International Bow Day – Aug. 19, 2026

Expected International Bow Day Deals

As International Bow Day approaches, expect retailers to highlight bow-themed accessories and apparel. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows fashion brands like Claire’s, ASOS, and Anthropologie often feature discounts on hair bows, headbands, and clothing with bow details. Craft stores such as Joann and Hobby Lobby may offer sales on ribbons and DIY bow-making kits. Specialty boutiques like Kate Spade and Free People could showcase their signature bow-adorned items. Online marketplaces like Etsy are also a great place to find unique, handmade bow creations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 19 approaches.

History of International Bow Day

The bow tie can be traced back to Croatia in the 17th century. Croatian mercenaries tied scarves over their necks to keep the opening of their shirts together during the Prussian wars. The French upper class quickly adopted the Croats’ scarf-tied-around-the-neck notion, coining the term ‘cravat’ to describe it (French for ‘Croat’). The cravat’s popularity soared throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to France’s role as a fashion pioneer at the time.

Over time, the cravat evolved into the bow ties and neckties that we know today. At the beginning of the century, bow ties were an essential part of men’s formal ‘full dress’ attire, and by the 1900s, they had become a staple in any fashion-conscious man’s wardrobe. During this period in history, bow ties were mostly used by academics and medical professionals. Following World War II, bow ties became less popular in everyday use, but they remained fashionable in formal attire.

The bow tie has lost much of its ‘stuffy’ reputation in recent years. The quirky and confident style of a bow tie is finding its place across a variety of both fun and formal settings, from business to weddings to casual everyday wear, and is regaining some of its historic popularity among fashion-aware men.

Traditional bow ties are usually of a fixed length and fashioned to fit a specific neck size. Sizes may range from 14 to 19 inches, as with a corresponding shirt collar. Fixed-length bow ties are recommended while wearing the most formal wing-collar shirts to avoid revealing the buckle or clasp of an adjustable bow tie. Adjustable bow ties are the usual when the tie is to be worn with a less formal, lie-down collar shirt that conceals the neckband of the tie. Adjustable one-size-fits-all bow ties are a later invention that helps to cut production costs.

Bows can also be tied in ribbon, latex, plastic, or even grass. In every case, they improve whatever you put them on. Presents are also tied with bows, and we all know that presents are the best. They can be anything, just like bows.

What a beautiful day that would be! You can also tie a bow to remind yourself of something, as is commonly done with a piece of red ribbon wrapped around one’s finger. With its jaunty loops, this little reminder fits on your finger as a continual reminder of the little things you mustn’t forget.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Bow Day