Everything you Need to Know about Bow Ties

While many people believe that the bow tie originated in the early 1800s, it actually has roots that go back to the Croatian mercenaries of the 17th century during the Thirty Years War. They wore primitive bow ties, called hvrats, to fasten together their shirt collars, though they appeared to be more like short scarfs. “Hvrat” is actually the Croatian word for the Croats themselves.

French soldiers admired the look and brought it home with them once the war ended. When the French upper class adopted the hvrat, they referred to the neckwear as “cravate,” or the French word for the Croat people, which, over the years, became “cravat.” As time went on, the look evolved into both neck ties and bow ties, which were starting to become very popular in the 1700s.

In 1886, Pierre Lorillard designed the first tuxedos, which were meant to worn as formal wear. The suit was named after his family’s greater New York City estate, and it appealed mostly to the wealthy. Because it featured a black bow tie, the name “black tie” became a colloquialism for any event that required formal attire. The popularity of the tuxedo raised the profile of bow ties significantly.

As a matter of fact, between the 1880s and the early 20th century, every well-polished male had at least one bow tie in his closet. It especially became a very popular fashion statement once Hollywood got on-board. Stars like Gene Kelly wore the staple in films and to award shows, making it a must-have among proper gentlemen. After a while, the bow tie became a fashion fixture in popular culture, though its popularity dropped off significantly after World War II due to the advent of neck ties.

Once this happened, bow ties were thought of as only an accessory that was worn by the quirky, nerdy, and those unable to keep up with the times. Fortunately, style-conscious men have brought the look back and it is now considered on-trend and on-point. Stylists and designers have improved upon bow ties and re-crafted them to fit Millennials and the generations to come. There is even a National Bow Tie Day that was christened on August 28th in honor of their resurgence.

In the past, bow ties were a must-have that almost faded into obscurity over the decades. That is a shame because the look is timeless, dignified, and distinguished. So, while we may have associated bow ties in the recent past with over-the-top celebrities like popcorn company spokesman Orville Redenbacher, and children’s entertainers like Bill Nye, the Science Guy and Peewee Herman, style mavens such as Manolo Blahnik and Karl Lagerfeld have sported the look for years, and probably established the ideas that the bow tie can still be stylish and that it can be modernized. After all, current stars like Justin Timberlake and Johnny Depp have jumped on the present-day bow tie train.

Of course, at its style zenith, the bow tie was worn by some of the most dignified men in the world. Winston Churchill, the prime minister of England during World War II, is a prime example. He was truly grace under pressure and he certainly looked the part. As such, fictional British characters like James Bond and Dr. Who are almost never seen without their respective bow ties. On the other side of the pond, suave entertainers like comedian Charlie Chaplin, singer and dancer Fred Astaire, as well as Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and other members of the Rat Pack, wore their bow ties with pride, and the look has become synonymous with these debonair men.

In conclusion, at Armoniia, we are proud to sell bow ties for every occasion. We sell both solid colors and patterns and dressy, casual, and work bow ties. If you want it, we have it here at Armoniia, so come on in and browse our vast selection of bow ties for men and women and bow ties for kids today! You are sure to be glad that you did.