The secret to tying a bow tie

There's a more than a touch of class that comes with knowing how to tie a bow tie. It's like learning how to ride a bike or swim -- once you get it, you don't forget it. Your confidence is established as you look ahead to the next challenge.

Back to bow ties. You already know how. Put it this way: Do you know how to tie your shoes?

Don't avoid this question by saying you only wear slip-on loafers or sandals. Be a man and accept the challenge.

For those in the know when it comes to tying shoes, think about the steps: One end over the other, pull both laces down, form one half of the bow with one lace by holding the loop, bring the other lace over and through the space where the knot will form, creating another loop, and pull down both loops that form the bow.

Start with one end longer than the other, with the longer end going over the shorter end, then go from there. Visually, click here to understand what I mean. (Think "shoes.")

With repetition and practice, you'll have tying a bow tie down pat.