pretied

Pretied is an adjective used to describe an item that has a knot or fastening made in advance, so it is ready to wear or use without the need for tying it oneself. The term is commonly applied to clothing accessories such as neckties and bow ties, as well as to certain types of shoelaces and fasteners. It denotes convenience and consistency of appearance, since the knot or closure is fixed prior to purchase.

In practice, pretied neckties and bow ties are typically designed to be worn with an adjustable strap, clip, or hook that secures the accessory around the neck. Pretied variants may include clip-on ties or self-adhesive or hook-and-loop closures for quick dressing. For bows, pretied forms often feature a pre-formed knot and an adjustable band, offering a uniform look and faster adjustment compared with traditional self-tied versions.

The term also appears in other contexts where a pre-assembled fastening is useful, such as pretied shoelaces or fasteners designed for accessibility, children’s apparel, or stage costumes. Critics of pretied designs sometimes note reduced personal control over knot style and tightness, as well as potential mismatches with formal dress codes that favor self-tied appearances.

Overall, pretied items prioritize ease of use, speed, and consistency, making them popular in retail, uniforms, children's wear, and performance settings where quick dressing or a guaranteed knot is desirable. They are contrasted with self-tied counterparts, which require the wearer to tie the knot manually.