Information On Bow Ties For Men

By Mattie Knight


A bow tie is a kind of necktie that entered the scene of fashion back in the beginning of the nineteenth century. It came up as a modification of the cravat, its predecessor that had started losing its taste in the male world of fashion. It had become a staple and widely worn by men who were sensitive or conscious to fashion by the mid-1880s. Bow ties for men have undergone many changes since their introduction and are still under modification.

Bow ties underwent change in both function and form. It transcended the common and traditional stereotype that it is intended for formal occasions only partially because of the overwhelming acceptance people gave it when it was first introduced. The old mindset in people has changed. The formal stereotype is dying out gradually. Originally, the product was not meant to be used for what it is being used for today. For example, it is becoming a common street style, uniform, and a key celebrity fashion.

Today, the incorrigible sartorial laws that previously applied are no longer powerful. Anyone can now wear this tie to any occasion and for any reason. There is no discrimination against gender or age. Any person who is stylistically outgoing would be more than happy to put one in their wardrobe any day. Celebrities seem to like and prefer this product especially when attending public occasions.

The tie has a ribbon, which is worn symmetrically around the collar in a manner as to create a loop in the two ends. Traditional versions usually come as strips of cloth for the wearer to tie themselves. The names commonly used to refer to them are freestyle, self-tie, and tie-it-yourself. On the other hand, ready-tied versions come already tied and one does not need to go the hassle of tying them.

The fabrics used to make the product are many and vary. However, most of them are made from cotton, polyester, silk, or a combination of more than one fabric in different proportions. Wool is commonly used for making the ordinary four-in-hand neckties, but its use in making bow ties is very limited. Modern products are tied using the ordinary shoelace knot.

Ordinary neckties are very common in Western societies. It is common to see people wearing them at formal functions, business meetings, and school among others. However, the bow tie is making a comeback, dominating fun-formal occasions such as cocktail parties, dinners, and night out events. Those who intend to maintain a more formal look usually wear them with suits.

Two types of this product exist today. The two kinds are tie-it-yourself and ready-tied. Less experienced people in these pieces of clothes tend to prefer ready-tied types. Ready-tied models are sometimes seen as armature in certain occasions. Clip-ons are found of some ready-tied kinds for pinning on the collar without going round the neck.

Self-tie models are further classified into two major groups, bat wing and butterfly or thistle. However, there are several other shapes in common use. The choice of the shape is usually an issue of personal preference and sense of style.




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