Tie or Bow Tie for Prom?

One of the most iconic events of the school year is right around the corner; a night to make memories that will last a lifetime with your closest high school friends. 

Prom night is the perfect excuse to dress your very best as you dance the night away. Whether you’re going for a classic prom look, or you want to incorporate the theme for the evening into your attire, the same question always arises: tie or bow tie for prom?

Below are some helpful tips and suggestions to help you look sharp and feel confident as you prepare for an evening of excitement and fun. 

Is a Bow Tie Suitable Prom Attire?

A bow tie is a great choice for prom, and it is definitely an appropriate accessory for such a formal occasion. Bow ties have the power to enhance a gentleman’s ensemble, and overall, a bow tie reflects a sharp style that can tie an entire look together.

Most proms abide by a strict dress code - simply because it is a special night to dress up and celebrate amongst friends, but that doesn’t mean that a gentleman cannot reflect his own personal style. Instead, the dress code is in place in order to express the formality of the event. In fact, a prom bow tie is actually the perfect accessory for showcasing your own unique taste.

While many believe that a customary black bow tie is the only acceptable fit for a traditional tuxedo, that is simply not the case. For example, our Black and Purple Banbury Paisley Bow Tie  is an all silk bow that features an elegant paisley design and bold blues, but it is still formal enough to be worn with a tuxedo. Color and pattern are an excellent way to incorporate creative flare while still being appropriately dressed for the occasion.  

 

Is a Bow Tie More Formal Than a Tie?

The great “bow tie or tie for prom” debate can be settled in one way, simply depending on how formal your prom is. A bow tie for prom takes a gentleman’s look to a higher level of sophistication, while wearing a tie for prom makes your tuxedo appear to look more like a regular suit. When dressing for a formal event, like prom, it is important for a gentleman to never arrive underdressed, so always pay close attention to the details of the event that you are planning to attend.

What Are the Best Colors and Patterns for a Prom Bow Tie?

Prom fashion is all about dressing your very best and showing off your signature sense of style. When selecting a prom bow tie, feel free to experiment with different colors and various patterns.

At R. Hanauer, we believe it is important for a gentleman to express himself through his clothing choices; therefore, we offer an array of different colors and styles of bow ties so that a gentleman can find his perfect match.

For prom, many young men like to match their formal accessories to the color of their date’s dress, and our vast collection of different bows make it possible to find the ideal bow tie for your prom look.

5 Best Prom Looks

Here then are five of our favorite formal wear looks for Prom 2020: 

1. Carolina Proud

Our all-silk Blue Palmetto Cummerbund Set is a versatile ensemble that every proud South Carolinian will find reason to wear - either together or as a bow alone - year after year. Presented in Citadel Blue and hand-made in the USA, this handsome set is also available in orange and garnet, and makes for an especially treasured purchase for those headed for college in our home state. 

2. Velvet Elegance

The ultimate in black tie attire, the R. Hanauer Black Velvet Cummerbund Set is absolute elegance. Presented in luxe cotton velvet and hand-made in our Fort Mill workshop, this set will never go out of style.

Prom is the ideal occasion to sport this specialty set but, we warn you - you may become the center of attention. Available as a set in red as well, and sold separately as bow ties in black and red.

3. Calm, Cool & Coordinated

Gone are the days when prom pictures go only as far as Mom’s mantle. With photos instantly circulating the globe via social media, the pressure is on today’s prom dates to be especially spiffy.

One way to make a lasting impression is by coordinating colors with your date. We recommend a gentleman complement his date’s dress and have a broad selection of sophisticated patterns and on-trend colors that will complete the desired look.

Among our standouts are our all-silk, American-made Derwin Repp Cummerbund Sets (shown in Coral and available in five other colors) and our Windsor Dots Cummerbund Sets (shown in Purple and available in four other colors). Bow ties and neckties are available in these patterns too.

4. Team Player 

Prom represents a rite of passage, and offers a time to celebrate the accomplishments of one’s formative years and to welcome in what’s to come.

Fine accessories that showcase pride for the home team - or for those graduation bound - a nod to college colors are a heartwarming tribute and a handsome choice for prom.

Shown here in navy/orange, our all-silk Bar Stripes Cummerbund Set comes in 17 colors and is also available in bow ties, neckties, and bow tie and pocket square sets.

5. Classic Gentleman

Last, but certainly not the least of our 2020 prom picks is our Formal Black Satin Cummerbund Set. A traditional choice, these exquisite and incredibly versatile all-silk accessories will forever be in fashion.

To elevate the look (and make sure his set makes it home), consider adding a monogram to either the bow tie or cummerbund. This gorgeous fabric is also available in a necktie and is sold separately as a bow tie too. 

Prom photos are social media gold! Tag your dapper #RHanauer Prom looks on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to check out our YouTube channel too.