How to Organize & Store Your Bow Ties for Optimal Care & Longevity

At R. Hanauer, we create fine bow ties and accessories that will not only make you look and feel your best, but will also last for generations. To ensure their longevity, it’s important that you store your bow ties in a way that will prevent wrinkles and preserve their shape.

In this article, we’ll explore several bow tie storage and organization ideas and share what to do if your often-worn or poorly stored pieces become wrinkled. By following proper storage and care techniques, you can keep your collection looking sharp and in top condition so they stand the test of time.

How to Store Bow Ties

Most gentlemen choose a few different methods when considering how to store bow ties. Those in regular rotation are best kept visible and easily accessible; pieces you wear infrequently can be put away for more special occasions. No matter how you store your self tie and pre-tied bow ties - follow these golden rules to maintain their shape and preserve the fabric: 

• Store your bow ties in a cool, dry place

• Keep them out of direct sunlight
  
  

• Don’t overcrowd them

1. Hang

For quick selection, carefully hang self-tie bow ties on a trouser hanger – a premium wooden hanger, padded hanger, or nonslip hanger works best; never a plastic or wire hanger. 

Of course, be mindful of the proximity of your bows to other items in your closet - you don’t want them getting tangled in or lost among clothing. Bow tie racks and hooks are best used for pre-tied pieces. These storage solutions are ideal for bows you wear frequently but not long-term storage. Hanging bow ties can lead to stretching over time.  

2. Roll

Gently roll self-tie bow ties and store them in a small box or compartment to prevent creases and save space. Elegant necktie storage boxes like the one pictured below are ideal. Store rolled velvet bow ties in a pouch to preserve the pile.

Hot tip: R. Hanauer pieces are shipped in high-quality bow tie boxes that are also excellent for storing and gifting.

Necktie storage box that can be used for bow tie storage - Etsy

3. Lay Flat

Lay self-tie bow ties flat in a drawer to avoid creases. Pre-tied pieces should be kept in their natural shape. Drawer organizers or dividers keep both neatly separated. 

4. Display 

Bow tie display stands and wall-mounted cases provide an elegant bow tie storage solution for self-tie pieces – they’re neatly organized and also in plain view. Just be sure your stand is beyond the reach of sunlight and humidity. 

5. Travel Case

Gentlemen who frequently travel will benefit from a dedicated bow tie organizer that keeps their fine accessories protected and ready to wear. If you favor pre-tied pieces, make sure your bow tie holder has plenty of head room so they aren’t misshapen in transit.

Bow Tie Travel Case by Brackish

Preventing & Correcting Wrinkles in Bow Ties

Consider the fabrics in your collection when deciding how to store your bow ties. Some fabrics are more susceptible to creasing than others.

Don’t worry if you do run into wrinkles with self tie bow ties – in most cases they can be corrected. Preserving shape is more of a concern for pre-tied bows. It’s difficult to restore the crisp, clean look of elegance once the shape of the bow tie has been compromised. 

Cotton & Linen

Cotton and linen bow ties are lightweight and breathable, and also highly prone to wrinkles. 

Hanging a creased cotton or linen bow tie in a steamy bathroom can help relax minor wrinkles. You can use an iron set on a medium to high setting with steam to get more significant wrinkles out – but you must place a damp cloth (like a thin cotton towel) over the bow to prevent direct heat damage and only press gently, avoiding excessive pressure on the folds. 

Wool

While wool is more structured and resistant to wrinkles, it can develop creases if folded. (Remember: hang, roll or lay flat to store!)

Avoid direct ironing, as heat can damage wool fibers. Instead, use a steamer to gently release wrinkles while keeping the bow tie slightly damp. If ironing is necessary, set the iron to low heat (wool setting) and use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Hanging the bow tie in a steamy bathroom or laying it flat to dry after steaming helps maintain its shape.

Silk & Satin 

High-quality silk, including satin, is much better at naturally holding its shape and resisting wrinkles.

If you encounter wrinkles, be sure to avoid excessive heat or moisture as silk is delicate and can lose its luster. Use a low-heat setting (silk mode) with no steam when ironing. Place a thin cotton cloth over the silk bow tie and iron gently to avoid scorching or shine marks. If steaming, hold the steamer several inches away from the fabric to prevent water spots. Hang the bow tie to air out after steaming for best results.

Velvet Bow 

Velvet bow ties tend to maintain their shape and keep wrinkles at bay too.

If you’re not so lucky, though, be careful – you must never iron velvet as it can crush the fibers and leave permanent marks. Your first move should be to hang the bow tie in a steamy bathroom. If needed, use a garment steamer to gently steam from the back of the fabric, avoiding direct contact with the front pile. Light brushing with a soft clothing brush after steaming can help restore its texture.

How to Organize Bow Ties

Maintaining a well-ordered collection that is easy to navigate goes a long way to preserving the integrity of each bow tie and supports your enjoyment of each fine accessory. Here are four of our favorite ways for effectively organizing bow ties.

By Occasion

Organizing your bow ties by occasion ensures you can quickly find the right bow tie for formal events, business settings, casual outings, or themed celebrations.

• Formal – Classic black, white, or muted colors in silk, satin, or velvet for black-tie affairs.

• Business/Professional – Solid colors, subtle patterns, or textured fabrics for work.

• Casual & Everyday – Cotton, linen, and playful patterns that work well with relaxed outfits.

• Themed & Holiday – Store separately for quick access when needed (e.g. Christmas, Kentucky Derby, or patriotic).

By Season

Storing bow ties based on seasonal fabrics and colors helps maintain comfort and style, with lighter options for spring and summer and heavier fabrics for fall and winter.

• Warm Weather – Linen, cotton, and seersucker in pastel or bright colors.

• Cold Weather – Wool, velvet, and heavier fabrics in darker or richer tones.

• Transitional – Some bow ties work year-round and can be stored centrally.

By Color

Grouping bow ties by color allows for easy coordination with outfits and ensures a balanced variety of neutral, bold, and patterned options.

• Neutrals – Black, navy, gray, white, and beige for versatility.

• Bright & Bold – Reds, blues, oranges, and greens for statement looks.

• Patterns & Prints – Polka dots, stripes, paisley, and novelty designs.

By Fabric Type

Separating bow ties by fabric prevents damage, as delicate materials like silk and velvet require different care than cotton, wool, or linen.

• Cotton & Linen – Fold or roll to avoid hard creases.

• Wool – Store flat in a breathable space to prevent stretching.

• Silk & Satin – Store separately to prevent friction damage and wrinkles.

• Velvet – Keep in fabric pouches or hang carefully to avoid crushing the pile.

How do you store your bow ties? Show us your well-stored and organized collection by tagging #RHanauer on social media – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Have questions? Get in touch or stop by the shop and visit with us. We’re here to help.