Originally Posted by EivlEvo

The "standard" method for taping is to wrap so that on the right drop you wrap CCW and the left drop you wrap CW. The goal is to end up so that on the tops the tape wraps towards you, since most people pull on the handlebars, this will tighten rather than loosen the tape.

HOWEVER.

If done properly, bartape can be taped backwards (starting near the stem and going to the drops) so that no tape is needed. The concept here of course is that the bar "tape" is used as the tape near the stem to hold it in place. And thus at the end which is now at the bar plug, you simply pop the plug in and voila no tape bartape. This takes some practice though.