Step Inside Our Belfast Bow Company Workshop: Where Every Tie is Handmade with Traditional Craftsmanship & Local Fabrics
Located in a charming red brick building in historic Dromore, Co. Down, a quiet revolution in artisanal menswear is taking place. Tucked away on the top floor of this old bank building lies the heart of the Belfast Bow Company. Housed in what was once the bank manager’s living room, this beautiful space is now the heart of our handmade tie-making process. Here, every tie is meticulously created using local fabrics and traditional techniques, making each piece a small masterpiece of design and detail.
A Workshop Steeped in Character
With high ceilings, original picture rails and cornicing, and tall wooden windows that fill the room with natural light, our workshop is perfect for our brand’s ethos. Every creak in the old wooden floor and each detail in the craftsmanship reflects our love for tradition, quality, and sustainability.
A Different Approach: Slow Craft vs. Fast Fashion
In a world of mass production and waste, our workshop stands as a beacon of the slow fashion movement. Our 18x16-foot workspace is a far cry from the factory floors of fast fashion, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Here, every Belfast Bow Company tie is crafted with patience, skill, and a dedication to traditional handcrafting techniques.
Let’s take you on a walk through our workroom, showing you the thoughtful steps that make each of our ties a little piece of art.
- The Finest Local Fabrics
The story begins with the finest materials, selected with care. On the shelves lining our workshop, you’ll find silk-like Liberty of London cottons and Irish linens sourced from within 5 miles of Dromore. In fact, every Tie we make has a piece of Irish Linen sewn in, whether it is as a tip or in the main body of the Tie – a feature that secures our Ties as truly unique in the world!
- Precision Cutting
At the center of the room, Kirsty, our specialist pattern cutter, begins her craft. Using practiced skill, she hand-cuts the 11 individual pieces required for each tie, all on the bias—a precise 45-degree angle that ensures the perfect drape when worn. This meticulous process is a cornerstone of our craftsmanship and a rarity in today’s automated production lines.
- Pressing and Shaping
Once cut, each fabric piece is lightly pressed by hand at our ironing table by the window overlooking Dromore. This step is crucial in setting the stage for the tie's final shape. With careful attention to detail, our seamstresses sew the ends of each tie, ensuring they’re perfectly symmetrical with a crisp, clean point.
- The Art of the 3-Fold Tie
At Belfast Bow Company, each tie is crafted with the traditional 3-fold construction. This means we carefully fold the fabric three times around the inner lining, creating a sturdy yet flexible shape. Now measuring 148cm in length, each tie is folded and ready for the final touch: the handsewn finish. For those seeking something unique, we also offer custom tie lengths on request, ensuring the perfect fit for every individual.
- Hand-Stitched Perfection
Finally, the tie is closed by hand. Using a single thread, each seamstress applies approximately 115 hand-sewn stitches, ensuring a finish that is not only beautiful but enduring. This dedication to hand-finishing is what sets a Belfast Bow Company tie apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Why Craftsmanship Matters
At the Belfast Bow Company, we believe in the value of slow fashion—products that are thoughtfully made and thoughtfully purchased. We reject the wasteful practices of fast fashion, choosing instead to create accessories that are designed to be treasured for years to come. When purchasing a Tie, it is the difference between owning a flat, characterless object churned out by a machine, versus a hand-made tie that will have a softer, more three-dimensional quality that will have been made by a small team that cares.
Every tie is a celebration of heritage, quality, and sustainability. By choosing a Belfast Bow Company tie, you’re not only investing in exceptional craftsmanship but also supporting the local skills and textile industry that we’re so fortunate to have our workshop in.
Made in Dromore, Worn Everywhere
From the red-brick walls of our workshop to wardrobes across the world, our ties carry with them a story of care, tradition, and artistry. Whether worn for a wedding, a business meeting, or simply a day you wish to feel your best, a Belfast Bow Company tie is more than an accessory—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of handmade luxury.
If you’re looking for something bespoke, we’re delighted to offer longer custom lengths to suit your needs. Simply get in touch, and we’ll craft a tie unique to you.
Discover our collection and bring timeless craftsmanship into your life.
