Tie One On

In the last five years, gay New York has seen the onslaught of the bow-tie—and that’s no complaint. From the annual Toys Party in December to GLAAD Manhattan in August, it seems like dapper ’mos are always donning the retro-chic neckwear. With the opening of web store turned Hell’s Kitchen sartorial hub Fine and Dandy Shop earlier this month (see p.8 for more info), we asked proprietor Matt Fox to dish on all things bow tie.

Never A Clip-On

When it comes to bow ties, the self-tie is always the better choice. “The clip-on is quite inferior to the real one,” Fox says. If you’re not sure how to navigate tying your own bow, it’s easy to learn. “There are many YouTube videos and even in the shop we’re always happy to teach someone how to tie a bow.” And that’ll come in handy the next time you’re invited to a black-tie event! For such an occasion, this 1. Brooks Brothers Self-Tie Bow Tie ($60) is available in black. You can find it at Bloomingdales (1000 Third Ave, Bloomingdales.com).

Aspire to Wool

Silk bow ties are the easiest to tie because their slippery material tends to get in the way of knots less than, say, wool or velvet. But nothing is quite like a wool bow tie. “A wool bow tie looks so awesome that you have to aspire to that,” Fox says. “So good.” Check out Fine and Dandy (445 W 49th St, FineAndDandyShop.com) for their 2. Red Plaid Wool Bow Tie ($55). You can also go the thick-material route with a 3. Paul Smith Navy Velvet Bow Tie ($135) available at Paul Smith New York (142 Greene St, PaulSmith.co.uk).

Find the Middle Ground

If you’re looking for a good middle-of-the-road bow tie, try one made of linen. Metro Retro (MetroRetroApparel.com) bow ties are only available online—but their workshop is based in New York—and their 4. Linen Bow Tie ($65) is a good choice. Or go the vintage route. “I would probably check out the Chelsea Garage, the flea market on the weekend,” Fox suggests.