Black Bow Tie in Silk Velvet Sized Self-Tie Butterfly - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere proudly offers a wide range of bow ties for day and formal evening wear. Our formal bow ties, perfect for Black or White ties, are individually sized and will be the perfect addition to any tuxedo ensemble. Our day bow ties prove that this versatile accessory is not just for eccentric dandies, but will appear elegant and dapper on any gentleman with our colorful selection of silk and wool challis options.

Black Bow Tie in Silk Velvet Sized Self-Tie Butterfly

Please note: due to the relative thickness of the material used in this bow tie, size up one-half.

For instance, if your neck measures 16”, please order a size 16.5.
The black bow tie has famously given its name to the Black Tie Dress Code, but this accessory is also an essential requirement when wearing a tuxedo or dinner jacket ensemble. For gentlemen who prefer a fine velvet dinner jacket, or want to add a unique look to any tuxedo ensemble, Fort Belvedere is proud to offer this remarkable velvet bow tie.

Velvet is a woven fabric with tufts, in which the cut threads are evenly distributed with a short pile, imparting to the fabric its famous soft feel. Most velvet on the market today is made only
from synthetic viscose or cotton, but at Fort Belvedere, we found that silk as the primary component yielded the very best results because only silk imparts that beautiful sheen and shimmer under twinkling evening lights.

Because the bow tie is self-tying, the quality of the material is put on full display with an unbroken, continuous neck that is perfectly sized to you, requiring no clunky and obstructing metal clasps. Individually-sized evening neck is increasingly rare nowadays, and stands out as the choice of all discerning gentlemen.

You will not find a better silk velvet bow tie anywhere else!

What makes this black silk velvet bow tie so special?

● Impeccable Materials. To create the best possible velvet for this bow tie, we worked closely with a renowned Italian velvet purveyor to concoct the perfect combination. We tested everything from exclusively cotton to exclusively silk, and found that silk velvet
with the addition of cotton yielded the perfect hybridization of luxurious appearance, sumptuous feel, and durability. This experimentation yielded a truly one-of-a-kind velvet that is rich and thick, with a sparkle that has to be seen to be believed.

● Handmade. This bow tie benefits from unique artisanal detailing, like a special cotton interlining that enhances the softness of the materials and improves shape, that can only
be achieved with careful, by-hand construction. Because velvet is such a thick material, only trained craftsmen can work with it, because the delicate process of sewing the bow ties inside out can easily destroy the velvet. After an exhaustive search, we were able to locate artisans in England capable of undertaking this difficult operation for us.

● Self-Tie Bow Tie. Pretied bow ties look clunky and juvenile, appearing overly artificial and being reminiscent of little boys. Learning how to tie a bow tie is an essential gentlemanly skill that is made easy with our step-by-step video.

● Fixed Sizing. To save money and effort, most formal bow ties on the market have an adjustable sizing clasp. Clunky hardwear can feel uncomfortable around your neck and will spoil the lines of your collar, especially if you are wearing a detachable wing collar.
Fort Belvedere is one of the few modern makers that offers a fixed-sized bow tie, perfectly suited to your personal  measurements, and made from a solid piece of fabric so that there are no unsightly seams or lumps. Due to the thickness of the velvet employed in this bow tie, size up one-half size after measuring your neck.

● Perfect Proportions. Styled with prominent bows that are reminiscent of the wings of a butterfly, this bow tie has dimensions of approximately 4.75” by 2.5,” or 12 cm by 6.5 cm.

Black Bow Tie Style Tips

A perfectly symmetrical self-tied bow tie is almost impossible to achieve, and it too closely resembles the artificial appearance of a cheap-looking pre-tied bow tie. Therefore, take advantage of the spontaneity and unique look of a self-tied bow tie by embracing a nonchalant approach. How so? Intentionally leave one end of the bow tie a little longer than the other, or one side higher than the other, for an organic, sprezzatura-inspired appearance. You can also vary the tightness or looseness of the knot for more formal or casual looks. The result is a bow tie that is definitively styled your way and that will fit your personality.

The majority of modern bow ties come in only one or two boring styles with flimsy interlining. Fort Belvedere, however, has revived the classic bow tie varieties that made the glorious 1930s a part of the Golden Age of Menswear, with a bountiful collection of formal evening bow ties in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes. This variety allows you to find the perfect bow tie to suit your face and your individual style.

This batwing bow tie perfectly complements any kind of tuxedo with a faille or grosgrain lapel and will look especially dashing with a midnight blue or black dinner jacket. It also pairs well with white or off-white evening shirts, studs or traditional buttons, and either traditional waist covering, be it a formal vest or cummerbund.

A black bow tie is an essential component of Black Tie, but do not forget other fine details! Be sure to select an appropriate waist covering, like a matching cummerbund, and consider a boutonniere as well: traditionally, gentlemen wore a rose or carnation with evening ensembles.