Butterfly Bow Tie vs Traditional Bow Tie: What's the Difference?

If you're shopping for a bow tie for a wedding, formal event or black-tie occasion, you've probably noticed there are a surprising number of different bow tie styles.

Butterfly.

Classic.

Batwing.

Diamond point.

Different shapes, different proportions, different personalities.

So what actually is the difference between a butterfly bow tie and a traditional bow tie?

And more importantly - which one should you wear?

Let's break it down.

What Is a Traditional Bow Tie? 

When most people picture a traditional or classic bow ti

e, they're usually thinking of a fairly symmetrical, understated bow tie shape.

It's refined, familiar and easy to wear.

A classic bow tie works particularly well for weddings, formal events and black-tie occasions because it has that timeless appearance that never really goes out of style.

It's the bow tie equivalent of a black suit.

You know it works.

You don't have to overthink it.

And sometimes that's exactly what you want.

What Is a Butterfly Bow Tie?

A butterfly bow tie has a broader, more pronounced shape, with wider ends that create the appearance of butterfly wings.

It has more presence around the neck than a narrower bow tie style and can create a stronger visual statement.

Butterfly bow ties are particularly associated with formalwear, tuxedos, weddings and black-tie dressing.

And this is where things get interesting.

Because while a butterfly bow tie is certainly classic, it doesn't have to look boring.

In fact, I think it's one of the easiest ways to make a formal outfit stand out.

Butterfly Bow Tie vs Traditional Bow Tie

So, what's the actual difference?

Traditional or Classic Bow Tie

A traditional bow tie generally gives you:

• A more understated silhouette

• A clean and symmetrical appearance

• A timeless formal look

• Easy pairing with suits and tuxedos

• A more subtle approach to formalwear

Butterfly Bow Tie

A butterfly bow tie generally gives you:

• A wider silhouette

• More visual presence

• A bolder appearance

• A strong formalwear look

• More opportunity to make the bow tie a feature of your outfit

Neither is "better".

They're simply different ways of approaching the same accessory.

And that's important.

Because choosing a bow tie isn't just about finding something that technically works with your outfit.

It's about deciding how much attention you want that little piece of fabric to receive.

Is a Butterfly Bow Tie More Formal?

Not necessarily.

The butterfly shape is strongly associated with formalwear and is commonly worn with tuxedos and black-tie outfits.

But the formality of a bow tie also depends on the fabric, colour, pattern and the rest of your outfit.

A black butterfly bow tie with a tuxedo is about as classic as formalwear gets.

A brightly coloured patterned butterfly bow tie with a casual suit is a completely different story.

So don't think of "butterfly" as automatically meaning more formal.

Think of it as a different shape with more visual presence.

Which Bow Tie Should You Wear to a Wedding?

This is where I think the decision gets much more interesting.

If you're a wedding guest and want something understated, a classic bow tie can be a great choice.

If you're a groom or someone who wants to make more of a statement, a butterfly bow tie gives you a little more room to stand out.

And you don't necessarily need to introduce another colour to do it.

You could have:

Groomsmen: classic black bow ties

Groom: black butterfly bow tie

Same colour.

Same wedding.

Same overall look.

Different shape.

That tiny difference can be enough to separate the groom from the groomsmen without making the wedding party look mismatched.

Should the Groom and Groomsmen Wear the Same Bow Tie?

They can.

But they don't have to.

This is something I've become increasingly fond of.

Traditionally, you might have the groom and every groomsman wearing the exact same bow tie.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

It creates a consistent, coordinated wedding party.

But there is another option.

Keep the same colour and change the style.

For example:

Groomsmen: traditional black bow ties

Groom: bold black butterfly bow tie

The colour keeps everything connected.

The different shape gives the groom his own identity.

It's subtle.

It's intentional.

And it looks great in wedding photos.

Why Black Butterfly Bow Ties Work So Well

Black is probably the easiest colour to experiment with when it comes to different bow tie styles.

Why?

Because you can change the shape, texture or detailing without completely changing the colour palette.

A traditional black bow tie gives you the classic look.

A black butterfly bow tie gives you more impact.

A textured black bow tie adds another layer.

A studded or crystal black bow tie can take things even further.

And this is exactly why I love having so many different bow tie styles available.

You don't necessarily need a different colour to look different.

Sometimes you just need a different shape.

My Hot Take

I've never really understood why formalwear has to mean boring.

If you're getting married, you've got one day where you can genuinely make a statement with what you wear.

So why not?

A traditional bow tie is great.

I sell them for a reason.

But if you're the groom, I think you've earned the right to wear something a little more interesting.

A butterfly bow tie.

A vintage-inspired style.

Something textured.

Something studded.

Something with crystals.

Something that makes people look twice.

That's why I offer such a wide variety of bow ties at Untied.

Not everyone wants the same thing.

And I certainly don't think everyone should have to wear the same thing.

What Other Bow Tie Styles Are There at Untied?

The butterfly and classic bow tie are only the beginning.

Depending on the look you're going for, you can also find styles such as:

Batwing Bow Tie 

A narrower shape with straighter, more streamlined ends.

It's a great option if you want something sleek and understated.

Diamond Point Bow Tie

Instead of rounded ends, the bow finishes in pointed tips.

It's a small change, but it gives the bow tie a completely different personality.

Vintage Bow Tie

Vintage-inspired shapes, fabrics and patterns can create a more distinctive look, particularly when you're trying to avoid the standard formalwear formula.

Statement Bow Ties

Then you've got the bow ties that are deliberately designed to stand out.

Studs and Crystals.

Unusual textures.

Oversized shapes.

These aren't for everyone.

But that's exactly the point.

Butterfly Bow Tie or Traditional Bow Tie - Which Should You Choose?

If you're still not sure, keep it simple.

Choose a traditional bow tie if you want:

• A classic look

• Something understated

• A timeless wedding style

• A bow tie that doesn't dominate your outfit

Choose a butterfly bow tie if you want:

• More visual impact

• A broader silhouette

• Something that stands out

• A stronger statement around the neck

• To give the groom a point of difference

And if you're somewhere in the middle?

That's completely fine.

You can experiment with colour, texture, fabric or detailing while keeping the overall shape relatively traditional.

The Bottom Line

There isn't a right or wrong bow tie style.

A traditional bow tie gives you that timeless, refined look.

A butterfly bow tie gives you more presence and makes the accessory more of a feature.

For a wedding, both can work brilliantly.

And if you're the groom, you don't have to wear exactly the same bow tie as your groomsmen.

Keep the colour the same.

Change the shape.

Add some texture.

Try something a little more daring.

Classic if you want it. Different if you dare.

That's what bow ties are supposed to be about.

Find Your Bow Tie

At Untied Tie Club, we offer a range of bow tie styles for grooms, groomsmen, wedding guests and formal occasions.

From classic and traditional bow ties to butterfly, vintage, textured, studded, crystal and more distinctive designs, there's plenty of room to find something that actually feels like you.

Because your bow tie might be small.

But it doesn't have to be forgettable.