While undeniably de rigueur for strict black-tie affairs—or, say, auditioning for the next Bond caper—bow ties can look stuffy and slightly out-of-sync in today’s age, where our relationship to all things formal—and the idea of formality itself—has evolved. Today, our approach is more fluid, bending the rules and reimagining what elegance looks like.
So, what’s the way to wear them right, right now? Simple. One word—sprezzatura. It’s the Italian term for ‘deliberate imperfection,’ a studied carelessness. The aim here isn’t polished perfection but a carefully crafted nonchalance.
Here’s a look at the ones who got it right.
A polka-dotted bow tie brings a touch of whimsy to classic attire, as effortlessly demonstrated here by Portuguese football legend Luis Figo.
Vicky Kaushal makes a statement at the IIFA Awards with a two-tone bow tie that perfectly balances elegance and edge.
Marc Jacobs dons a bespoke oversized dropped bow tie at the WSJ Magazine 2024 Innovator Awards.
If you want to shine like a diamond, let Colman Domingo’s dazzling brooch bow tie look from the Oscars 2024 be your inspiration.
Esquire tip: When tying your bow tie, avoid strict symmetry. When almost nearing the perfectly even point, tug it just a wee bit to one side — there’s something sexy and rakish about it.