The Knowledge: How to tie a bow tie

We believe that a tux looks best with a bow tie. However, while most men believe a bow tie should be hand tied, rather than clip-on or pre-tied, the majority of bow ties sold are indeed pre-tied. Rise above the sartorial morass by taking a few moments to learn how to tie a bow, and do it when there's no pressure of time. Experience tells us that this is a very hard skill to master if there's someone standing over you saying, "Why did you start this now? We're going to be late."

Two tips: if you're struggling, try doing the bow around your thigh, and then learn the movements before you go back to doing it blind around your neck. And while a mirror is necessary to finesse the knot it won't help while you're trying to nail the knot.