Style Tips for Matching Different Shirt Collars after You Learn How to Tie a Bow Tie

In the bow tie world, one of the seldom addressed issues is the matching of a bowtie and shirt collar. The shirt and bow tie combinations that you can wear after learning how to tie a bow tie are almost endless. While there are many shirt collar types, the button down, wingtip, and wide spread collars are the common ones worn with bow ties. Below are style tips for these collars and bow ties.

 

Wingtip collar

 

The classic wingtip collar is the standard one worn under tuxedos for formal events. The ‘’wings’’ of the collar make it only suitable for a bow tie and is often the motivation for learning how to tie a bow tie. A wing tip-collared shirt with a bow tie is worn to black tie events and weddings.

 

Wide spread collar

 

A wide spread collared shirt is fast gaining popularity among fashion-conscious men and can be worn with a conventional suit and tie. The points of the collar will be fully tucked under your suit jacket’s lapels so that the bow tie can remain prominent. This means there will be no protrusions that will break the lines of your outfit. As such, wide spread collars and bow ties can suffice for everyday wear.

 

Button-down collar

 

The button-down collar has a casual or preppy style. It can suffice for a 9-5 job but not a formal event. Based on the size of the bow tie you choose, the collar might not be entirely hidden. Style experts recommend only wearing a bow tie with the button-down collar if the collar points and buttons are appropriately hidden.

 

Learning how to tie a bow tie is only the first step towards a dapper look. You should also know what shirt collar will best suffice for an event and the bow tie you pick. The above guidelines have hopefully eased your choice of a collar to match a bow tie.