TieitUp
The Essential Item for the
Southern Man’s Wardrobe
The stodgy accessory once limited to college
professors and old school journalists is coming
in to its own. The bow tie is no longer reserved
for black tie affairs and English literature classrooms. Instead, these once stuffy pieces of neckwear are making their way into casual wear for
men. Bow ties are now available in less formal
fabrics and interesting patterns to go with day-today wear. And that’s exactly what men are doing,
from the office to a wedding, the rural South to
Raleigh, bow ties are definitely trending up.
Bow ties have quite a long history, entering the
fashion world as a new style of necktie in the early
19th century. They came about as a modification
of the cravat, a neckband that some surmise was
used to disguise a shirt that was not immaculately
clean. The black bow tie found its way into standard formal attire in 1886, when Pierre Lorillard
wore one to a formal ball held at the Tuxedo club.
His new formal outfit quickly became known as
black tie attire, replacing the antiquated tailcoat
and white bow tie.
Thanks to a younger audience and a more casual look and feel, bow ties have gone through a
redefinition period, turning out to be a favorite
among Southern men of all ages. Jon Jones with
Collared Greens said the founders of the company
were used to wearing bow ties and ties for class at
different boarding schools and at Hampden-Sydney College, which several of them attended. The
bow ties really gained steam as a way of showing
college pride, he said, becoming the cornerstone
to male style during Saturday football games.
“We saw the growth begin in the South,” Jones
said. “It gives them some way to express themselves in a way that’s unique. With the bright colors and the patterns, it really caught on. People
do it for fun. I get more compliments than I do
people saying something negative about it.
“In the past two years, we’ve seen a great influx of people wanting to sell bow ties in their
stores,” he said, noting that the casual bow tie is
gaining some traction in the northeast as well.
Made in a variety of patterns, textures and fabrics, even the pickiest of shoppers can find the
perfect bow tie for any event. If you can’t find one
you like, there is always a necktie conversion, a
service offered by some sites that turns any normal necktie into a bow tie.
When searching for a bow tie, be familiar with
bow tie basics. These neck pieces come in a several different styles and sizes. Be prepared to
know your neck size, which width tie you want
and preferred style. As far as widths go, the spectrum ranges from goofy science professor to minimalist fancy. Beau Ties, Ltd. offers these choices
for width:
16
a coastal magazine for women
Slim Line or Standard
The bow is 2.5 inches high and
creates the classic shape. This
is the safest choice for the firsttime bow tie shopper.
Butterfly Jumbo
This bow is 3.5 inches high, the
brand’s equivalent of a ‘Big and
Tall’ size and looks best on men
with larger necks.
Very Slim Line
Also known as a ‘batwing’ tie, the bow is 1.5 inches
high and flatters narrower faces and small collar sizes. Works best with small patterns and solid colors.
Very Slim Diamond Point
The same width as the Very Slim
Line or batwing bow tie, this accessory comes with diamond points for a
charming silhouette on a smaller man.
Slim Line Diamond Point
The same width as the Slim
Line/Standard, this tie has a
variation in the pointed ends,
adding a little something extra.
For sizes, companies carry everything from 14 inches to 23.5 for men. A rule of
thumb is to go with your collar size for dress shirts plus some wiggle room.
Bow ties usually come in three neck styles, freestyle, pre-tied and clip-on. For the
daring men wanting to tie their own, the freestyle bow tie is the one to choose. The
pre-tied options come with the bow already tied and attached to an adjustable strap
based on neck size. These ties usually have a clip in the back, and are a popular option
for boys’ bow ties.
Just like with a necktie, bow ties need to be taken care of so they last longer. Many
bow ties are made of silk, which can be a tricky material to keep in top shape. Untie
your tie as carefully as you tied it on and store it on a tie rack or draped around the
collar of a hung-up coat so gravity can work the wrinkles out. If wrinkles are set in,
use steam to get them out. Try hanging your tie in the bathroom during a hot shower,
or use a steam iron without making contact with the tie.
Looking for an ideal gift for your significant other? Get them a bow tie so they take
this new trend for a spin on your next night out or even on Easter Sunday. Bow ties
are no longer a stereotype of academics or formalities, but are now a staple in the
Southern man’s closet.