Should You Wear a Bow Tie or a Necktie? | The Black Tux Blog
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Style Should You Wear a Bow Tie or a Necktie?
Trying to decide whether you should wear a bow tie or necktie? The simplest way is to let the other pieces of your outfit dictate the right neckwear.
Last updated: January 14, 2025Copy Link
If you've picked the rest of your outfit, you've already chosen between wearing a bow tie or necktie. Neckwear depends so much on the context in which it's being worn—your [suit or tux](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-vs-suit-details-make-the-difference "Learn the differences between Tuxedo vs. Suit on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), the [formality of the event](/content/blogs/style/mens-dress-code-types-definitions "Learn about Men's Dress Code types and definitions on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), and even the [style of shirt](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-shirt-styles "Learn about Tuxedo Shirt Styles on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html) all play a role in your choice. It may sound complicated, but we'll show you what's what.
Bow Tie vs. Necktie: Which should I wear?
There are only a few circumstances where you need to follow actual neckwear rules. These are pretty specific situations, and we'll address the most common ones in the next section. Otherwise, the most obvious way to decide whether you should knot up in a bow tie or necktie is to consider how formal (or casual) the occasion.
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Should I wear a bow tie or a necktie? The Black Tux
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If the event is formal (including [black tie dress codes](/content/blogs/style/black-tie-attire-men-dress-code "Learn about the Black Tie Dress Code on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), [black tie optional dress codes](/content/blogs/style/black-tie-optional-dress-code-men "Learn about the Black Tie Optional Dress Code for Men on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), and other events where you'll need a tuxedo) then a bow tie will have you covered. It's always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual in this case.
If you're wearing a suit or you know the atmosphere will be more laid-back and casual, a necktie is probably the best and easiest choice to pull off. That said, while bow ties are less commonly worn to casual events, the right bow tie can be just as casual as a necktie and add some visual interest to your look. If you do opt for a bow tie, we can help you choose the right bow tie fabric.
What to Wear: Common Neckwear Q&A
If you know you'll be [renting a tux](/content/ "Rent a Tuxedo from The Black Tux"/index.html), or you already know you're going to wear a casual suit, that's key information which makes deciding between a bow tie and necktie simple. Below, we've compiled a few answers to the most common neckwear selection questions.
Should I wear a bow tie or necktie with a pleated shirt?
This is as straightforward as it comes. [Pleated shirts](/content/collections/shirts-for-rent/products/pleated-point-collar-dress-shirt_classic "Rent the Pleated Point Collar Tuxedo Shirt by The Black Tux"/index.html) are formal, often worn with a tuxedo, and many are designed to be worn with [button studs](/content/collections/cufflinks-and-studs "Shop Cufflinks & Button Studs by The Black Tux"/index.html). A necktie is casual and would cover up those hypothetical button studs—double don't. Wear a bow tie.
Should I wear a bow tie or necktie with a tuxedo?
If you’re wearing a tux, that means the event is pretty formal or there’s a specific dress code. If the dress code is black tie, wear a bow tie. If it’s a little more laid-back (black tie optional, [creative black tie](/content/blogs/style/festive-attire-men-creative-black-tie "Learn about the Creative Black Tie dress code on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), or a more casual event) you’re clear to wear a necktie. Just be sure to stick with [black satin](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent/products/black-bow-tie "Buy or Rent the Black Satin Butterfly Bow Tie by The Black Tux"/index.html) or [silk](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent/products/black-silk-necktie "Buy or Rent the Black Silk Necktie by The Black Tux"/index.html), or a simple [black and white pattern](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent/products/black-pin-dot-silk-bow-tie "Buy or Rent the Black Pindot Silk Bow Tie by The Black Tux"/index.html).
Should I wear a bow tie or necktie with a suit?
Bow ties are a less common choice, so they’ll make more of an impact and set you apart from the crowd. More people seem to be comfortable wearing a necktie, so while you won't be the only one, it's fine to stick to what you know. The truth is, there isn’t a "wrong" neckwear choice if you’re wearing a suit.
What if I don’t want to wear a tie?
Going tieless can help you stand out, whether you opt for the casual unfastened top button or the trendy "air tie" look with the shirt fully buttoned. This works best with a suit, but if you somehow score an invite to an über-fashionable event like the Met Gala, you could ditch the tie. We don't recommend going sans tie for formal events (black tie weddings, etc).
More Advice About Ties & Accessories
As we've pointed out, you really need to look at your [entire outfit](/content/collections/outfits "Rent Complete Formal Outfits by The Black Tux"/index.html) and where you're headed to choose between a necktie or bow tie. If you're still putting together your look, use the guides below to get it together.
[Wedding Ties for Grooms & Groomsmen Ties](/content/blogs/wedding/wedding-ties "Learn about Wedding Ties on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html)
A comprehensive guide to tie styles and color selection—a valuable resource, whether or not you're tying the knot.
[How to Wear a Pocket Square: The Complete Guide](/content/blogs/style/how-to-wear-a-pocket-square "Learn How to Wear a Pocket Square on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html)
This ain't origami. From simple folds to pairing pocket squares with ties, this guide covers a lot of ground—or at least a 13x13 square of it.
[How to Choose Suit Accessories](/content/blogs/style/suit-accessories-guide "Learn How to Choose Suit Accessories on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html)
Details make the look, so don't forget the little things. Cufflinks, button studs, tie clips, belts—you'll find it all here, plus more tips on ties and pocket squares.
Tie It All Together
[Neckwear](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent "Rent Neckwear by The Black Tux"/index.html) is important, but it won't matter whether you wear a bow tie or necktie if your suit doesn't fit—don't worry, we've got you.
Photo by @parkeryoung.
Our suits and tuxedos are designed with the [finest, high-quality fabrics](/content/pages/quality "Learn about the suit and tuxedo quality at The Black Tux"/index.html) and a modern cut for the perfect fit. Just answer a few easy questions to find your sizes and create your outfit now.
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