Bow ties for men are a wardrobe essential. Like plaid shirts. And bracelets. No longer meant for only formal wear, bow ties suit many different looks – from super casual to dapper. Big events, work, dinners out or brunch with friends – there are bow ties for every occasion. These days, a stylish guy can even wear one with a cool shirt and shorts. And they look great with a plaid shirt and jeans. Because, why not?
Whether is self-tied (the classic), pre-tied or a clip-on, cool bow ties today are made of tons of interesting materials, like leather, wood, ceramic and even feathers (pictured above). When choosing the right bow tie, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try experimenting with different patterns and textures. It’s nice to see more men expressing themselves and showing their personality through fashion. And accessories like bow ties are a perfect way to do it. But however you decide to wear a bow tie, do it with confidence – that’s always the key.
For more details on different bow tie shapes, how to tie them properly and a brief but interesting history lesson on where they come from (bow ties have Croatian roots), check out this handy guide on tie.com.
Below are some of my favourite bow ties – including thoughts on how to wear them – from stores like Holt Renfrew, Barneys, Rubaiyat in Calgary and talented friends like leather designer Kat Marks.
Casey Wagar 