How to Tie a Bow Tie

Stogie All Cleaned Up With Bow Tie

I like that H&R Block ad where a man wearing a green bow tie rambles on about the billion dollars in tax refunds that Americans leave behind when they try to do their own taxes.  I do taxes.  I wanted a green bow tie.  So I bought one off of E-Bay and decided to learn to tie it.

I have never before worn or tied a real bow tie.  When I was a kid, I wore those clip on bow ties to church or other dress-up occasions.  However, tying a real one is tricky, at least at first.

I watched a few YouTube videos on the subject, and most of them are worthless.  I managed to get through most of it, but the last step is the hard one, and I wound up with a wild glob of green silk bunched under my chin.  I looked more mad than dashing.  After much swearing and cussing at the infernal, rebellious ribbon, I gave up in disgust.  However, my secretary at work watched a YouTube video (the best one is here), and tied a very neat bow tie around a Pringles can.  I then had her tie it on me, and she again did a great job (see picture).

Now, after much practice, I can tie my own bow tie and plan to buy several more in different colors and designs (e.g. paisley, stripes, polka-dots).

The tax clients seemed to like the tie and their reactions were friendly, solicitous and cheerful.  A bow tie is dress-up, but in a friendly fun-filled way.