Comments on: A Man Ties a Bow Tie

By: W. Vernon Trotter

W. Vernon Trotter — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:54:12 +0000

For many years in Boston and New York, the bow tie was worn only by the upper class, preppy types. In Boston you were then called a “Yankee”, thought to be descended from a blueblood that came over on the Mayflower. To this day, Irish American guys in both cities will disparage anyone so attired.

Many of todays bowties are too large, giving a Bozo the clown impression. Bowties are easy to remove in the event of a barfight and are not a noose around the neck as is a four in hand tie.

By: Beth Dunn

Beth Dunn — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:31:15 +0000

I wish my husband knew how to tie a bow tie! xoxo

Dear SC,
What a great gift idea. Go to your favorite bow tie maker (ahem, SP) and get a little selection, but in a nice box with the instruction chart found in this post, and voila! Your man is tying bow ties to beat the band.
Cordially,
SP

By: jason

jason — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:23:55 +0000

Peter is correct. Grosgrain w/ its own kind, satin if that is the motif of the rest of the trim. Grosgrain ties are more difficult to tie, but worth it. Moreover the stripe on the trouser seam should match the material on the lapels and buttons. I agree w/ Bleackeyed Susan if she means wrist watch — that is why one should have a pocket watch and chain for the vest. Vest trumps cummerbund. If it is summer and you insist on a cummerbund, the watch can go in the change pocket on the waistband and the chain or fob in the trouser pocket nearest.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:21:05 +0000

Brooks Brothers recently opened a store in Toronto and it’s quite a coincidence my first purchases were bow ties. I figured that since I taught myself to tie a bow tie for black-tie events, I might as well put the skill to use during other occasions too. You’re right that the conservative colours offered by BB make their bow ties very tasteful alternatives to standard neckwear. One note though: black-tie bow ties should match the finish of the lapels (and waist covering). Therefore, grosgrain ties should be reserved for grosgrain lapels.

By: Thomad

Thomad — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:43:33 +0000

I have been wearing a bow tie on many occasions for a couple of years now, but here in Texas, as well as being in my twenties, the bowtie does have a dorky stigma attached. However, as you always say…style is all about confidence. Therefore I take the jabs in stride and know I look better than the schmucks with no flair

By: blackeyed_susan

blackeyed_susan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:36:52 +0000

Speaking of tuxedos, remind these fellows: Do not wear a watch with a tux! yuck!

By: silvestre

silvestre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:45:44 +0000

This one goes to the bookmarks! Thanks!

You cannot believe how hard it is to find a decent, stylish bow tie here in Slovenia. Almost all of them are clip on’s… thank God for the interwebs!

Once again – thank you!

Kind regards,
Silvo