Style

10 Ways to Rock a Bow Tie

The men behind Japanese store United Arrows show you how to incorporate the once-nerdy neckwear into everyday looks
  • Image may contain Accessories Tie Accessory Necktie Bow Tie Diaper and Sunglasses
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    The bow tie shed its stodgy reputation long ago, so why are you still only bringing yours out for black-tie weddings and Urkel costumes? The classic neckwear piece is the easiest way to add singular personality to your everyday rigs. To prove it, we shot a few of our favorites on the stylish gentlemen of United Arrows in Tokyo's Harajuku district.

    Top to bottom: Todd Snyder, Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Bespoken, Alexander Olch, The Tie Bar.

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    New to the bow tie game? Get your feet wet with a solid colored option, like a neutral navy, before moving on to prints and patterns.

    Shinsaku Masuda. Bow tie by J.Crew.

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    Break your bow ties out of their usual suit routine and put them with something unexpected, like the indispensible denim jacket.

    Makoto Takahata. Bow tie by Band of Outsiders.

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    A bow tie can either be the perfect complement to an outfit or a distraction, so choose wisely. If you're already rocking a loud pattern, like this camo, opt for more neutral neckwear.

    Shoji Uchiyama. Bow tie by Steven Alan.

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    Every U.A. guy you see here showed up in his own clothes, whether it was an expertly tailored suit or covetable street duds, ready to mix with some unique neckwear. Use some of the same sartorial fearlessness to help you break out of your slim tie shell when getting dressed.

    Akito Hirano. Bow tie by Band of Outsiders.

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    Yes, you can mix pinstripes, Bengal stripes, and polka dots in a single look. A bow tie's smaller surface area means bolder colors and prints won't overpower your other patterned classic pieces.

    Hiroto Tanaka. Bow tie by Alexander Olch.

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    There are endless options out there, but only three silhouettes you need to know: pointed, batwing, and hourglass. The latter and most classic of the three fans outward at its end points, which means you should make sure yours is no larger than Jin's looks here. Keeping clear of clown comparisons is key.

    Jin Hamamoto. Bow tie by The Tie Bar.

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    A batwing bow tie, seen here, has a singular, slim width. Think of it as the gentleman's alternative to a skinny tie.

    Shinji Moriyama. Bow tie by Band of Outsiders.

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    The pointed silhouette takes a traditional bow tie and gives it a trim, creating cleaner lines that will make sure your neckwear is up to date.

    _Takeru Ishihara. Bow tie by Todd Snyder. _

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    If you want to invest in one versatile bow tie, make it chambray. Like its pocket square counterpart, chambray neckwear pairs with easily everything already hanging in your closet.

    Takeo Yoshida. Bow tie by Bespoken.

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    Get the blues...or grays, or greens. Pulling the right colored bow tie into any tonal outfit not only completes the look, but, thanks to the silhouette, adds some visual interest a neck tie can't compete with.

    Tetsuaki Miyamoto. Bow tie by United Arrows.

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    Whether it's with a biker jacket or a buttoned-up three-piece suit as you see here, a bow tie is the elegant accessory you should be sporting right now. Just follow the lead of these stylish United Arrows gents, and you'll be set for the summer season and beyond.

    Motofumi "Poggy" Kogi. Bow tie by United Arrows.

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