You can buy bow ties for men from specialty online bow tie shops, department stores, menswear stores and handmade makers. A good bow tie usually costs $20 to $60, and luxury silk bow ties can cost $100 or more. Look for even stitching, a bow that holds its shape, a sturdy adjustable strap, and sizes that let a whole wedding party match. The Bold Bow Tie sells handmade, pre-tied bow ties in more than 40 colors for $17.50 to $32.50.
Whether you need one black bow tie for a black tie event or matching bow ties for ten groomsmen and a ring bearer, where you buy matters. This guide compares the main places to buy bow ties, explains what a good bow tie costs, and shows how to spot quality before you order.
Where to Buy Bow Ties for Men
1. Specialty Online Bow Tie Shops
Specialty bow tie shops offer the widest choice of colors, patterns and sizes. They are the best place to buy bow ties for weddings, because you can usually order the same color in men's, boys' and toddler sizes. Many specialty shops also sell matching suspenders, pocket squares and fabric swatches.
2. Handmade Bow Tie Makers
Handmade bow tie makers cut and sew each bow tie individually. Handmade bow ties often come in unique fabrics and wedding colors you won't find in big stores. The Bold Bow Tie is a handmade bow tie maker in the USA, run by a woman-owned, multigenerational family business.
3. Department Stores
Department stores carry a small selection of designer and house-brand bow ties, mostly in black, navy and a few patterns. Department stores are convenient for buying a black bow tie in person, but they rarely carry kids' sizes or wedding colors like sage green, dusty blue or terracotta.
4. Menswear and Tuxedo Shops
Menswear and tuxedo shops sell and rent bow ties that match their suits and tuxedos. Tuxedo shops are a good choice if your whole wedding party is renting, but rental bow ties usually come in a limited set of colors and must be returned.
5. Bow Ties Near Me: Shopping Locally
Local boutiques and menswear stores let you see a bow tie in person. If you can't find the color you need locally, order a fabric swatch from an online shop to see the exact color before you buy.
How Much Does a Good Bow Tie Cost?
A good bow tie usually costs between $20 and $60. Prices depend on the fabric, how the bow tie is made, and the brand:
- Budget bow ties (under $20): Mass-produced, usually polyester, with limited sizes and colors.
- Mid-range and handmade bow ties ($20 to $60): Cotton, satin or velvet, better construction, more colors, and often kids' sizes.
- Luxury bow ties ($75 and up): Designer silk bow ties from high-end fashion houses.
Solid color bow ties from The Bold Bow Tie cost $17.50 to $32.50 depending on size, and every bow tie is handmade in the USA and pre-tied.
How to Tell If a Bow Tie Is High Quality
- The bow is symmetrical. Both wings are the same size and the center knot sits straight.
- The stitching is even. Seams are straight with no loose threads or puckering.
- The fabric holds its shape. A good bow tie keeps its shape after you wear it and does not flatten or droop.
- The strap is sturdy and adjustable. The strap should adjust smoothly and stay put all day.
- The color matches the photos. Good sellers offer fabric swatches so you can check the color in person.
Pre-Tied vs. Self-Tie Bow Ties
A pre-tied bow tie has the bow already shaped and stitched, with an adjustable strap. A self-tie bow tie is a flat strip of fabric that you tie yourself. Pre-tied bow ties look identical in every photo and are the easiest choice for groomsmen, ring bearers and kids. Self-tie bow ties take practice to tie and look different on every person.
Which Bow Tie Fabric Should You Buy?
- Cotton: Matte, breathable and easy to care for. Best for daytime, outdoor and rustic weddings.
- Satin: A subtle shine for evening weddings, formal events and tuxedos.
- Velvet: Rich texture for fall and winter weddings, holidays and black tie events.
- Silk: The traditional luxury fabric, usually at a higher price.
Best Bow Tie Colors to Own
- Black: The essential bow tie for tuxedos and black tie events.
- Navy: Goes with gray, tan and navy suits.
- Burgundy: Rich color for fall, winter and evening events.
- Sage green and dusty blue: The most popular spring and summer wedding colors.
- Champagne: A soft neutral that pairs with almost every wedding palette.
Shop all of these and more in our solid color bow ties collection.
Where to Buy Matching Bow Ties for Groomsmen
The best place to buy matching bow ties for groomsmen is a shop that offers the same color in men's, boys' and toddler sizes, with fabric swatches and matching accessories. Order a swatch first, buy all the bow ties in one order so the fabric matches, and order at least four to six weeks before the wedding. The Bold Bow Tie offers every solid color bow tie in Small (6 months to 5 years), Medium (6 to 12 years) and Large (13 years to adult), plus matching bow tie and suspender sets.