Our research has discovered that just 32% of UK men know how to tie a bow tie without looking for a tutorial.

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68% OF MEN IN THE UK CAN’T TIE A BOW TIE

Words: L. Thorpe

How many people actually know how to tie a bow tie? We reveal all.

With winter weddings, events and new year parties around the corner, we’ve commissioned research into whether or not people know how to tie one of the essential pieces of formal wear: the bow tie.

Worn for black-tie events, semi-formal occasions and even casual events, a bow tie’s usually the finishing touch for many different outfits. The number of people searching for bow ties, black-tie dress codes and how to tie a bow tie is on the rise too, showing that more people than ever are struggling with this style basic.

Searches of bow tie (up 105% since September 2021), black tie (up 123%) and how to tie a bow tie (up 83%) have increased significantly in the UK in the last 12 months as formal events, weddings and parties spring back into life.

But how many men can actually tie a bow tie?

Our research has discovered that just 32% of UK men know how to tie a bow tie, without looking for a tutorial, opting for a pre-tied bow tie or calling in for reinforcements.

Luckily, the research has also revealed that most men (39%) only wear a bow tie once a year, with 5% wearing one monthly. So, not being able to tie one isn’t a regular problem for most men. However, 49% of men surveyed said that they never wear a bow tie, whether that’s because they don’t attend formal events, prefer not wear one or can’t tie one.

Despite this, the UK also has the most global searches of “how to tie a bow tie” in the world, suggesting that many men in the UK – and whoever they rope in to help them tie things up – are struggling with this style basic.

Need to know how to tie a bow tie? We have you covered.

If you – or the man in your life – need help to tie a bow tie, we’ve got you covered with our guide on how to fit your bow tie. If you’re into video tutorials, check out How To Fit Your Bow Tie (ft. Charlie Morley) on our YouTube channel.