Clip-on Bow Ties

[thunderw21]

Nothing wrong with clip-ons, I wear them once in a while as do other stylish guys here.

 

[Widebrim]

I think being a gentleman is all about behaviour and conduct.

"The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.

The power which the strong have over the weak, the employer over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly — the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or a total abstinence from it when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in a plain light.

The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can not only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others."

Robert E. Lee

And from what I have read about Gen. Lee, he truly was a gentleman.

 

[tonyb]

To be fair, is the risk really that great to warrant such a precaution? I live in a huge city, and would still not wear a clip-on as the chance of such an event actually occurring is far too low to wear that.

I know of a taxicab company whose drivers' uniforms included a necktie -- a clip-on, for obvious reasons. I'd imagine that the law-enforcement agencies whose uniforms incorporate neckties (I've seen 'em) use clip-ons as well.

 

[Orion]

This thread is a hoot. Your reactions have me tearing up. I too really like the retro designs of a few, but the clip-on aspect is kinda appalling.

As an engineer, I love bow ties as they don't get in the way when you are working on something hands-on. Such as, oh, getting caught in machinery. These days they are viewed as being a bit eccentric, but I'm guessing all of us here get that on occasion. Heck, I have a couple I bust out every so often that I hand made.

Having played in an orchestra/band/ensemble etc for nine years of college (eeeek!) I do own several nice vintage silk bow ties to go with my tux, and was sadly ever the only person in the group with a "real" tie, barring the occasional ringer with more panache.

At any rate, those were more than worth your dollar, and we all thank you for taking those things off the street


EDIT: By the way -- and this is somewhat off topic -- but has anyone else ever experienced being in a wedding party and despising the cheap rental suits and clip-on/latch-together ties? Ugh.

 

[tonyb]

By the way -- and this is somewhat off topic -- but has anyone else ever experienced being in a wedding party and despising the cheap rental suits and clip-on/latch-together ties? Ugh.

Oh yeah. That territory has been pretty well covered.

But I can't find it in me to "despise" it. There's a more fitting word for my attitude toward such wedding attire, seeing how it isn't really despicable. Amusing, maybe. Tacky, perhaps. But, you know, often enough, these are my people. If you saw the photos from my brother's first wedding, back in the early to mid-'70s (I have a hard time keeping the particulars of his marital history straight sometimes, as does he), well, let's just say you'd find lots to dislike. Those getups really were atrocious.

 

[HoundstoothLuke]

I know of a taxicab company whose drivers' uniforms included a necktie -- a clip-on, for obvious reasons. I'd imagine that the law-enforcement agencies whose uniforms incorporate neckties (I've seen 'em) use clip-ons as well.

Police have an obvious requirement as their job puts them at risk far above that of an ordinary person, and taxicabs frequently have to work nights getting drunken revelers home, who could easily turn abusive.

 

[Quigley Brown]

In a campy sort of way I love vintage clip-on bowties. As with these, I have some that are quite beautifully designed. Why keep them in a box?

 

[Feraud]

^^ Agreed.

 

[scotrace]

And Amen. /\ /\

 

[Mysterious Mose]

Harangue.

Seriously, some of the earlier comments here really annoyed me. I mean, here's a fellow lounger taking time and trouble to take, up- and download a decent picture, start a thread. He politely asks for help, not opinions, has good questions about dating and cleaning his vintage items.
After all, that's what the forum's about, isn't it? G.A.& A. So far, so good.
Then what happens? He get's heckled by some wiseguy who doesn't (can't?) provide any answer. Only sarcasm.
In the follow-ups he's almost apologetic: he only bought 'em for a buck, something to snicker at...
Now, next time he'll find something really, really interesting, who knows what'll turn up someday. Will he post again? Pearls for the swines?
I do hope so. I like to see more posts like this. Maybe another "Money Back Smith" suit.
And, I don't care for nasty comments like that, it's only my humble opinion, but:
This is a very agreeable virtual place, and this is virtual SCREAMING !!!, see? It really works. Consider that picture, that's a crucifix. It's the symbol of (the suffering) of the original gentle Man. Not crazy funny, I think.[huh]
Now, the Lions, I've seen them at the fleamarket in the pouring rain at eight on a Sunday morning collecting money for Tsunami victims. They're gentlemen. My car dealer is a great guy, wears Crockett and Jones boots.
Any fool can wear a nice outfit. Any loudmouth can deride someone making an effort for all/some/most of us. I can wear a CLIP-ON with flannels and tweeds and do a pretty good Bertie Wooster impression, who b.t.w. is The Perfect Gentleman of fiction, an excellent funny storyteller AND a snappy dresser. There's an experience for you.

That's all, better now, M.M.

 

[Highlander]

Well, I gotta agree, Clip On Ties? Can't do it, and I don't really think any insult was meant for the poster. But the other comment that was made in one of the posts, "Short Sleeve Dress Shirts", probably an even bigger peve of mine. Esp with a blazer or jacket and tie! ICK!

 

[BinkieBaumont]

"If you hate a "Clip on" why not get a Cravat for your "Avatar" he would absolutely love it "

 

[Torpedo]

I do not have any clip-ons; I wear bowties often, always self-tied, but I have been frequently tempted by the interesting patterns available as clip-ons. Maybe some day I will fall for the temptation.

As far as my opinion, it is the same as the one I have for those bowties which come pre-tied with an adjustable ribbon. Not my thing, but wearing any kind of bowtie these days is meritory enough. I would not deride their users - at most, I would suggest them, in good grace and only if the matter surfaces, to try to tie their own bow.

 

[Dinerman]

Coinciding with the popularity of stiff, detachable collars, clip on-bow ties were common from the turn of the century through the 1930s. While the concept may have been similar, they are easily differentiated from the second-wave of popularity in the 1950s-1960s.











A leather bowtie in 1908? Why not?