The Single-End Bow Tie

When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

Single End Bow Tie Cover PictureSingle End Bow Tie Cover Picture
The Single End Bow Tie is a classic Black Tie option

For formal evening events bow ties are still the number one form of neckwear. Today, most bow ties are made of jacquard silk or satin, but the connoisseur also has a black tie in barathea, faille or grosgrain and moiré, but only the most elegant gents own single end bow ties. In fact, most men don’t even know they exist and it is definitely a small but distinct hallmark of well dressed gentlemen. It is very difficult to source these bow ties nowadays and hence Sven Raphael Schneider decided to design a great selection of formal evening bow ties from the very best evening fabrics money can buy. Before we focus on the single end bow ties, let’s discuss the two most popular shapes.

Assorted Black Bow TIes in Satin, Shantung, Faille, Barathea & Moire
Assorted Black Bow TIes in Satin, Shantung, Faille, Barathea & Moire

Butterfly Bow Tie

On the one hand, there is the butterfly bow tie, which looks very much like a butterfly because of the four little wings: two on either blade. The name butterfly derives from Giacomo Puccini‘s opera Madame Butterfly, which premiered 17th February 1904 at the Scala in Milan and shortly thereafter began to become a worldwide success. The protagonists wore a very tightly knotted bow tie, creating a butterfly-like shape. Just like the opera, the bow tie shape itself became extremely popular.

Batwing Bow Tie

Batwing Bow Tie - Moire Silk
Batwing Bow Tie – Moire Silk

On the other hand, there is the batwing bow tie which is slimmer than the Butterfly bow tie, and features a straight blade.

Single Ended Bow Tie

However, besides those two shapes, there is another interesting bow tie shape which is the creme de la creme in classic evening menswear: the single-end or single-ended bow tie. You can either tie it like a regular bow tie, or just put the slim end through the knot so it sits right next to the collar, which is actually easier than tying a regular bow tie. When worn with a tuxedo or a tailcoat, the single ended bow tie is even more elegant than a regular butterfly or batwing bow tie since there is only one neat-looking layer of fabric to the finished knot.

It is very difficult to find these single end bow ties, and if you do, then they usually come in one kind of fabric. For that reason, Sven Raphael Schneider decided to create a line of single end bow ties in different materials, and soon also new shapes. At this point you can get them in Satin, Shantung, Faille / Grosgrain and Moire, soon also in white single-ended marcella. Given its rarity, you will look very dapper and totally unique. Considering that there is only one bow shaped end, one size fits it all, as you will simply put the end through the knot when you tie it. So if you are looking for a single end bow tie, you found the right place.

Single End Bow Ties in a Variety of Fabrics from Fort Belvedere

Black Single End Bow Tie in Silk Moire Butterfly Self Tie - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Single End Bow Tie in Black Silk Satin

Black Single End Bow Tie in Silk Moire Butterfly Self Tie - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Single End Bow Tie in Black Silk Moiré

Black Faille Grosgrain Single End Bow Tie in Silk Fort Belvedere on tuxedo dinner jacket

Fort Belvedere

Single End Bow Tie in Black Silk Faille Grosgrain

Raphael wearing a black silk velvet butterfly bow tie self tie single end handmade in England by fort belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Single End Silk Velvet Bow Tie In Black

How To Tie A Single End Bow Tie

This video explains how to tie the Single End Bow Tie. If you want to learn how to tie a regular bow tie, click here.

When you wear a tuxedo next time, give the single-end bow tie a chance—it will be the icing on the cake!

Reader Comments

  1. Love the white bow tie. Thanks for the tutorial you have given to this article. Now I know how to ties this one.

Comments are closed.