You’re standing in the middle of a Target at 9:00 PM because you realized, about twenty minutes ago, that the wedding you’re attending tomorrow isn’t just "formal"—it’s "bow tie mandatory." Or maybe you’re just bored and want to spice up a button-down. Either way, you’re looking for bow ties in Target, and honestly, the experience can be a bit of a gamble if you don't know where to point your cart. Most people head straight for the men's suits and give up when they see a wall of standard neckties.
Don't panic.
Target's inventory moves fast. Like, really fast. What you see on the website might be sitting in a backroom in a different zip code, but the physical stores usually keep a predictable rhythm with their accessories. You’ve basically got two choices when you walk through those sliding doors: the "Goodfellow & Co" staple section or the seasonal collaborations that pop up near the dressing rooms. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a Cat & Jack option in the kids' section that actually works for a smaller neck, though that’s a pro tip most guys are too proud to try. It works. Trust me.
The Goodfellow Factor: Why This Is Your Best Bet
When you’re hunting for bow ties in Target, the house brand Goodfellow & Co is the primary player. It’s their internal line designed to look like J.Crew but at a price point that leaves you enough money for a six-pack on the way home. The quality is surprisingly decent for the price. They usually opt for a matte polyester or a cotton-linen blend rather than that super shiny, "prom-night" satin that makes you look like a high schooler.
Texture matters. A lot. If you pick up a bow tie and it feels like a plastic bag, put it back. Goodfellow usually gets the "hand feel" right. Their pre-tied options are the most common find on the shelves. Now, style purists will tell you that a pre-tied bow tie is a sin. They’ll say it looks too symmetrical, too perfect, too "fake." They aren’t entirely wrong. But let’s be real: if you’re buying a bow tie at a big-box retailer at the last minute, you probably aren't looking to master the 14-step butterfly knot in your rearview mirror.
The Goodfellow designs lean toward the "rugged gentleman" aesthetic. You'll find a lot of chambray, micro-gingham, and the occasional floral print. They change these out roughly every three months. In the fall, expect deeper burgundies and forest greens. In the spring, you’re looking at pastels and maybe some seersucker if the buyers are feeling spicy.
Where Exactly Are They Hiding?
It sounds stupid, but finding the actual physical location of bow ties in Target is half the battle. They aren’t always where the socks are. In most "Super Target" layouts, the men’s accessories are bifurcated. You have the "basics" wall—belts, wallets, and standard ties—and then you have the "seasonal" endcaps.
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Check the endcaps first.
These are the shelves at the very end of the aisles. Target loves to put "event" gear here. If it's graduation season or wedding season (basically May through September), they’ll bundle bow ties with pocket squares and suspenders. If you only look at the main tie rack, you’ll miss the best colors. Also, don't ignore the "Clearance" endcap usually tucked way in the back near the fitting rooms. I’ve seen $15 Goodfellow bow ties marked down to $4.50 just because the box was slightly crushed.
The Quality Gap: Cotton vs. Silk vs. Polyester
Let’s talk shop about materials because this is where the "Target look" either succeeds or fails. Most bow ties in Target are not silk. They just aren't. Real silk is expensive to produce and even more expensive to ship without it getting ruined by a rogue Starbucks spill from a passing shopper.
Instead, Target uses a lot of "recycled polyester" or cotton blends. Honestly? For a bow tie, cotton is actually a great choice. It has a stiff structure that holds its shape. A silk bow tie that isn't high-quality tends to droop like a sad noodle after two hours of dancing. A cotton bow tie stays crisp. If you see a "linen-look" bow tie in the men's section, grab it. It gives off a high-end, textured vibe that looks much more expensive than the $12.99 price tag.
- Polyester: Easy to clean, very durable, but can look "shiny" under camera flashes.
- Cotton: Great for casual weddings or work; has a matte finish that looks modern.
- Linen Blends: The gold standard for summer events. They have little "neps" or bumps in the fabric that add character.
The Secret "Kids' Section" Hack
Look, I’m going to be honest with you. If you have a neck size under 16 inches, you can often wear the Cat & Jack "Boys" bow ties. They are usually half the price. They use an adjustable elastic strap with a hook. Is it "high fashion"? No. Does it look exactly the same once it’s tucked under a collar? Yes.
The kids' section often has more "fun" patterns. If you’re looking for something quirky—like dinosaurs, tiny tacos, or bright neon stripes—you won’t find that in the men’s section. The men’s section is for "serious adults." The kids' section is where the party is. Just check the strap length before you buy it so you don't accidentally strangle yourself halfway through the hors d'oeuvres.
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Comparing Target to the Competition
Why buy bow ties in Target when you could go to Nordstrom or a specialty shop like The Tie Bar? It comes down to the "Cost Per Wear" (CPW) metric. If you wear a bow tie once every three years, spending $65 on a hand-woven Italian silk piece is a bad investment. Target fills that "I need to look good for four hours" niche perfectly.
Compared to Walmart, Target’s designs are significantly more "on-trend." Walmart’s George brand tends to be very conservative—think solid satins and basic stripes. Target takes more risks with patterns. Compared to Amazon, Target wins on the "touch test." You know what you're getting. On Amazon, you might order a "Navy Blue" tie and receive something that looks like a bruised eggplant. At Target, you can hold it up to your shirt in the mirror and know immediately if it works.
Real-World Fit: Does One Size Really Fit All?
Most bow ties in Target use a "sliding scale" adjuster. It’s a little metal or plastic T-hook that slides along the ribbon. This is great because it fits everyone from a teenager to a guy with a "power neck." However, these sliders can sometimes be bulky. If you’re wearing a very thin, "poplin" dress shirt, you might see the bulge of the adjuster through the back of your collar.
Pro tip: adjust the tie before you put it on. If you try to slide that metal bit while it’s around your neck, you’re going to snag the fabric of your shirt. It’s a rookie mistake. Slide it, clip it, and then use the mirror to center the knot.
When to Skip the Target Bow Tie
I love a bargain, but there are times when Target isn't the answer. If you are the groom in a black-tie wedding, do not wear a $10 polyester bow tie. The camera will catch the "synthetic sheen," and you’ll stand out against your groomsmen if they are wearing real silk. Black-tie events require a "self-tie" bow tie in silk or grosgrain. Target rarely carries self-tie options in-store. They are almost exclusively pre-tied or "clip-on" (though Target has moved away from clip-ons lately in favor of the wrap-around strap).
If the event is "Black Tie Optional," you can get away with a high-quality Target bow tie in a dark, matte color. But for "Strict Black Tie," you need the real deal. Target is for the guest, the office worker, the Sunday bruncher, and the guy who wants to look like he tried without actually trying that hard.
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Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're heading out now, keep these points in mind to make sure you don't walk out with a dud. It's easy to get distracted by the home decor section or the giant bags of popcorn, but stay focused.
1. Check the stitching. Take the bow tie out of the little plastic hook. Look at the edges. If there are loose threads hanging off the "wings" of the bow, it's going to unravel.
2. Test the "Spring." Give the bow a little squeeze. A good bow tie should have an interfacing (a layer of fabric inside) that makes it pop back into shape. If it stays flat and crushed after you squeeze it, it will look limp on your neck.
3. Match the "Luster." If your suit jacket has a bit of a sheen, get a smoother polyester tie. If you're wearing a matte wool suit or a blazer, stick with a cotton or linen-blend tie. Matching the "reflectiveness" of your outfit is the secret to looking like you hired a stylist.
4. Check the "Online Only" items. If you aren't in a rush, Target.com has about 5x the selection of the physical stores. They often partner with third-party brands like "The Tie Bar" or "Original Penguin" for online sales. You can have them shipped to the store for free, giving you the best of both worlds: high-end variety with the easy Target return policy.
5. Don't forget the pocket square. Target usually sells "sets." If you can find a bow tie that comes with a matching or coordinating pocket square, buy it. It's usually only $2-3 more, and it saves you the headache of trying to find a matching shade of blue in a different aisle later.
The reality is that bow ties in Target represent the democratization of style. You don't need a tailor on Savile Row to look sharp. You just need a decent eye for fabric, a quick trip to the men's department, and maybe the willingness to check the kids' clearance rack if things get desperate.
Once you have the tie, focus on the fit of your shirt. A bow tie draws all the attention to your collar. If your collar is too big or wrinkled, the most expensive bow tie in the world won't save you. Iron that collar flat, clip on your Target find, and you're good to go. No one will know you bought it next to the frozen pizza section.