Self-Tie vs Pre-Tied Bow Ties: Which Should You Buy?
Choose a self-tie bow tie for a knot with character; choose a pre-tied bow tie for a polished finish without the practice. Both have a place. The first decision is how you want to put it on. The second is the shape, colour and occasion.
For the rest of the kit, see our guide to suit accessories for men.
A little character. Or ready to go.
Your bow.
Your call.
We make both because getting dressed should suit the man doing it. Learn the knot, keep things simple, or have one of each ready for the next invitation.
Shop the photographed Bond Black self-tie
See live local prices and add your chosen bow tie to the bag below.
Self-tie vs pre-tied bow ties: what’s the difference?
A self-tie bow tie arrives as a length of fabric that you tie yourself. You’ll also see it called an untied or freestyle bow tie. The folds and knot change slightly each time, which gives the finished bow its character.
A pre-tied bow tie arrives with the bow already formed. Our Bond Black version sits on an adjustable neck strap and fastens with a hook. You adjust the band and put it on; the bow stays tied.
A clip-on bow tie attaches directly to the collar. That is a different construction from a pre-tied bow on a neckband. “Pre-tied” tells you the knot is done, not that it clips onto your shirt.
| What matters | Self-tie | Pre-tied |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Small variations in the folds and knot | A consistent, ready-formed bow |
| Getting ready | Adjust, tie and arrange the wings | Adjust the strap and fasten |
| Best reason to choose it | You enjoy the ritual and a less uniform finish | You want speed and one less thing to think about |
| Matching a group | Each knot will have its own character | An easy way to keep the group consistent |
| After wearing | Untie gently and store flat | Keep the formed bow protected |
Which bow tie should you buy for your occasion?
Our recommendation is simple: choose self-tie when the knot is part of the pleasure; choose pre-tied when confidence and convenience matter more. A good outfit does not need an argument about your bow.
| Invitation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | A black self-tie bow | Our traditional choice with a dinner jacket and formal white shirt |
| Your wedding | Self-tie if you enjoy tying it; pre-tied if you don’t | Practise the complete outfit before the day |
| Groomsmen | Pre-tied for consistency | The group can get ready without a tying lesson |
| Prom or Year 12 formal | Pre-tied, or self-tie with a spare | Choose a calm start to the evening |
| Creative or relaxed celebration | Either construction | Let the colour, texture and scale suit your tailoring |
| Quick change after work or travel | Pre-tied | The bow is ready when you are |
For the full evening outfit, read our black tie guide. Emily Post’s black tie guidance calls for a black bow tie; our preference is to tie it yourself when you can. A neatly fitted pre-tied black bow is a practical alternative. White tie is a separate code requiring a white piqué bow and specialist evening clothes.
Not sure what the invitation means? Our dress codes guide explains every level. For a first formal, see our Year 12 formal and prom guide; for younger wearers, our page boy guide covers kids’ bow ties.
01 · Same colour, different construction
Compare Bond Black self-tie and pre-tied
Start here to see the difference without a print competing for attention. Both Bond Black styles are polyester satin with a silk-like sheen. The self-tie brings individual folds; the pre-tied keeps its formed shape; for a richer texture, see the velvet diamond tip below. Prefer a colour? Browse our navy, burgundy, blue, green and pink bow ties, each in self-tie and pre-tied.
The learn-to-tie kit · Self-tie to practise, pre-tied as the spare
Black · Satin sheen · Tie it yourself
Black · Satin sheen · Adjustable hook fastening
Why choose a self-tie?
The appeal is in the small differences: a slightly fuller wing, a knot that sits your way, a fold that does not look pressed into uniformity. If you wear bow ties regularly, learning the knot makes choosing one more enjoyable. It also lets you adjust the finished proportions as you tie.
Why choose a pre-tied?
Because you want to get dressed and get on with the evening. A pre-tied bow makes sense for a first formal, a wedding party, a quick change or anyone who finds the knot fiddly. Check the shape, the fastening and the fit, then wear it with confidence.
02 · Shape is a separate choice
Butterfly, big butterfly, batwing or diamond point?
Self-tie and pre-tied describe construction. Butterfly and diamond point describe silhouette. Pick both: you can want a self-tie bow and a butterfly shape.
| Shape | How to recognise it | How to wear it |
|---|---|---|
| Classic butterfly or thistle | Flared wings with rounded outer edges | An easy starting point with a suit or dinner jacket |
| Big butterfly | A taller, more generous version of the flared bow | Give it room between your collar and lapels |
| Batwing | Slimmer, straighter wings | A pared-back silhouette. We don't make a batwing yet; for a slimmer look, tie our standard self-tie a little narrower. |
| Diamond point | Pointed ends instead of rounded edges | Black for evening tailoring; prints for a more playful outfit |
Skip rigid rules about round or narrow faces. Look at the bow with your collar and jacket on: it should frame your face without overwhelming it. A bigger bow makes a stronger statement; a smaller one leaves more space around the collar.
Bond Black Self Tie Diamond Tip Bow Tie
Black · Pointed ends · Self-tie
Bond Black Diamond Velvet Self Bow Tie
Black · Velvet texture · Self-tie
“Do you make a self-tie butterfly bow tie?”
Yes, if you mean the classic flared butterfly shape. Our standard Bond Black Self-Tie Bow Tie ties into that silhouette. Its product measurements list 7 cm at the widest part of the untied bow fabric.
If you mean our oversized Butterfly range, choose pre-tied. The Bond Black Butterfly Bow Tie is 9 cm tall and arrives pre-tied. Browse the Butterfly Bow Ties collection for that larger silhouette.
If you mean the pattern, “Butterfly Self Bow Tie” is an insect print. The Butterfly Self Bow Tie has butterflies in its design; its name does not mean it is the oversized Butterfly shape.
Oversized butterfly · 9 cm tall · Pre-tied
How should a bow tie fit?
Try it with the shirt you will wear. Set the neckband so the bow sits securely at the collar without pinching. On a pre-tied style, tuck the band beneath the collar and keep the fastening out of sight. On a self-tie, adjust the strap before you begin, then arrange the wings once the knot is formed.
Our straps adjust to fit most collar sizes. If you wear a very large collar, check the product measurements or ask us before ordering.
| Bond Black style | Listed measurements | What they tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pre-tied | Bow 11.5 cm wide × 5.8 cm tall; strap 48 cm at full length | The bow dimensions are fixed; the strap adjusts |
| Standard self-tie | 93 cm full untied length; fabric 7 cm at widest point, 4.5 cm at narrowest | Finished width depends on how you tie it |
| Oversized Butterfly, pre-tied | 9 cm tall; top width 11 cm, bottom width 8 cm | A distinctly taller silhouette |
| Self-tie diamond tip | 97 cm full untied length; fabric 6.5 cm at widest point | Pointed ends with an adjustable strap |
How do you look after it?
The featured Bond Black products specify dry cleaning. Untie a self-tie gently after wearing; do not yank the wings apart. Store it flat. Keep a pre-tied bow somewhere its formed wings will not be crushed, and follow the care instructions for the specific style.
Is a self-tie bow tie hard to tie?
It takes practice, but you do not need a perfect knot on your first attempt. Give it a crack before the event, with a mirror and the shirt you plan to wear. Follow our How to Tie a Bow Tie tutorial for the full method.
Set the strap first. Changing the neckband after tying changes how the bow sits. Check the two ends before starting. Follow the tutorial’s starting lengths so you have enough fabric to form each wing. Arrange, then stop. Small differences in the folds are part of a hand-tied bow’s appeal.
Practise the week before, not five minutes before the car arrives. For a wedding or first formal, pack a pre-tied spare. A little preparation is more useful than a perfect bow in a photograph.
For colour and pattern, our tie patterns guide explains the difference between a quiet repeat and a statement print. Start with a plain shirt, then let the bow do the talking.
More bow tie guides
Every bow tie question we answer, in one place.
Self-tie and pre-tied bow tie FAQs
Is a self-tie or pre-tied bow tie better?
Choose self-tie for an individual knot and the pleasure of tying it yourself. Choose pre-tied for speed and a consistent finish. The better choice is the one that suits your occasion and the way you get ready.
Are untied and freestyle bow ties the same as self-tie?
Yes. Untied, freestyle and self-tie describe a bow tie you tie yourself, rather than one with an already formed bow.
Are pre-tied bow ties acceptable for black tie?
Our traditional recommendation is a black self-tie bow with a dinner jacket and formal white shirt. A neatly fitted pre-tied black bow is a practical alternative when you want the ready-formed finish.
Is a pre-tied bow tie the same as a clip-on?
No. A pre-tied bow can sit on a neckband; our Bond Black version has an adjustable strap and hook fastening. A clip-on attaches directly to the collar.
Can I buy a self-tie butterfly bow tie?
Our standard Bond Black Self-Tie Bow Tie ties into a classic flared butterfly shape. Our oversized Bond Black Butterfly Bow Tie is pre-tied. The product named Butterfly Self Bow Tie is an insect print, rather than the oversized shape.
Can you buy a self-tie diamond-point bow tie?
Yes. Our Bond Black Self Tie Diamond Tip Bow Tie has pointed ends and comes untied. The Bond Black Diamond Velvet Self Bow Tie offers the pointed shape with velvet texture.
Do I need to know my neck size to buy an adjustable bow tie?
No. Our straps adjust to fit most collar sizes. If you wear a very large collar, check the product measurements or ask us before ordering.
What bow tie should groomsmen wear?
Pre-tied bows are a simple way to give the group a consistent finish. Self-tie bows suit a group that enjoys the individual knots. Try them with the shirts and jackets before the wedding.
Should I choose self-tie for my first formal?
Choose it if you have time to practise and enjoy the result. Otherwise choose pre-tied. If you learn to tie one, keep a pre-tied spare ready for the evening.
Can I wash the featured Bond Black bow ties?
The featured Bond Black products specify dry cleaning. Follow the individual care instructions and protect a pre-tied bow from being crushed during storage.
One knot. Plenty of possibilities.
Learn to tie one.
Keep a spare.
A self-tie for the ritual. A pre-tied for the rush. Choose the shape and colour you love, then the construction that makes the evening yours.
Shop Self-Tie Bow TiesShop Pre-Tied Bow TiesShop Diamond Bow TiesThe Brothers at OTAA.
