There is something undeniably charming about a dog in a bow tie. Whether it is a Cockapoo sitting patiently at a wedding, a Golden Retriever posing for a family photo, or a scruffy terrier strutting through the park on a Sunday morning, a well-chosen bow tie transforms any dog from adorable to unforgettable. Dog bow ties have moved well beyond novelty. In the UK, they have become one of the fastest-growing categories in pet accessories, and for good reason. They are affordable, easy to use, and they make your dog look phenomenal.
This complete styling guide covers everything you need to know about dog bow ties in the UK for 2026. We will walk you through the different types available, from classic tweeds to festive tartans. We will explain how to choose the right bow tie for your dog's size, breed, and personality. We will share expert styling tips on matching your bow tie with collars, leads, and harnesses. And we will answer the most common questions dog parents have about fit, safety, and care.
At Bailey & Coco, we design premium dog bow ties in a range of beautiful patterns, from heritage tweeds to bold seasonal prints. Every bow tie in our collection is crafted with soft fabric, secure elastic attachment, and a design that looks as good on a Chihuahua as it does on a Labrador. Let us help you find the perfect bow tie for your dog.
Why Dog Bow Ties Are Having a Moment
Dog bow ties have always had a niche following, but over the past few years something has shifted. They have gone mainstream. Walk through any dog-friendly pub, farmers' market, or park on a Saturday morning and you will spot at least one dapper dog wearing a bow tie. So what is driving this trend?
Social media has played a huge part. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook groups dedicated to dog fashion have exploded in popularity, and a well-styled dog in a bow tie is guaranteed to earn likes and shares. Dog parents are investing more thought and care into how their pets look, treating accessories as an extension of their own style. A bow tie is one of the simplest ways to give your dog a distinctive, polished appearance without any fuss.
Weddings have been another major driver. More couples than ever are including their dogs in their ceremonies, and a bow tie is the go-to accessory for a wedding-ready pup. Whether it is a tweed bow tie to match a country wedding or a classic black bow tie for a formal affair, the demand for dog bow ties for weddings has grown steadily year on year.
Beyond special events, bow ties have become part of the everyday dog wardrobe for many UK pet parents. They are quick to put on, comfortable for the dog, and they complete a coordinated look when paired with a matching collar and lead. If you have already invested in a beautiful best dog collars UK set, adding a bow tie in the same pattern is the finishing touch that pulls everything together.
Types of Dog Bow Ties
Not all dog bow ties are created equal. The type you choose depends on when and where your dog will wear it, what look you are going for, and what materials suit your dog best. Here is a breakdown of the three main categories.
Tweed Bow Ties
Tweed bow ties are the cornerstone of British dog fashion. They offer a timeless, heritage-inspired look that works just as well at a country walk as it does at a smart occasion. The beauty of tweed is in the texture and pattern variation. No two tweeds are quite the same, and they photograph beautifully.
At Bailey & Coco, our tweed bow tie range includes five signature patterns. Heritage Plaid is our classic, featuring a warm blend of traditional tartan tones that suit almost every coat colour. Charcoal Tweed is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for dogs with lighter fur. Mulberry Tweed brings a rich, deep plum tone that stands out beautifully against both dark and light coats. Forest Tweed offers a deep green that looks stunning in outdoor settings. And Lavender Tweed is a softer, more contemporary option that works brilliantly for spring and summer styling. Each of these patterns is also available as a collar, lead, and harness, so you can build a fully coordinated look.
Browse the full harness collection to see how each tweed pattern looks across the range.
Patterned Bow Ties
Beyond tweed, patterned bow ties cover everything from polka dots and stripes to florals and abstract prints. These are the bow ties you reach for when you want something fun, playful, and a little bit different. They are ideal for everyday wear, casual outings, and adding a splash of personality to your dog's look. Patterned bow ties tend to be lighter in weight and come in a wider range of colours, making them a great choice for dogs who wear bow ties regularly.
Occasion Bow Ties
Some moments call for a specific look. Wedding bow ties in classic black, ivory, or matching fabric to the bridal party are hugely popular. Christmas dog bow ties in festive tartans, reds, and greens fly off the shelves every November and December. Birthday party bow ties, Halloween bow ties, and even Valentine's Day bow ties all have their place. The key with occasion bow ties is to match the mood and colour palette of the event without going overboard. A dog in a well-chosen bow tie looks elegant. A dog in a clashing, oversized novelty tie looks like they lost a bet.
Bow Tie Type Comparison
| Type | Best For | Style | Season | Pairs With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tweed | Smart occasions, coordinated looks, everyday elegance | Heritage, classic, refined | Autumn, winter, all year | Matching tweed collar, lead, harness |
| Patterned | Everyday wear, casual outings, fun photos | Playful, bold, modern | Spring, summer, all year | Plain collars, contrasting leads |
| Occasion | Weddings, Christmas, parties, photoshoots | Elegant, festive, themed | Seasonal or event-specific | Outfit-matched collar or harness |
How to Choose the Right Bow Tie for Your Dog
Picking a bow tie is not just about choosing a pattern you like. The right bow tie for your dog depends on their size, what they are already wearing, and where they will be wearing it. Get these three things right and the bow tie will look intentional, stylish, and perfectly suited to your dog.
Size and Breed
The size of the bow tie should be proportionate to your dog. A large, floppy bow tie on a tiny Yorkie will overwhelm their face. A tiny bow tie on a Great Dane will barely be visible. As a general rule, small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Miniature Dachshunds suit smaller, more delicate bow ties. Medium breeds like Cockapoos, Spaniels, and Beagles look great in standard-sized bow ties. Larger breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds can carry off larger, bolder bow ties with ease.
Face shape matters too. Dogs with longer snouts tend to suit wider bow ties that balance out their profile. Dogs with flatter faces, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, look best with a neatly proportioned bow tie that does not compete with their already expressive features. When in doubt, start with a standard size. Most Bailey & Coco bow ties are designed to work across a wide range of breeds.
Matching with Collar and Lead
A bow tie never exists in isolation. It sits on your dog's collar, so the two need to work together visually. The easiest way to guarantee a polished look is to match your bow tie to your collar. If your dog wears a Heritage Plaid collar, a Heritage Plaid bow tie creates a cohesive, put-together ensemble. If you prefer a bit of contrast, choose a bow tie in a complementary colour. For example, a Mulberry Tweed bow tie on a Charcoal Tweed collar creates a sophisticated colour pairing without clashing.
Your lead is part of the equation too. If you are using collar and lead sets in the same pattern, the bow tie becomes the accent piece that ties the whole outfit together. Browse our collar collection to see which patterns pair best with your chosen bow tie.
Occasion and Setting
Where your dog will be wearing the bow tie should influence your choice. For a wedding, opt for classic, understated patterns. Tweed or solid-coloured bow ties photograph well and suit formal settings. For a Christmas party, lean into festive patterns and rich colours like deep red, forest green, and gold. For everyday walks, choose something that reflects your dog's personality. There are no rules for casual wear. A bright, quirky bow tie can bring just as much joy as a refined tweed one. The key is confidence. If you love how it looks on your dog, that is the right choice.
How Dog Bow Ties Attach
One of the most common questions from dog parents new to bow ties is, "How does it actually stay on?" The answer is reassuringly simple.
Most quality dog bow ties, including every bow tie in the Bailey & Coco range, use an elastic loop that slides onto your dog's collar. You do not need any clips, buttons, or adhesive. Simply slide the elastic loop over the collar before you put the collar on your dog, or stretch it over an already-fastened collar. Position the bow tie at the front of the neck, centred below the chin, and you are done.
The elastic is designed to grip the collar securely without squeezing or distorting it. It holds the bow tie in place during walks, play, and even the occasional enthusiastic zoomie session. When you want to remove it, just slide the elastic loop back off the collar. The whole process takes seconds.
This attachment method works with virtually any collar width, which means you can use your bow tie with your everyday collar, a special occasion collar, or even a harness strap. If your dog wears a harness for walks, check our dog harness buying guide for advice on which harness styles work best with bow tie attachments.
Styling Tips from the Bailey & Coco Team
We style dogs in bow ties every single day. Here are our tried-and-tested tips for getting the look right every time.
Match Your Tweed
The simplest way to create a head-turning look is to match your bow tie to your collar and lead in the same pattern. Our tweed ranges are designed to coordinate perfectly across all accessories. A Forest Tweed bow tie on a Forest Tweed collar with a Forest Tweed lead creates a beautifully unified look that photographs brilliantly. If you want to take it further, add a matching harness. The full matching set is a statement, and it is one of the most popular choices among our customers. Check out our collar and lead sets to see how the full coordinated look comes together.
Contrast and Complement
Matching is elegant, but contrasting can be just as striking when done well. The trick is to choose colours that complement each other rather than clash. Mulberry Tweed and Forest Tweed are a beautiful pairing, with the deep plum and rich green sitting beautifully side by side. Heritage Plaid works as a bow tie accent against a solid Charcoal collar. Lavender Tweed offers a lighter contrast against darker patterns, perfect for spring and summer.
Think about your dog's coat colour too. Dark bow ties pop against light fur. Light or vibrant bow ties stand out against dark coats. A Charcoal Tweed bow tie on a white Westie is classic. A Mulberry Tweed bow tie on a chocolate Labrador is stunning.
Seasonal Styling
Your bow tie choice can rotate with the seasons, and this is one of the joys of building a small collection. In spring, reach for Lavender Tweed and lighter patterned bow ties. Pastel tones and fresh colours reflect the season and look gorgeous in bloom-filled parks. In summer, bold prints and bright colours come into their own. A patterned bow tie in a vibrant shade adds energy to those long, sunny walks.
Autumn is peak tweed season. Heritage Plaid, Forest Tweed, and Mulberry Tweed all come alive against the golden and amber tones of falling leaves. This is the season where a matching tweed set looks its absolute best. In winter, lean into rich tartans and deep colours. A Heritage Plaid bow tie is a natural fit for the festive season, and our Christmas dog bow ties are designed specifically for those holiday gatherings, family photos, and walks through frost-covered parks.
Do not forget the practical side of seasonal styling either. Pack a bow tie in your dog walking bag guide essentials so you always have one ready for an impromptu photo opportunity on a beautiful walk.
The Bailey & Coco Bow Tie Collection
We designed our bow tie collection to give UK dog parents access to premium, stylish bow ties at an accessible price point. Here is what you can expect from our range.
Our bow tie collection features over 11 patterns, spanning the full range of tweeds, seasonal prints, and classic designs. Prices start from just £6 and go up to £10, making them one of the most affordable ways to elevate your dog's style. Whether you are picking up a single bow tie to try or building a collection for every season and occasion, the pricing makes it easy to experiment.
Our best sellers tell the story of what UK dog parents love most. Forest Tweed is consistently one of our top performers, with its deep, earthy green appealing to dog parents who love a natural, countryside aesthetic. Mulberry Tweed is a close second, popular for its rich colour that photographs beautifully in any setting. Heritage Plaid remains the classic choice, especially during autumn and winter, and it is the number one pick for wedding-day bow ties.
Every bow tie in our collection is made from soft, high-quality fabric that will not irritate your dog's skin or catch on their fur. The elastic loop attachment is strong enough to stay in place but gentle enough to slide on and off without any fuss. We have tested every design across breeds of all sizes, from tiny toy breeds to large working dogs, and the proportions work across the board.
If you are looking to create a fully coordinated look, every tweed bow tie in our range has a matching collar, lead, and harness available. This makes it simple to build a complete set. Start with a bow tie, fall in love with the pattern, and then add the collar and lead to match. Or start with a collar and lead set and add the bow tie as the finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog bow ties safe?
Yes, dog bow ties are safe when used correctly. Our bow ties attach via an elastic loop that slides onto the collar, so there is nothing that can tighten, choke, or restrict your dog's movement. Always ensure the bow tie is securely positioned on the collar and check that it is not dangling loose where your dog could chew on it. Supervise your dog during initial wear until you are confident they are comfortable with it.
What size bow tie should I get for my dog?
Most dog bow ties come in a standard size that suits the majority of breeds. For very small dogs like Chihuahuas and toy breeds, look for a smaller or miniature bow tie to keep things proportionate. For very large breeds like Great Danes and St Bernards, a larger bow tie will look more balanced. Bailey & Coco bow ties are designed to suit a wide range of breeds from small to large without looking oversized or lost.
Can dogs wear bow ties on harnesses?
Absolutely. The elastic loop attachment works on harness straps just as well as it does on collars. Simply slide the elastic over the chest strap of the harness and position the bow tie at the front. This is a popular option for dogs who wear a harness for walks rather than a collar. Just make sure the strap is wide enough for the elastic to grip securely.
How do I wash a dog bow tie?
Most fabric dog bow ties can be hand washed in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bow before laying it flat to dry. Avoid wringing the fabric, as this can distort the shape. Do not tumble dry or iron directly on the fabric. With proper care, a quality bow tie will keep its shape and colour through many washes.
Do bow ties stay on during walks?
Yes. A well-made bow tie with a secure elastic loop will stay in place during normal walks, play, and general activity. The elastic grips the collar firmly enough that the bow tie does not slide or spin. In our experience, the only time a bow tie might shift is during very vigorous rough-and-tumble play with other dogs. Even then, it usually just needs a quick repositioning rather than a full reattachment.
What occasions suit dog bow ties?
Dog bow ties suit almost any occasion. They are popular for weddings, Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, family photoshoots, and trips to dog-friendly events and markets. But you do not need a special occasion to put a bow tie on your dog. Many of our customers use them for everyday walks simply because they love the way their dog looks. A bow tie can turn an ordinary Tuesday morning walk into something a little more special.
Can puppies wear bow ties?
Yes, puppies can wear bow ties as long as they are already comfortable wearing a collar. We recommend waiting until your puppy is settled with their collar before introducing a bow tie. Start with short periods of wear at home so your puppy can get used to the feeling. Most puppies adjust quickly and barely notice it is there. Just keep an eye on them during the first few sessions to make sure they are not trying to chew or paw at it.
