Navy White Stripe Self Tie Italian Silk Bow Tie

Proper care will extend the life of your silk bow ties significantly. Here's how to maintain their luxurious appearance, whether you prefer ready-to-wear or self-tie styles:

Daily Care

For Ready-to-Wear Bow Ties:

Never compress or flatten the pre-tied bow shape

Store on a specialized bow tie hook or hanger after wearing

Allow at least 24-48 hours between wearings to maintain structure

Handle by the band rather than the bow itself to preserve shape

For Self-Tie Bow Ties:

Always untie your bow tie at the end of the evening—never store it tied

Gently unfasten and pull the ends completely straight

Hang vertically from a tie rack overnight to release wrinkles naturally

Rotate your bow ties to allow each one time to recover its natural resilience

Dealing with Wrinkles

For Both Styles:

For light wrinkles, hang in a steamy bathroom

For stubborn wrinkles, place a clean cotton cloth over the bow tie and use the lowest iron setting

Never apply an iron directly to silk fabric

For pre-tied styles, be extra cautious around the sewn bow structure

Stain Removal

Blot (don't rub) fresh stains immediately with a clean cloth

For most stains, take to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in silk

Specify that it's a bow tie so they can give it appropriate treatment

Avoid home remedies like club soda or stain removers which can damage silk

Storage

For Ready-to-Wear Bow Ties:

Store in a compartmentalized drawer to prevent crushing

Use bow tie inserts or stuff with acid-free tissue to maintain shape

Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

For Self-Tie Bow Ties:

Store flat or loosely rolled in a drawer

Alternatively, hang properly on a specialized tie rack

Use cedar elements in storage areas to repel moths naturally

Travel Tips

For Ready-to-Wear Bow Ties:

Use a small box to protect the pre-tied shape

Pack at the top of your suitcase to minimize pressure

For Self-Tie Bow Ties:

Roll gently instead of folding

Consider a dedicated tie case for business travel

Pack in your suit jacket pocket when possible

With proper care, quality silk bow ties can last decades while maintaining their distinctive luster and elegant appearance.