Bow Ties

David Conwill · Dec 16, 2011

I came to work tieless and in a sweater today, only to be asked to cover a hearing.

Let's hope my backup tie and jacket mix acceptably with the shirt I'm wearing!

-Dave

Marc Chevalier · Dec 16, 2011

.

Here's my 'Holy Grail' of bow ties, and I haven't found one anywhere: a size 16 (not adjustable), self-tie bow tie in black grosgrain silk. Not faille, mind you, but grosgrain. (There is a difference.)

Why do I want it so much? Because I have a 1930s tuxedo with black grosgrain lapels and trouser leg stripes. I also have a 1930s double-breasted evening waistcoat in black grosgrain. It stands to reason that, since the tuxedo and the waistcoat have black grosgrain, the bow tie should be of grosgrain as well. A satin or barathea bow tie would put the ensemble off-kilter.

I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and have one custom made.

Here's what I mean by 'grosgrain': http://www.luisaviaroma.com/index.a...group=accessories&des=008&cat=&seasProdID=53I

Dan'l · Dec 16, 2011

Marc Chevalier said:
.I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and have one custom made.

My guess is that you'll be very happy with the entire ensemble once you do. Please share photos once you have a matching tuxedo.

Dan'l · Dec 16, 2011

David Conwill said:
I came to work tieless and in a sweater today, only to be asked to cover a hearing.

Let's hope my backup tie and jacket mix acceptably with the shirt I'm wearing!

-Dave

Isn't that how work often goes? lol
Dave, I think it's an acceptable mix from the picture. Good thing you had something ready.

SteveAS · Dec 16, 2011

Marc Chevalier said:
Here's my 'Holy Grail' of bow ties, and I haven't found one anywhere: a size 16 (not adjustable), self-tie bow tie in black grosgrain silk.

I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and have one custom made.

I ordered a satin fixed length bow tie through beautiesltd.com a couple years ago because I hated the idea of having the adjuster showing with my wing collar shirt. If you use them, ask them to leave off their label because they stitch right through the fabric and the stitches that hold the label to the tie end up showing.

LocktownDog · Dec 17, 2011

David Conwill said:
Let's hope my backup tie and jacket mix acceptably with the shirt I'm wearing!

That's a really good pic, Dave.

Espee · Dec 22, 2011

I saw two Stafford bow ties (J.C. Penney) which have a different pattern on each end-- all black-with-silver.
On one, stripes / houndstooth.
On the other, small dots / small doo-dads which I can't describe.

I had imagined that such an arrangement would cause a wild-and-crazy mismatch on either side of the center knot. Not true (of course!) They are basically reversible. The "other" pattern will be mostly hidden in back.
Next time, put it on upside-down, and the "other" pattern is now in front.

Espee · Dec 26, 2011

Made by a friend as my Christmas present (I hadn't realized what a GOOD friend she is!)

scottyrocks · Dec 27, 2011

Espee said:
Made by a friend as my Christmas present (I hadn't realized what a GOOD friend she is!)

Love it.

IsaacRN · Dec 27, 2011

i received one bow tie for christmas. I went to Brooks Brothers today and found out they had 50% on their bow ties so I picked up 3 more. Ill be placing an order with Beau Tie Ltd coming up soon.

IsaacRN · Dec 27, 2011

I have a question that I can you all can answer. How would you all judge if a tie size is correct for someone. Buying a tie online is so subjective, and can be expensive. I see ties that range in size from a 2" - 3" I have been buying Brooks Brothers, and don't have the measurement. I have a few Beau Ties Ltd that are 2 1/2" and then I see Bow Tie Club selling 2 5/8" as their regular standard issue. THis seems like it might be a bit big, but going down to a 2 1/2" costs an extra $7. I have a feeling Brooks Brothers might be measuring in at about 2 1/4".

OldSouthernGent · Dec 27, 2011

I used to be one that wouldn't dare think of wearing a bow-tie, that is, until I worked for Brooks Brothers for about a year. Not typical for my age, my tastes tend to run into the 1940's/50's at the latest.

Personally, I think it comes down to personal taste. Anybody can pull of any look, but you have to do with confidence and panache. If the confidence is not there, people will tell.

I have actually come to prefer them (bow-ties) because for me they are easier to tie and add a unique flair. As my college dean once told me, you can wear really "loud" patterns and get away with it. They are actually not that hard to tie, it just looks hard. The loop on the back to complete the bow is the trickiest step. But take it from a guy that learned to tie his first bow-tie the night of his second black tie dinner, when it started, you can do it.

Anytime you can do self-tie, do it. It shows attention to detail.

OldSouthernGent · Dec 27, 2011

IsaacRN said:
I have a question that I can you all can answer. How would you all judge if a tie size is correct for someone. Buying a tie online is so subjective, and can be expensive. I see ties that range in size from a 2" - 3" I have been buying Brooks Brothers, and don't have the measurement. I have a few Beau Ties Ltd that are 2 1/2" and then I see Bow Tie Club selling 2 5/8" as their regular standard issue. THis seems like it might be a bit big, but going down to a 2 1/2" costs an extra $7. I have a feeling Brooks Brothers might be measuring in at about 2 1/4".

Good question. Standard measurements for regular ties are typically 57" long and 3" wide (give or take). For bow ties, ehh, I'm not sure. When tied, it shouldn't extend beyond the sides of one's face. I myself would opt for what BB does - many of my ties are from them. Jos. A. Bank had some really narrow tie that I just didn't care for.

undertaker · Dec 27, 2011

Espee said:
Made by a friend as my Christmas present (I hadn't realized what a GOOD friend she is!)

We should all be so lucky and have friend like that.

Regards,
J.S.

Twill · Dec 27, 2011

IsaacRN said:
I have a question that I can you all can answer. How would you all judge if a tie size is correct for someone. Buying a tie online is so subjective, and can be expensive. I see ties that range in size from a 2" - 3" I have been buying Brooks Brothers, and don't have the measurement. I have a few Beau Ties Ltd that are 2 1/2" and then I see Bow Tie Club selling 2 5/8" as their regular standard issue. THis seems like it might be a bit big, but going down to a 2 1/2" costs an extra $7. I have a feeling Brooks Brothers might be measuring in at about 2 1/4".

Well, I have many bows that are all different sizes. Obviously, not neck size, but the size of the bow. Just like standard tie knots look better with different collars, suits, and looks, different bow sizes look good with different ensembles. I wouldn't say that a person looks good in only one bow size, but there are definite sizes that don't look good on me. Trial and error, I think. I don't think there's any steadfast rule.

OldSouthernGent · Dec 28, 2011

Usually facial structure and shape is a good indicator of what works. You want something that will flatter you, not emphasize or draw attention to an undesirable feature

Twill · Dec 29, 2011

This was one of my Christmas gifts from my girlfriend. (the colors are grey, yellow, black, and white)

385108_10150550031585126_574030125_11366798_725431631_n.jpg

Tomasso · Jan 4, 2012

Here's a bow tie blog I ran into recently.

IsaacRN · Jan 4, 2012

Lovely ties at Burberry prices..

Ill have to pass, and just made another order with Beau Ties Ltd

Wally_Hood · Jan 7, 2012

First Bow Tie Friday for 2012, with semi-racketeer dark shirt and grey suit; no-name diamond point tie; the pocket square is from the Nordstrom's outlet.

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