It’s time to up your game from a clip-on bow tie to an actual grown man’s bow tie and that’s going to take some practice. Not many men know how to even tie a regular tie, let alone a bow tie, but with some practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! And if you haven’t added bow ties to your closet, it’s time you get a few because it’s become the go-to accessory in men’s fashion!

To start, place the bow tie of your choice (here’s a great selection http://muleties.com/collections/bowtie-store) over your neck so that each end is hanging down on either side. Know that one end of the bow tie should be longer than the other side by a few inches (if you’re right handed, it should be longer on your right side and on the left side if you’re left handed).

Cross the longer end of the bow tie over the other side so that it forms an “X” on your chest. Then bring the longer end right underneath the shorter end and bring it out from the center up to your face (it’s sort of like tying a shoe lace at this point). With the longer end up on your face, it’s time to fold the shorter end that’s still hanging down horizontally into a bow shape.

Now place the longer end over the shorter end so that it starts to shape the middle of the bow before folding that same long end horizontally. Finally insert that longer end through the loop you’ve created at the back of the shorter end and pull both ends together gently to tighten the knot that you’ve just created. And volia – you’ve tied you’re first bow tie!

But don’t be discouraged if your first bow tie comes out lopsided or imperfect because it’ll take some practice to get it just right. Take a few minutes out of your day to practice tying a bow tie in the mirror and you’ll get the hang of it. Then the hard part will be trying to decide on what bow tie to accessorize your outfit with (like these Rome, Maestro or Gneiss options)!