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National Bow Tie Day

Fun · August 28

A day for the bow tie, the small knotted neckwear that looks simple, takes practice to tie, and has a reputation all its own.

National Bow Tie Day falls on Saturday, August 28, 2027. That is 305 days away.

A bow tie is a strip of fabric tied around the collar into a symmetrical knot with two loops and two loose ends. It sits at the throat instead of hanging down the shirt, which is most of its charm and some of its practicality.

There are two main kinds. The self-tie version arrives as a flat band and has to be knotted by hand, much like tying a shoelace around your own neck while looking in a mirror. Pre-tied versions come already shaped and fasten with a clip or a hook at the back. People who tie their own tend to like the slight unevenness of the result, since a perfectly flat bow can give away a pre-tied one.

Bow ties turn up in a few familiar places. They are standard with a tuxedo at formal events, and they have long been a signature look for certain professors, doctors, bartenders and performers. Plenty of people simply wear them on an ordinary day because they like them. Patterns run from plain black silk to polka dots, plaids and loud prints.

The usual way to mark the day is to wear one. If you have never tied a bow tie, a patient afternoon with a mirror and a step-by-step guide will usually get you there. The first attempts tend to come out lopsided, and the knot gets neater with repetition.

One practical point keeps bow ties popular with people who work with their hands or lean over tables: there is no long end to dip into soup.

Ways to celebrate

• Wear a bow tie to work, school or dinner.
• Try tying a self-tie bow tie using a mirror and a guide.
• Look through a thrift store for a patterned bow tie.
• Share a photo of your favorite bow tie with a friend.
• Teach someone else how to tie the knot.

Dates

All national days on August 28

Also on August 28

• National Cherry Turnover Day
• National Red Wine Day

Categories: Fun days