Tie

Also called the "batwing," the straight bow tie has narrow, straight ends and offers a minimalist aesthetic. It’s ideal for those who prefer a subtle and understated look.

Straight bow ties work especially well for smaller or slimmer faces, as their narrow profile complements proportions without overwhelming the face. This bow tie style – called the Jackson at R. Hanauer – is often worn at formal events but can also suit modern, casual outfits. 

Single-End Bow Tie

The single-end bow tie is an asymmetrical style, with a tail on one side and a traditional bow on the other. Interestingly, this unique shape appeals to both creative types or anyone who enjoys standing out with a touch of whimsy, as well as those dressing for the most formal occasions. The single-end has no hardware, making it top choice for those donning a wing tip collar tuxedo shirt. 

Bow Tie Shape: Quick Tips

Choosing Color & Pattern When Buying a Bow Tie

Having selected bow tie fabric and shape, the last thing to carefully consider is which color and pattern will yield a stylish, cohesive, and memorable look that’s right for the occasion.

There are endless colors and patterns to consider, so we’ll keep our categories simple: solids, stripes or polka dots, and bold patterns. 

Solid Bow Ties

Solid bow ties are most versatile, making them ideal for formal and semi-formal events or for creating a polished, understated look.

Neutral tones like black, navy, gray, or white are classic choices for black-tie and business attire. Brighter solid colors, like red, pink, or teal, can add a pop of personality to a smart-casual outfit or liven up a neutral suit. When in doubt, choose a bow tie to complement a shirt or suit without overpowering it. Solids are also great for patterned shirts or jackets, as they balance out busier looks.

Stripes and Polka Dots

Striped and polka dot bow ties are a playful yet refined choice, perfect for adding personality to semi-formal and casual outfits.

Polka dots in small or medium sizes are timeless and work well with both solid and subtly patterned shirts. Striped bow ties, on the other hand, lend a more modern or preppy vibe, making them great for business-casual settings or daytime events. When pairing stripes or dots with an outfit, aim for contrast – a bold stripe or dot can create visual interest against a shirt with a subtle pattern; if the shirt is busy, go for a smaller, less distracting pattern.

Bold Patterns

Bow ties with bold patterns, such as florals, paisleys, or novelty prints, are an excellent way to express individuality.

These styles are ideal for casual events, creative work environments, or adding flair to a semi-formal outfit. Floral bow ties and paisleys often evoke a sophisticated, vintage charm, while quirky prints like animals, geometric shapes, or themed designs are perfect for fun, lighthearted occasions.

When choosing a bold pattern, make it the focal point of your outfit – pair it with a solid shirt and suit to avoid clashing or overwhelming the look.

Quick Tips on Bow Tie Patterns: 

Have you added a new #RHanauer bow tie to your collection recently? Show us! We’re on Instagram and Facebook.

And if you’re shopping for the perfect piece and need some guidance, get in touch or pop into our store in downtown Fort Mill, SC. We’re here to help!