The Bow Tie -- Traditional Formality

The bow tie is a traditional style of neckwear commonly worn to formal events. This type of tie is worn as an integral part of black tie apparel which includes the dinner jacket and trousers. This tie is made from a fabric ribbon secured around the collar and tied in a bow. You can find traditional ties that must be hand-tied. Then there are those where the bow is already formed. Some of the newer ties can be clipped on rather than looped around the neck. Commonly used materials include silk, satin, cotton or even polyester.

This style of tie has a rich history and originated in the 17th century when Croatian mercenaries sported them during the Prussian wars. The French adopted this method of holding the collar closed and called it the cravat. The tie was extremely popular in 18th and 19th century France and even had a book written about it by Honore de Balzac, a legendary French writer. In today's society, these ties are worn in various circumstances.

They are commonly seen at formal events where black tie is required. These events may include weddings, cocktail parties, fundraisers and proms. Of course, not every man at every event wears one of these ties. Not only that, but some men wear this style of tie in the working world. It's thought that some professionals choose this style of tie because they do not want a dangling tie to get in the way of their job duties. For example, some architects and doctors forgo long ties in favor of this style.

If you are shopping for a bow tie, there are many choices available to you. You can find high end designer ties made by top names like Prada, Hermes and Armani. Then there are lower end ties sold at formal wear stores and department stores like Belk and J.C. Penney. While the main color you will come across is black, you may also see red ties and even other colors. In today's relaxed society the rules of apparel aren't as stringent as they used to be, at least in most social circles. If you cannot find the perfect tie in stores, the Internet may be a good place to look. You can often find more selection online that you can find in your local shopping mall.

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