Bow tie

A bow tie or dicky bow is a special kind of neckwear that looks different from a regular necktie. Unlike a necktie that hangs down the front of a shirt, a bow tie is tied right under a winged collar. It is made by tying a ribbon of fabric around the collar of a shirt to create a symmetrical bow shape with two loops.

There are three main types of bow ties. The pre-tied bow tie has the bow already sewn onto a band that goes around the neck and clips to keep it in place. Some "clip-ons" clip directly to the collar without needing a band. The traditional style is the self-tie, where the wearer ties a strip of cloth by hand.

Bow ties can be made from many different materials, but most are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or a mix of these fabrics. Some materials like wool or velvet are used less often for bow ties compared to regular neckties known as four-in-hand. Bow ties are popular for formal events and can add a stylish touch to any outfit.

Origin and history

The bow tie began with Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War in the 1600s. They used a scarf around their necks to keep their shirts closed. This idea was then taken up by fancy people in France, where it was called a cravat. Over time, this style grew popular and changed into what we now call the bow tie and other types of necktie.

Traditional bow ties come in set sizes, usually between 14 and 19 inches, and are often worn with very formal shirts. Adjustable bow ties are more common for everyday wear. Another style from the 1800s in France, called the lavallière, looks similar to a bow tie but has a bigger knot and longer ends.

Wearers

Main article: List of bow tie wearers

Bow ties are often worn by people in certain jobs, like professors, lawyers, and doctors. They are useful for doctors who work with small children because they stay out of the way. Clowns sometimes wear large, funny bow ties for comedy. Classical musicians often wear bow ties as part of their formal outfits for performances.

Bow ties have also become popular in women's fashion, especially in business settings. In the 1980s, many professional women started wearing bow ties with their suits and blouses, choosing styles similar to those worn by men. Today, bow ties can be a way to show a love for traditional styles.

Types

Bow ties come in different styles for different occasions. One popular type is the self-tie bow tie, which you can tie yourself. These usually come in two shapes: the "bat wing," which has parallel sides like a cricket bat, and the "thistle" or "butterfly" shape. There are also other shapes, like the Diamond Point, which has pointed tips.

Another type is the pre-tie or ready-tie bow tie, which is already tied and simply needs to be fastened around your neck. These are often worn at events like Schools Leavers' Proms. There are also special bow ties made from materials like wood or feathers. Lastly, there is the clip-on bow tie, which clips directly to your shirt collar instead of going around your neck.