Style Guide for Bow Ties?

• Jan 10, 2014

• #1

Mulceber

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I've been thinking about adding some bow ties to my wardrobe, and I have one, but for some reason I've noticed that it just doesn't seem to look very good on me. I'm tall (6'1") and lanky (180 lbs) with a relatively square face. Mostly it seems like the bow ties I've seen fit best on people with rounder faces (The 11th Doctor being the obvious exception). I have noticed, however, that bow ties come in all shapes and sizes (eg. the ones listed here: http://www.beautiesltd.com/category/bow-tie-width-size-style ), and I wonder if a tie that's either narrower or wider would suit me better. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to match a bow tie to one's body type?

 

• Jan 10, 2014

• #2

Flat Foot Floey

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Don't go for the Jumbo or the ultra slim.

I don't wear bowties that often but I found they look better with a sweater or waistcoat (or very high buttoning suit jacket, maybe a DB)
The visible shirt placket gets shorter and there is a nice frame around the bow. When I wear a bowtie just with a shirt the blank space (shirt) seems too big compared to the "tiny" bow.

 

• Jan 10, 2014

• #3

stevew443

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I am also tall (6'3") and slender (185 lbs) and I wear bow ties of all sizes, except for the very large butterfly ties that were popular in the 70's. A bow tie is a change for most people, and it takes some getting used to. I have been wearing them exclusively for 2 years and now I feel odd when I am not wearing a bow tie. Don't worry about how it matches your body, just worry about wearing what you like and make the style your own. A bow tie says that you are not bound by the narrow confines of what the world says fashion should be. You are an individual who blazes his own path and fashion be damned. You are dressing well in a style you like, so why give a rat's behind what "fits" your face?

Just my 2 cent's worth.

 

• Jan 10, 2014

• #4

Dreamofgilgamesh

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And a jolly good tuppence worth if you don't mind me saying so.

 

• Jan 11, 2014

• #5

gear-guy

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I agree with 443, wear what you like. I am 6'5 230lbs with a lanky build and I like bow ties just because they are a little different, and they don't get in the way of your food while you are eating.

 

• Jan 11, 2014

• #6

Nobert

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If you have a square face, yo might look for a smaller bow, perhaps a diamond point. As you say, there's quite a variety. I wear them all the time, also being of the lean and lank physique.

Also get used to the idea of having to regularly straighten the thing. They have a tendency to go askew if you look at them funny.

 

Last edited: Jan 11, 2014

• Jan 11, 2014

• #7

Tomasso

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Flat Foot Floey said:

they look better with a sweater or waistcoat (or very high buttoning suit jacket, maybe a DB)....The visible shirt placket gets shorter and there is a nice frame around the bow. When I wear a bowtie just with a shirt the blank space (shirt) seems too big compared to the "tiny" bow.

Click to expand...

You are definitely on to something here.

 

• Jan 11, 2014

• #8

Flat Foot Floey

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A.C. Lyles said:

You are definitely on to something here.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Of course it isn't meant as a rule and I haven't read this anywhere. Just something I do when I choose an outfit for myself. I imagine it will be even more the case with modern low rise trousers together with a long and slender build.

 

• Jan 12, 2014

• #9

Mulceber

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Thanks for the support, everyone! I'll try to internalize this advice and work the bow tie into my routine sometime in the next couple weeks. Maybe with a sweater or something similar the effect will be less jarring. -M

 

• Jan 12, 2014

• #10

Historyteach24

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I wear bow ties in my situations but I have found I like them best with a sweater or sweater vest over where all you see is the top of the shirt and the tie