International Bow Day
August 19
About International Bow Day
International Bow Day takes place every year on 19 August, and in 2026 it falls on Wednesday, 19 August. The day celebrates the bow in all its forms, from hair accessories and ribbon trims to the classic bow tie and the loops that finish off a wrapped gift. It was created in 2017 by the accessories retailer Claire’s in partnership with National Day Calendar, and it has grown into a light-hearted excuse to add a little flourish to the day.
How to Celebrate International Bow Day
The whole point of International Bow Day is to wear, make, and share bows, so there is plenty of room to get involved whether you have five minutes or the whole afternoon.
- Wear a bow somewhere visible – Clip one in your hair, pin one to a lapel, or knot a bow tie before you head out. The day is all about putting the accessory front and centre, so do not be shy about it.
- Learn to tie a proper bow tie – Self-tie bow ties defeat plenty of people, so use the day to practise in front of a mirror. Once you have the knack, it is a skill that lasts a lifetime and beats a pre-tied clip every time.
- Make your own ribbon bows – All you need is a length of ribbon, scissors, and a few minutes of folding. Handmade bows are perfect for hair clips, gift wrap, or brightening up a plain jumper.
- Wrap a gift the proper way – Take an ordinary parcel and finish it with a generous, hand-curled bow. A well-tied bow turns even a modest present into something that looks considered.
- Style your pet – A small bow on a collar or a groomed bow on a dog’s topknot is a gentle way to include the family pet. Keep it loose and comfortable, and never leave it on unsupervised.
- Share your bows online – Post a photo of your favourite bow, whether it is on your head, your shirt, or a gift, and tag friends to join in. Social feeds fill up with bows of every colour on the day.
- Decorate your space – Tie bows onto chair backs, door handles, or a wreath to bring a bit of cheer indoors. It is a quick way to mark the occasion without spending anything.
- Gift someone a bow – Pass on a hair bow, a bow tie, or a ribbon to a friend who would appreciate it. Sharing the accessory is exactly the spirit the day was founded on.
What is International Bow Day?
International Bow Day is an annual celebration of the bow as a fashion accessory and decorative motif. It recognises every variety, from the satin hair bows worn by children to the formal bow ties seen at black-tie events and the ribbon bows that top a gift. The day is deliberately broad and inclusive: anyone who likes bows can take part, and there is no single correct way to celebrate. It appeals especially to fans of accessories, crafters, and anyone who enjoys a small, cheerful tradition.
When is International Bow Day?
International Bow Day is held on 19 August every year. In 2026 that falls on a Wednesday. The date is fixed, so it lands on the same calendar day each year and simply moves through the week, making it easy to plan around. If you enjoy other playful, accessory-led occasions, you might also like National Seersucker Day, which celebrates a classic warm-weather fabric in a similar spirit.
The History of International Bow Day
The bow as an accessory has a long history that stretches back centuries. The bow tie in particular traces its roots to 17th-century Croatia, where mercenaries tied scarves around their necks to hold their shirt collars together during the Prussian wars. French aristocrats admired the look and adopted it, giving rise to the cravat, a word derived from the French for “Croat”. Over the following centuries the neckwear was refined, and by the early 20th century the bow tie had become standard formal dress, particularly favoured by academics, doctors, and gentlemen of leisure.
Bows were not confined to menswear. During the 18th century men wore bows widely, and as fashions shifted, women embraced the accessory too, in hair, on dresses, and as trims on hats and shoes. The decorative ribbon bow became a fixture of gift-giving, a small finishing touch that signalled care and occasion. By the 20th century the bow had cemented its place across fashion, packaging, and craft.
International Bow Day itself is a far more recent invention. It was established in 2017, when the global accessories retailer Claire’s worked with National Day Calendar to register the observance. Claire’s, known for its hair accessories and jewellery aimed largely at younger shoppers, founded the day to celebrate the lasting, worldwide appeal of the bow and to encourage people to share the joy of wearing one. Since then it has been marked each 19 August, growing steadily through social media and the participation of accessory lovers around the world.
Fun Facts About International Bow Day
- International Bow Day was founded in 2017 by Claire’s in partnership with National Day Calendar.
- The bow tie descends from a scarf worn by 17th-century Croatian mercenaries, and the word “cravat” comes from the French for “Croat”.
- Pierre Lorillard IV helped popularise the tuxedo and bow tie pairing in 1886, a look that endures at formal events to this day.
- In the 1930s, Hollywood figures such as Marlene Dietrich wore bow ties, helping the accessory cross gender lines in popular style.
- Winston Churchill’s signature polka-dot bow tie became so associated with him that it inspired mass production of the pattern.
Why International Bow Day Matters
It is an easygoing celebration, but it has a point. The day champions self-expression and craft, encouraging people to add a small, personal flourish to an ordinary Wednesday. It also keeps a centuries-old fashion tradition alive and gives a nod to the accessories industry and the makers who keep it going. At its simplest, it is a reminder that small details can bring a little colour and confidence to the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Bow Day?
International Bow Day is an annual celebration of bows in every form, from hair bows and bow ties to the ribbon bows that decorate gifts. It encourages people to wear, make, and share bows on 19 August.
When is International Bow Day in 2026?
International Bow Day falls on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. The date is the same every year.
Who created International Bow Day?
It was founded in 2017 by the accessories retailer Claire’s in partnership with National Day Calendar, which formally registered the observance.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best bow photos on social media with #InternationalBowDay and #InternationalBowDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to take part!
Related Awareness Days
- National Seersucker Day – Another light-hearted style observance, celebrating the breezy striped fabric long associated with summer dressing.
- Fashion Day – A broader celebration of clothing, design, and personal style that pairs naturally with a day devoted to accessories.
- National Handshake Day – A similarly playful everyday-tradition day that, like Bow Day, finds charm in a small social gesture.
Links
- Visit the official International Bow Day page at National Day Calendar
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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