Ties & bow ties

Ties and bow ties: how to choose and buy at a good price

Updated 20 October 2026

Where choosing a tie begins

First answer “what for and for whom”. A classic business tie is usually 7–8 cm wide, a slim stylish one 5–6 cm, and a boy needs a shorter one, often ready-made on elastic. An adult tie is on average about 145–150 cm long, but a tall man may need a longer one. Mention this if your height is not standard.

Bow ties come self-tied, pre-tied with an adjustable strap and clip-on or elastic. A self-tied bow tie is harder to knot but looks more natural. For a child, a wedding or an event of a few hours, a pre-tied one is more convenient.

Material decides both look and price

Silk has a noble sheen and drapes well, but it creases and fears stains. Polyester is cheaper, doesn't crease and survives washing, so it is chosen for uniforms and offices. Wool and linen give textured autumn and summer looks. Look at the interlining: a good tie has a dense lining that holds the knot and doesn't twist.

Choose the colour to go with the shirt and jacket, not with yourself. A plain navy or burgundy is universal, stripes suit the office, and dots or a print suit a celebration. If you are buying several identical ones, make sure the shade is the same in all: in photos it often differs.

What to put in your request

• Tie or bow tie — self-tied or ready-made, on elastic, with a clip.
• Material — silk, polyester, cotton, wool.
• Colour — plain, dots, stripes, check.
• For whom — man, woman, boy (age).
• Size — width and length, type of fastening.
• Brand — for example Hugo Boss, if you need it.
• Quantity — one piece or a set for groomsmen, a team, a school.
• Budget — if you want to name one.

Example: “I need 10 identical navy bow ties with small dots, with an adjustable strap, for groomsmen at a wedding. Cape Town, courier delivery. Budget up to R 590 for everything.”

Why a request works well here

When you need a set of identical accessories by the date of an event, searching shops quickly turns into endless calls: is the size in stock, is there enough of the colour, when is delivery. On BlaBlaPrice you describe once what you need, and sellers send offers in the chat with price, timing and photos. The platform shows the best by content first, with seller reviews alongside. Sellers see their place among others, so they may lower the price or speed up dispatch.

For a batch, be sure to give the date of the event, because different batches of the same colour can differ in shade. Ask whether a sample is possible. Your phone number is hidden, and the rules are described on the “How it works” page.

For a formal look, belts and wallets and card holders will also go well.