It may surprise you to hear that, before this weekend, I hadn't a clue how to tie a proper bow tie. Shocking, I know. Truth be told, however, nearly all my bow ties are pre-tied with fastenings, so when I opened a parcel from Robinson & Dapper one morning, and I saw the loose - albeit beautifully patterned - fabric, I very almost recoiled in fear. All that looping and folding... Such a frightfully fiddly business! But in the world of menswear, knowing how to tie a bow tie is a rite of passage for all men, and I supposed it was about time I finally earned this important piece of gentlemanship.
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| ROBINSON & DAPPER BOW TIE / H&M SHIRT / BEALES BELT / ASOS TROUSERS / TOPMAN SHOES |
I had contemplated filming a how-to video to accompany this feature, but I don't think you would have enjoyed an hour's worth of fumbling and stressy faces, as I repeatedly try and fail to fashion a length of tartan wool into something vaguely resembling a bow. But much to my immense relief, I eventually got the hang of it. And just as the brand suggests, it is rather dapper indeed, especially over a staple white shirt, which accentuates the greys and claret red of the tartan plaid.
