The right accessory can elevate an ensemble from handsome to dashing. For a true gentleman, the devil is in the details – no accoutrement is insignificant when it comes to looking sharp. 

The bow tie, of course, is the king of the trappings of elegance. So how do you match it with your outfits? Here's our style guide to help you choose the right bow tie.

Are bow ties business professional? To us here at R. Hanauer, the answer is: of course. But we wear a bow tie most everywhere and recognize that we may be a bit... biased. Zooming out from personal preference however, the answer is: it depends. 

Let’s get into the criteria for deciding whether wearing a bow tie to work is right for you.

If you are among those distinguished gentlemen who wear a bow tie most every day, the question is not When to wear a bow tie? but rather, When not to wear a bow tie?

Both are good questions that warrant comprehensive answers. Read along to learn the ins and outs of where and when to wear a bow tie.

Modern gentlemen tend to tie their bows in a standard and consistent way, which may suggest that there aren’t other, perhaps fancy bow tie knots.

Not so! As bow tie history plainly shows, there are numerous different bow tie knots to play with. We'll show you how to tie them in this in-depth guide. 

At R. Hanauer, we believe you can wear a bow tie - with a suit, tuxedo or pajamas - on any day that ends in D-A-Y. But we know not everyone is cut from our family’s cloth! 

We all know a bow tie is to be worn with a tuxedo, but some are not so sure about how to incorporate a bow tie into day-to-day wear. 

So, can you wear a bow tie with a suit? Absolutely. Let’s get into some suit and bow tie details:

Should you always go with a self tie bow tie? When is it appropriate to wear a pre tied bow tie - or even a clip on?

We'll show you what makes each type different, and guide you to your ideal selection. 

The bow tie is a dapper man’s tried and true companion, and many in his collection are prized among his cache of fine accessories. 

Bow tie fashion rules are, for the most part, timeless. Keep these five on hand and you’ll be prepared for almost every social situation. 

A bow tie and pocket square elevate both daytime and evening looks, offering a refined yet approachable elegance. But knowing how to successfully pair a bow tie and pocket square can be tricky. So many colors to choose from! So many classic and head-turning patterns to narrow down to! We are here to help you.

If you’re anything like us - or consider yourself to be a bow tie connoisseur - you might be well-versed in the sophisticated language that is bow tie shapes.

The world of menswear fashion and accessories is ever growing - and style,  shape and color trends are ever-changing. So whether you’re a novice bow tie wearer or a well groomed expert - here's your opportunity to stay on top of your bow tie shapes knowledge.