Bow Ties Always Match with You

The bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century: the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted (under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat") by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The bow tie is a type of men's necktie. It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner such that the two opposite ends form loops. Ready-tied bow ties are available, in which the distinctive bow is sewn into shape and the band around the neck incorporates a clip. Some "clip-ons" dispense with the band altogether, instead clipping to the collar. The traditional bow tie, consisting of a strip of cloth which the wearer has to tie by hand, may be known as a "self-tie," "tie-it-yourself," or "freestyle" bow tie to distinguish it from these. Bow ties may be made of any fabric material, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mixture of fabrics. Some fabrics are much less common for bow ties than for ordinary four-in-hand neckties.

Bow ties tend to be associated with particular professions, such as architects, finance receipt collectors, attorneys, university professors, teachers, waiters and politicians. Pediatricians frequently wear bow ties since infants cannot grab them the way they could grab a four-in-hand necktie, and they do not get into places where they would be soiled or could, whether accidentally or deliberately, strangle the wearer. Clowns sometimes use an oversize bow tie for its comic effect. Classical musicians traditionally perform in white tie or black tie, both of which are bow ties. Bow ties are also associated with weddings, mainly because of their almost universal inclusion in traditional formal attire.

Since Bow Ties for Men were primarily adopted by upper classes, there have always been some stereotypes associated with bow ties. First of all, bow neckwear was one of the hallmarks of aristocracy and politicians. However, they have soon found their way into other professions. It is probably fair to say that most of them were associated with high status, although bow men's ties have also often been worn by waiters. Back in those days, wearing bow ties was a symbol of elegance and it was basically a matter of duty and commitment - the social rules were certainly much stricter in that era.

Although, today we see men and women prefer the neck tie over bow tie at all places such as formal gatherings, schools and official meetings, the bow tie is still seen as a "fun thing" to wear. People are seen wearing it for cocktails and weekend get-togethers. The string ties' variety of bow ties is quite the rage with the American South. Bow ties, especially narrow "string ties," are still popular with men of all ages in the American South. You should opt to wear one with a dinner jacket.