Like you said in one of your older videos, I don't give a damn about what other people say. At our age we do what we want and like and bow ties are part of my wardrobe.
As a working class male who taught high school for thirty years, I can honestly say that I've never been invited to a black tie event in my life. (The last time I wore black tie or a tuxedo was at my wedding ceremony almost forty years ago.) Where I live in small town southern Ontario, I almost never see anyone, besides myself, wearing a tie. The very few I see who might wear a suit or a sport jacket on the rarest of occasions do so with an open collar. Other than my friend the retired English banker, I've never seen anyone wear a bowtie outside of fashion magazines or old movies. And while I've acquired a hundred high quality silk ties at thrift shops for pennies on the dollar of their retail price, I have never once seen a decent bowtie for sale. Perhaps it is different in Britain or on the continent, but here in North America the bow tie is sometimes associated with a series of stereotypes: the schoolboy, the science nerd, or the "nutty professor". If I came across a collection of high quality vintage bow ties that I could acquire for very little money, I suppose I might try them out. But the truth is, with a broad face and a thick neck, I'm not convinced that wearing a bow tie would be a flattering look for me in any case. I've always felt that a bow tie leaves too much shirt front exposed, creating a bit of an unbalanced look with a suit or sport jacket. Having said all this, you look smashing in your tuxedo and bow tie, Ash.
I think another reason they are dying off is unless you specifically go looking for them, they are hard to find, it's all just nasty pre-tied low quality junk rather than something you'd actually want to wear.
@@KlausKokholmPetersen I'm not saying they are impossible to find, just you need to put much more effort to find something useable compared to other things. For example I have several eBay saved searches with alerts set up for bow ties, but the vast majority of stuff I get shown is cheap and nasty junk Id never wear.
My kids got me a bow tie for Father’s Day last year. They made sure it was one I can tie myself. I would say it’s a bit harder to learn than tying a shoe, but definitely worth learning. Really only takes a few minutes with a TH-cam video, and a couple extra practice rounds, and you will have it pat down. I like it quite a bit whenever I wear it.
I was a guest fairly recently at a Burns Šupper in a rather up market golf club establishment which was a black tie event..my host told me it was difficult now to get people to attend black tie functions, as people these days dont want to spend their Friday nights wearing a bow tie....I think its fine for rare one off occassions...makes the occasion more special I think
I think bow ties for daywear tend to look best when much of the shirt front is covered - either with a waistcoat, knitwear or a jacket with a high buttoning point. None of which are very popular just now
An old pal of mine when he was at medical school said wearing a bow tie was the worst thing you could do as the consultants wore them as kind of a uniform. I wear a black bow tie when I go on our annual family cruise for the couple of "formal nights". It's on Royal Caribbean so a low turnout in the full rig but my rule is wear the dress code of the host, which is the Captain. On these nights he or she wears a bow tie. So, I'll wear one!
Would absolutly love it if there was a renaissance in bow tie wearing in addition to a resurgence in more formal dress codes (black tie, white tie & morning dress)
Bow ties are very practical for physicians. I love bow ties. I find them very smart, and a big differentiator from the tie wearing folks. I wish more people adopt them. P.S. I am a doctor :-)
Bow ties are brilliant! I think they look better than a regular necktie when worn with a waistcoat. Plus - because not many men actually know how to tie one properly, it highlights the fact that you’ve gone to a little extra effort. Bow ties forever!
Video 2 Good morning Ash, Chaps Bowties. I think all points I were to make have been made. Mess Dress ✅ Self tie ✅ Tradition ✅ Black tie means Black tie, not cut your own detail ✅ I will be donning mine next weekend for a Dinner night and again in April. 🫡
I have worn bow ties since I was a young man. I have worn them to church and still do; I wear them when I do errands, or basically any time I feel like it. They are usually accompanied by a full suit or (preferably) a full tuxedo even during daylight hours and this is because I feel my best when wearing formal wear. I always wanted to wear suits and bow ties when I was in school, but I was bullied by the rougher kids, so I never got the chance until I was a Senior in high school. However, in college/university I basically decided to wear my choir tuxedo one day as we were having an exam. It was a great choice as my resulting grade was far higher than I had ever achieved. I then decided to wear my tuxedo daily. I’ll admit it took longer to get into, but the effort was so worth it, putting on the tux shirt and putting in the studs and folding the French Cuffs and securing them with the matching cufflinks. Then the great drama of tying the bow tie and finally putting on the braces and cummerbund. When I put the coat on, it made me feel much more confident and that feeling told me I could face the academic world head on. Of course, it led to me buying much more formal accessories and a couple more tuxedos but it was so worth it. That trend continued to the working world, where I would don the tuxedo on days off. Now its gotten a bit more expensive as I wear M-T-M tuxedos and for the most part I wear a suit daily in retirement because I just want to. And yes, all of this is accompanied by a bow tie because I find wearing bow ties to be very comfortable and very proper. While I have worn the other type, I don’t like them and would find myself very quickly losing them after the function I had to wear them to. Some people have been amazed to see me untie one of those ties in less than ten seconds whereas I will leave a bow tie on all day, only untying it at the end of the day. I hope that bow ties will not disappear in my lifetime and I suspect they won’t. One thing I would love to see return is formal dress being required for every man as casual dressing is not the proper thing to do. Boys should go to school in suits and bow ties and men should wear them at work (unless that work is the type that would ruin fine clothing). If the current trend continues, men and boys will lose the joys of dressing up and looking their best and that would not be a good thing.
The trick with bow ties, is to casualise them. Most people just don’t know how to. I wear one with an Oxford and a rugby shirt over the top. Total vibe. No need for black tie, just to enjoy a bow. You can enjoy them any day.
Agreed! The military introduced me to the bow tie with our dress uniforms. 19 years later, and I still wear one. Will be wearing one in a few weeks for a formal work dinner.
I usually buy my ties ,bow tie or otherwise, from The Dark Knot.. Good quality and delivery. The best British ties if I recall correctly are from Drakes. E-Bay is also always an option.
As a member of the Caladonian society I have attended a number of St Andrew's balls and awards banquets for the Coast Guard aux. All of which are black tie events. I have worn both tuxedo and mess dress to these events. Cheers Ron
I own a black bow tie, and i'm looking at obtaining a couple of others in different colours. I learned how to tie it from tutorial videos on TH-cam. It's surprisingly easy to master isn't it Ash 👍🏻
As a bow tie wearing type of fellow. I was amazed at the amount of effort it took to get a regimental bow tie, well a corps tie in my case. All I could locate tended to be polyester, it took quite the effort to find silk.
I actually wore a bow tie (in my school's colors) to my university fraternity alumni event the other day. I wore them pretty often in school, but maybe only a handful of times since then. You could actually see them fairly often at U.S. universities in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Don't know if kids today still do that.
I have a picture of me at around age 6 or 7 in an Easter suit with a little clip on. Then there was those garish Prom outfits from 74-75' that featured a massive bow tie, pre-tied of course from the rental shop. In 67 years Ive never received a black tie invitation. If you go to those kinda things, well aint that special, lol.
Hi Ash, I’m a regular viewer of the channel. I would certainly say it’s verging on eccentric when not worn in a black tie scenario. I’m from Scotland and normally wear national dress to events in the country however I’m joining my first Cunard cruise this year and really looking forward to adorning the black tie dinner suit with of course, the bow tie!
I think a mystery area that many people have about the demise of traditional style-wear. Is rooted in the fact that what people wear is based on their values and mindset. Instead we look at the top layer and wonder why people don't dress up. When like I wrote, the top layer of clothing is reflective of what's inside people's heads. So, how society is, is what will appear on people as clothes.
Nice video, thank you. As you know, I usually wear bow ties, self-tie of course. I have been always liking them from my childhood and I find them more versatile than the necktie. They simply have a different "spirit". I admit I am the only one wearing bow ties in my city, or at least it so seems to me, but since I try to wear them wisely although very frequently, I am usually not looked at as a strange person, but as an elegant one. Long live the bow tie!
Great topic as always and much food for thought, thank you Ash. Was wondering if you'd consider an episode about the country setting where you film - is it on the property where you live or a separate getaway retreat? It looks very peaceful, I like the random benches and statuary, not to mention the little cabin. Hope that's not too invasive or personal.
I am watching the Oscars live in the USA as I write this. Don't think you need to worry too much Ash. So far most Chaps are wearing a proper black bow tie with their formal wear. Patent leather shoes, the whole works except the Cummerbund which seems to be going out of style. I saw one open collar white shirt and a few regular long black ties all with formal wear. Apparently on one occasion David Niven was either the host or introducing a winner when a naked streaker decided to make himself present during the performance on his stage. They wanted to recreate that moment on the show tonight. Hilarious!
Ash the first thought that came into my mind when opening this video,You had taken a job as a BBC radio announcer 😂.I have worn formal dress on cruise ship formal nights and other functions but I notice this is in decline however I enjoy it and will continue to do so
I firmly believe the bow tie is an outstanding symbol for the discerning gentleman. I always find that a bow tie is a point of interest and a great conversation starter - particularly with women! I observe, when wearing a bow tie, it is so much more pronounced and noticeable amongst a sea of other fashions in a sample of people. I rarely wear black, because I don't get to attend formal dinners or other events of this nature, but I do like to find any good excuse to go out wearing the black bow, as well as my less formal ones - all self tie.
Being of the "old school", it was conveyed to me that the reason men wore the same black (or midnight blue) tuxedo or dinner jacket was because we (and this may come off as bit chauvinistic - my apologies) were meant to let our partner show off her outfit. (However, my wife was sometimes envious that whenever we went to black tie affairs, I never had to worry about what to wear. She, on the other hand, fretted about wearing something she had worn before or elsewhere, and if someone would make mention of that to her). But, for me, it was easy - I literally wear the same tuxedo to this day since 1985 from Brooks Brothers (before Marks and Sparks bought them). I'm there to "showcase" my partner, not me. Second, I don't have a problem if other men wish to wear something other than a tuxedo to a formal affair. But, I feel that if one does, the selected outfit has to look better and more presentable than the old reliable tuxedo. I personally don't have anything more formal looking than my tuxedo; so it is the ultimate in my formal wear in my closet. I have seen some men wear very nice Chinese style silk jackets in royal blue, and some wear silk cossack outfits at some formal events, but often this was in keeping with the theme of the event to some degree. Lastly, your comment about how to tie a bow tie like a simple shoelace knot is the same advice I give to other people who struggle with tying a bow tie. But I offer two added ideas - first, think of the bow tie as a flat, oversized shoe lace, and second, imagine the shoe is on top of your head, and you're trying to tie the simple shoelace knot with your hands above your head. This latter technique helps, I believe, to develop the spatial agility to feel comfortable with tying the bow tie. Cheers, Jim
If i am invited to a black tie or white tie event ( i am a lodge guy so it happens ) i certainly do dress accordingly, the same goes for Prince Charles jacket ( highland wear ), tie and all. I do not base my style on celebrities…though having said that, the Oscars feels more ”black tie creative”. More festive than formal so to speak. One guy who really looks cool is Bryan Ferry in the ”More Than This” video by Roxy Music. Leather biker jacket, dress shirt and bow tie. Now that’s confidence. 😊🤵♂️
The last decade in which the bow tie was somewhat fashionable and relatively mainstream, was the 1950s, and even then the style was usually associated with the North American college elite. Therefore, it’s no surprise we don’t see many bow ties around, as it’s been over 60 years since they fell out of fashion. Then, in the 1980s bow ties saw a resurgence with the popularization of the “preppy” look, thanks mostly to Ralph Lauren. However, even then the bow tie did not become mainstream; it merely came back into fashion in the “preppy subculture”, where it has survived to this day. I have a small number of vintage bow ties I purchased from a lady who lives in Maryland. They belonged to her father and are absolutely exquisite. They are all in a straight shape and are significantly smaller than the modern bow ties. Ironically, these vintage bow ties actually look more “contemporary”, I think, due to their straight shape and smaller size. A bow tie is a dandy accessory by definition, and therefore it’s best if its size is relatively small and its color simple and restrained. No pink bow ties with silly print all over, please! All that being said, as much as I love my vintage bow ties, I only wear them a couple times a year, and only to the events where I know the look won’t be out of place. A church holiday at my church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a garden party, a summer wedding, etc. There are still opportunities to wear bow ties even if they don’t happen very often. Also, as a classical musician, I wear a formal evening suit (tuxedo/dinner suit) regularly. I also happen to be invited to wedding almost every year, and I attend several formal balls here in New York, where I live. And of course, a formal evening suit requires a black bow tie. No exceptions! Black bow tie with a tuxedo is still a standard formal look in the Western world, and this is where, I believe, the bow tie will survive for decades to come.
What use there is for black tie nowadays should be used for curating individual pieces that together form a unique black tie outfit that is filled with textures and elegance. Honestly, a modern day tux should be mixed jackets and slacks rather than the “uniform” that only typically rents/purchases. Your shirt to jacket cuff spacing is perfection👊
I move back forth between neckties & bowties. It really depends on the look I'm going for that day. Yes, I taught myself how tie a bowtie, pretied ones are the worst look.
Not dead but just resting - the bow tie is still to be seen amongst young devotees of the Dark Academia style of dress and the older gentlemen who dine at a "festive board". Some of mine are half a century old and the only thing that stops me waring them is a sad lack of formal events.
Not dressing as an invitation requests? Arrogance. No self-respect. No respect for others. Sad. I own a tuxedo and a white dinner jacket, and have bow ties in white and block. But I wear them so infrequently that I have to get the directions out, though it is always the case that it is then as easy as can be. And wearing a tux is fun. I own only two other box ties, one stripped (repp) and the other a “WInston Churchill” - dark blue with white dots.
I would say that those celebrities eschewing black tie at awards events, when it is part of the invitation, show a complete disregard not only for tradition, but for those who organise these events. I find that sad, but not surprising. 🤷♂️
There are (I believe) two things going on: There is the wearing of a bow tie in place of a regular four-in-hand necktie. And there is the choice of some celebrities to eschew the bow tie in settings where they have for many decades been the norm. Personally, I see the bow tie in a non-black-tie setting to be a perfectly acceptable option. The right bow tie, tied correctly and in pleasing colours, adds a touch of novelty to a gentleman's appearance. You won't be asked to leave an exclusive gentleman's club or restaurant for wearing a bow tie in place of a four-in-hand. There are, as noted by Ash, some practical reasons to chose the bow tie: anyone who doesn't want a long strip of tie fabric drooping into whatever he's working on. I own a few nice bow ties, and four or five times a year I break one out to add a little novelty and dash to my appearance. When the invitation says "Black Tie" - then a gentleman doesn't (or shouldn't) really stray too far from the rules. Black tie means just that. You have the choice of double or single breasted jackets, shawl or peaked lapels. Waistcoat or cummerbund. If budget or other availability restrict you, then I'll overlook wool socks over silk ones. But black tie means just that. I don't care what celebrities wear to televised award ceremonies. I'm not a celebrity, and I don't go to televised award ceremonies.
Speaking about actors, let's not forget that in the Roman Empire any official could flog an actor without trial. When this custom fell, so did the empire! With your past, you should not deny yourself anything in this case!
I wear bow ties in the office at least once a week. Some of us do “bow tie Tuesday”. I know my wife likes me in a bow tie rather than a regular neck tie.
Apart from the ups and downs of a bow tie (there are almost no downs), I must say that it is a wider trend of narcissistic behaviour that famous actors choose to ignore the dress code of the ceremony which is held in their honour. It is more the sticking out than the bow-tie they care about.
Unfortunately I don't get to as many white tie, black tie or less formal smoking jacket type events since Covid, these are the only events at which I wear a bow tie. I've never worn bow ties as part of a professional academic style outfit. It's nothing against the bow tie, I just don't feel that style suits me very well. If I looked like a youthful Harrison Ford I would doubt it mattered what I wore! I agree that self tie is a must and I remember it being mentioned that it was rumoured that Her late Majesty could spot a pre-tied bow tie immediately and disliked them. I find it interesting that fashion has affected black tie over the years, from dress studs or not, a Marcella, pleated or plain fronted shirt and the variety of collar styles throughout the decades but a nice black silk self tie bow has always been a staple. Something I would recommend to seek out is a self tie bow tie that has been made specifically for your collar size. These are rarer than hen's teeth but affect the end result of how the knot looks. Kind regards, Rob.
Bow ties are cool. Just like waist coats, these days they show a suave kind of defiance, much needed when most people hit the streets in their pyjamas.
I own some daywear bow ties, but I don't often wear them. My single-ended, marcella, white-tie bow tie gets more use than all of my daywear bow ties combined. Neckties are my style. For black or white tie? A necktie is unthinkable for me. The black necktie has one use: funerals.
One more reason for the disappearance of the bow-tie is the disappearance of the 3-piece-suit. Because a bow tie looks particularly good when the free space on the shirt underneath is filled.
Who says you can only wear a bowtie with morning dress, black tie or white tie? I have always gotten a lot of positive attention from women when I've worn a bowtie.... 🤩
Bow ties tend to be more popular in southern U.S. The gentlemen you were showing at the British award show who were not wearing ties tended to appear to be wear outfit that were more what I would consider costumes. Black tie is of course meant to create conformity. People in that line of work tend to much prefer to stand out from the crowd. (for better or worse.) It seems many folks no longer watch those shows because of the political themes that often over take them. I believe the dress code will come back once the clown suits hit a certain low point. I will stick with Cary Grant and David Niven thanks.
Very curious to understand why you accessorised your tux with a flamboyantly coloured pocket square instead of a plain white or block colour? Seems to me to diminish the style and formality of the dress.
I think bow ties that are not black tie ones look better with a waistcoat,sweater and sleeveless sweaters just to cover the more open area of the shirt. I think brooks brothers still make good bow ties but I heard & seen that their quality is bit declining. I like self tie bow ties, not everybody knows to tie a tie let alone a bow tie so it gives me a bit more confidence in know how to. I do agree that when it come to more formal like black tie it’s best to wear a tie compared to sport coat/suit, it’s in the name of course.
I haven’t had occasion to wear a dickie bow ,for about 45 years now . Although I reckon I would cut quite a dash ,riding one of my motorcycles attired in one . 😎👍
Maybe the modern man doesn’t want to look like a ventriloquist’s dummy in the style of Ray Alan and Lord Charles. If you need this much paraphernalia to look smart then you may as well give up.
Just as you indicated, society as a whole is moving toward ease and "affordability" (meaning cheapness but not necessarily value) in the realm of clothing. This has manifested itself in the practical extinction of domestic, non-bespoke clothing and accessory industries in (all?) nations with higher labor costs and in the unavailability of tailoring and shoe repair services in many areas. Unfortunately, you are all to aware of this. That said, as long as there are persons wearing ties, some subset of them will continue to wear bowties. Whether they will be of the quality they once were or as readily available remains up in the air, but they shall soldier on...even the ones one ties oneself!
Too hot to wear any tie at the moment; but as soon as it gets cooler, my bow ties are coming out of the drawer to adorn my neck; and of course, they're all self-tie - you can always tell the ready-tied sort: why do people wear something that advertises the fact that they don't know how to tie it? Black tie events - well, I do have a black tie if anyone would like to invite me to such an event, a dinner perhaps: and that would give me an excuse to buy a new dinner suit, since my old one no longer fits (must have shrunk, can't be that I've put on weight...).
Always self tie, and always smartly turned out, I sometimes wear a bow tie for social gatherings just to be different from every other gent in the room. With the exception of black tie events, I think a bow tie looks best with a covered placket on the shirt. A line of exposed buttons (especially plain white ones) down the shirt front can look a little uncouth unless you make them a feature by using decorative studs, as with black tie. Lastly, If an event invite specifies a particular form of dress code, e.g. black tie, I believe it is a shameful mark of disrespect to one's hosts and anyone with you, such as your wife or partner, if you ignore that simple request. After all, who wants to be seen with someone who chooses to stand out for all the wrong reasons?
I was extremely disappointed today to see pictures a friend took at a local ballet during intermission. The pictures were meant to be of the building itself, but of course people were there. A few women there were wearing jeans, branded shirts and sneakers. They looked like theh were at a little league baseball game. 😑 Now im country and get we all dont get dressed up often if at all. But dang if you are going to an event such as the ballet. Make an effort!!! Anyways thank you for the video. As always i enjoyed it. Cheers 🍻
I definitely like Indy more than Bond, but that's tangents for whole other day. Obviously Indy less known for his tweed and tie than his jacket and hat, etc.
I think award shows shouldn’t be viewed as the standard for black tie because the idea behind them is in direct contrast to what black tie should be about. Black tie is about making every man uniform in an elegant way in order to (historically) down play himself in favour of his female partner’s dress and beauty. Award shows on the other hand are about promotion for the actor, which is why they dress in such garish attire, and it worked, just look at the headlines.
Like you said in one of your older videos, I don't give a damn about what other people say. At our age we do what we want and like and bow ties are part of my wardrobe.
As a working class male who taught high school for thirty years, I can honestly say that I've never been invited to a black tie event in my life. (The last time I wore black tie or a tuxedo was at my wedding ceremony almost forty years ago.)
Where I live in small town southern Ontario, I almost never see anyone, besides myself, wearing a tie. The very few I see who might wear a suit or a sport jacket on the rarest of occasions do so with an open collar.
Other than my friend the retired English banker, I've never seen anyone wear a bowtie outside of fashion magazines or old movies.
And while I've acquired a hundred high quality silk ties at thrift shops for pennies on the dollar of their retail price, I have never once seen a decent bowtie for sale.
Perhaps it is different in Britain or on the continent, but here in North America the bow tie is sometimes associated with a series of stereotypes: the schoolboy, the science nerd, or the "nutty professor".
If I came across a collection of high quality vintage bow ties that I could acquire for very little money, I suppose I might try them out. But the truth is, with a broad face and a thick neck, I'm not convinced that wearing a bow tie would be a flattering look for me in any case.
I've always felt that a bow tie leaves too much shirt front exposed, creating a bit of an unbalanced look with a suit or sport jacket.
Having said all this, you look smashing in your tuxedo and bow tie, Ash.
Of course you can wear a bowtie with a suit!
There’s nothing like confidently walking into a room being the only chap wearing a bow tie 🔥🔥
It always gives me a bit of a spring in my step.
You could say the same thing about being the only chap wearing a bra. lol
@@peaceonearth8693 What does this even mean? The topic is on bow ties. Stay focused, mate.
@@nurse.christianWell, I just meant that there is nothing like confidently walking into a room.... :-D Wearing something outrageous.
I will never give up my bow ties! I'll just have to buy twice as many.
The bowtie is the easiest way to get attention from the ladies.....
@@KlausKokholmPetersen You know it!
I think another reason they are dying off is unless you specifically go looking for them, they are hard to find, it's all just nasty pre-tied low quality junk rather than something you'd actually want to wear.
They're avaiable online.
@@KlausKokholmPetersen I'm not saying they are impossible to find, just you need to put much more effort to find something useable compared to other things. For example I have several eBay saved searches with alerts set up for bow ties, but the vast majority of stuff I get shown is cheap and nasty junk Id never wear.
@@MexieMex and most shops only have the pre-tied ones.
My kids got me a bow tie for Father’s Day last year. They made sure it was one I can tie myself. I would say it’s a bit harder to learn than tying a shoe, but definitely worth learning. Really only takes a few minutes with a TH-cam video, and a couple extra practice rounds, and you will have it pat down. I like it quite a bit whenever I wear it.
I was a guest fairly recently at a Burns Šupper in a rather up market golf club establishment which was a black tie event..my host told me it was difficult now to get people to attend black tie functions, as people these days dont want to spend their Friday nights wearing a bow tie....I think its fine for rare one off occassions...makes the occasion more special I think
Bold to wear black tie in the brambles
I love me to set high outdoor standards
@@TheChapsGuide Jones. Ash Jones.
I wear bow ties(self tie of course) at least 2 to 3 days a week. One definitely stands out in a crowd in a positive way!
I think bow ties for daywear tend to look best when much of the shirt front is covered - either with a waistcoat, knitwear or a jacket with a high buttoning point. None of which are very popular just now
Thanks Ash. Loving the bow tie specific content and the fact that you turned out in your dinner suit. 🫡
Glad you liked it!!
An old pal of mine when he was at medical school said wearing a bow tie was the worst thing you could do as the consultants wore them as kind of a uniform.
I wear a black bow tie when I go on our annual family cruise for the couple of "formal nights". It's on Royal Caribbean so a low turnout in the full rig but my rule is wear the dress code of the host, which is the Captain. On these nights he or she wears a bow tie. So, I'll wear one!
Wore a black grosgrain tie on February 29 for a Mess Night. I also have the following bow ties: a cotton Madras, a wool, and a silk rep.
Would absolutly love it if there was a renaissance in bow tie wearing in addition to a resurgence in more formal dress codes (black tie, white tie & morning dress)
Who says you can only wear a bowtie with very formal dress?
Bow ties are very practical for physicians.
I love bow ties. I find them very smart, and a big differentiator from the tie wearing folks.
I wish more people adopt them.
P.S. I am a doctor :-)
Bow ties are brilliant! I think they look better than a regular necktie when worn with a waistcoat. Plus - because not many men actually know how to tie one properly, it highlights the fact that you’ve gone to a little extra effort. Bow ties forever!
Video 2
Good morning Ash, Chaps
Bowties.
I think all points I were to make have been made.
Mess Dress ✅
Self tie ✅
Tradition ✅
Black tie means Black tie, not cut your own detail ✅
I will be donning mine next weekend for a Dinner night and again in April.
🫡
I have worn bow ties since I was a young man. I have worn them to church and still do; I wear them when I do errands, or basically any time I feel like it. They are usually accompanied by a full suit or (preferably) a full tuxedo even during daylight hours and this is because I feel my best when wearing formal wear. I always wanted to wear suits and bow ties when I was in school, but I was bullied by the rougher kids, so I never got the chance until I was a Senior in high school. However, in college/university I basically decided to wear my choir tuxedo one day as we were having an exam. It was a great choice as my resulting grade was far higher than I had ever achieved. I then decided to wear my tuxedo daily. I’ll admit it took longer to get into, but the effort was so worth it, putting on the tux shirt and putting in the studs and folding the French Cuffs and securing them with the matching cufflinks. Then the great drama of tying the bow tie and finally putting on the braces and cummerbund. When I put the coat on, it made me feel much more confident and that feeling told me I could face the academic world head on. Of course, it led to me buying much more formal accessories and a couple more tuxedos but it was so worth it. That trend continued to the working world, where I would don the tuxedo on days off. Now its gotten a bit more expensive as I wear M-T-M tuxedos and for the most part I wear a suit daily in retirement because I just want to. And yes, all of this is accompanied by a bow tie because I find wearing bow ties to be very comfortable and very proper. While I have worn the other type, I don’t like them and would find myself very quickly losing them after the function I had to wear them to. Some people have been amazed to see me untie one of those ties in less than ten seconds whereas I will leave a bow tie on all day, only untying it at the end of the day. I hope that bow ties will not disappear in my lifetime and I suspect they won’t. One thing I would love to see return is formal dress being required for every man as casual dressing is not the proper thing to do. Boys should go to school in suits and bow ties and men should wear them at work (unless that work is the type that would ruin fine clothing). If the current trend continues, men and boys will lose the joys of dressing up and looking their best and that would not be a good thing.
The trick with bow ties, is to casualise them. Most people just don’t know how to. I wear one with an Oxford and a rugby shirt over the top. Total vibe. No need for black tie, just to enjoy a bow. You can enjoy them any day.
What an absolute dasher of a tuxedo!
In Silicon Valley, where I live, dressing well intentionally is always a bit rebellious, and yet whenever I wear a bow tie I always get compliments!
Some of us learned the dignity of wearing a bow tie in the military with our ‘Mess dress.’ I’m not influenced by what these younger generations wear.
Agreed! The military introduced me to the bow tie with our dress uniforms. 19 years later, and I still wear one. Will be wearing one in a few weeks for a formal work dinner.
Rolling out the Mess kit next weekend for a Dinner night. Time to see who self ties 😂
🫡
I usually buy my ties ,bow tie or otherwise, from The Dark Knot.. Good quality and delivery. The best British ties if I recall correctly are from Drakes. E-Bay is also always an option.
As a member of the Caladonian society I have attended a number of St Andrew's balls and awards banquets for the Coast Guard aux. All of which are black tie events. I have worn both tuxedo and mess dress to these events. Cheers Ron
I always preferred ties above bow ties. I only wore these on New Year's Eve parties in the 90's 😎
I choose to wear self tie bow ties three days a week to work and a regular tie the other two. I like bow ties because of the patterns they have.
I own a black bow tie, and i'm looking at obtaining a couple of others in different colours. I learned how to tie it from tutorial videos on TH-cam. It's surprisingly easy to master isn't it Ash 👍🏻
Like tieing your shoe!
As a bow tie wearing type of fellow. I was amazed at the amount of effort it took to get a regimental bow tie, well a corps tie in my case. All I could locate tended to be polyester, it took quite the effort to find silk.
I actually wore a bow tie (in my school's colors) to my university fraternity alumni event the other day. I wore them pretty often in school, but maybe only a handful of times since then. You could actually see them fairly often at U.S. universities in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Don't know if kids today still do that.
I have a picture of me at around age 6 or 7 in an Easter suit with a little clip on. Then there was those garish Prom outfits from 74-75' that featured a massive bow tie, pre-tied of course from the rental shop. In 67 years Ive never received a black tie invitation.
If you go to those kinda things, well aint that special, lol.
Hi Ash, I’m a regular viewer of the channel. I would certainly say it’s verging on eccentric when not worn in a black tie scenario.
I’m from Scotland and normally wear national dress to events in the country however I’m joining my first Cunard cruise this year and really looking forward to adorning the black tie dinner suit with of course, the bow tie!
I think a mystery area that many people have about the demise of traditional style-wear. Is rooted in the fact that what people wear is based on their values and mindset. Instead we look at the top layer and wonder why people don't dress up. When like I wrote, the top layer of clothing is reflective of what's inside people's heads. So, how society is, is what will appear on people as clothes.
Nice video, thank you. As you know, I usually wear bow ties, self-tie of course. I have been always liking them from my childhood and I find them more versatile than the necktie. They simply have a different "spirit". I admit I am the only one wearing bow ties in my city, or at least it so seems to me, but since I try to wear them wisely although very frequently, I am usually not looked at as a strange person, but as an elegant one. Long live the bow tie!
Great topic as always and much food for thought, thank you Ash. Was wondering if you'd consider an episode about the country setting where you film - is it on the property where you live or a separate getaway retreat? It looks very peaceful, I like the random benches and statuary, not to mention the little cabin. Hope that's not too invasive or personal.
Nice presentation 👍
I am watching the Oscars live in the USA as I write this. Don't think you need to worry too much Ash. So far most Chaps are wearing a proper black bow tie with their formal wear. Patent leather shoes, the whole works except the Cummerbund which seems to be going out of style. I saw one open collar white shirt and a few regular long black ties all with formal wear. Apparently on one occasion David Niven was either the host or introducing a winner when a naked streaker decided to make himself present during the performance on his stage. They wanted to recreate that moment on the show tonight. Hilarious!
Ash the first thought that came into my mind when opening this video,You had taken a job as a BBC radio announcer 😂.I have worn formal dress on cruise ship formal nights and other functions but I notice this is in decline however I enjoy it and will continue to do so
I firmly believe the bow tie is an outstanding symbol for the discerning gentleman. I always find that a bow tie is a point of interest and a great conversation starter - particularly with women! I observe, when wearing a bow tie, it is so much more pronounced and noticeable amongst a sea of other fashions in a sample of people. I rarely wear black, because I don't get to attend formal dinners or other events of this nature, but I do like to find any good excuse to go out wearing the black bow, as well as my less formal ones - all self tie.
Being of the "old school", it was conveyed to me that the reason men wore the same black (or midnight blue) tuxedo or dinner jacket was because we (and this may come off as bit chauvinistic - my apologies) were meant to let our partner show off her outfit. (However, my wife was sometimes envious that whenever we went to black tie affairs, I never had to worry about what to wear. She, on the other hand, fretted about wearing something she had worn before or elsewhere, and if someone would make mention of that to her). But, for me, it was easy - I literally wear the same tuxedo to this day since 1985 from Brooks Brothers (before Marks and Sparks bought them). I'm there to "showcase" my partner, not me.
Second, I don't have a problem if other men wish to wear something other than a tuxedo to a formal affair. But, I feel that if one does, the selected outfit has to look better and more presentable than the old reliable tuxedo. I personally don't have anything more formal looking than my tuxedo; so it is the ultimate in my formal wear in my closet. I have seen some men wear very nice Chinese style silk jackets in royal blue, and some wear silk cossack outfits at some formal events, but often this was in keeping with the theme of the event to some degree.
Lastly, your comment about how to tie a bow tie like a simple shoelace knot is the same advice I give to other people who struggle with tying a bow tie. But I offer two added ideas - first, think of the bow tie as a flat, oversized shoe lace, and second, imagine the shoe is on top of your head, and you're trying to tie the simple shoelace knot with your hands above your head. This latter technique helps, I believe, to develop the spatial agility to feel comfortable with tying the bow tie.
Cheers, Jim
If i am invited to a black tie or white tie event ( i am a lodge guy so it happens ) i certainly do dress accordingly, the same goes for Prince Charles jacket ( highland wear ), tie and all.
I do not base my style on celebrities…though having said that, the Oscars feels more ”black tie creative”.
More festive than formal so to speak.
One guy who really looks cool is Bryan Ferry in the ”More Than This” video by Roxy Music.
Leather biker jacket, dress shirt and bow tie.
Now that’s confidence. 😊🤵♂️
The last decade in which the bow tie was somewhat fashionable and relatively mainstream, was the 1950s, and even then the style was usually associated with the North American college elite. Therefore, it’s no surprise we don’t see many bow ties around, as it’s been over 60 years since they fell out of fashion. Then, in the 1980s bow ties saw a resurgence with the popularization of the “preppy” look, thanks mostly to Ralph Lauren. However, even then the bow tie did not become mainstream; it merely came back into fashion in the “preppy subculture”, where it has survived to this day.
I have a small number of vintage bow ties I purchased from a lady who lives in Maryland. They belonged to her father and are absolutely exquisite. They are all in a straight shape and are significantly smaller than the modern bow ties. Ironically, these vintage bow ties actually look more “contemporary”, I think, due to their straight shape and smaller size. A bow tie is a dandy accessory by definition, and therefore it’s best if its size is relatively small and its color simple and restrained. No pink bow ties with silly print all over, please!
All that being said, as much as I love my vintage bow ties, I only wear them a couple times a year, and only to the events where I know the look won’t be out of place. A church holiday at my church on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a garden party, a summer wedding, etc. There are still opportunities to wear bow ties even if they don’t happen very often.
Also, as a classical musician, I wear a formal evening suit (tuxedo/dinner suit) regularly. I also happen to be invited to wedding almost every year, and I attend several formal balls here in New York, where I live. And of course, a formal evening suit requires a black bow tie. No exceptions! Black bow tie with a tuxedo is still a standard formal look in the Western world, and this is where, I believe, the bow tie will survive for decades to come.
When ever I tie a bowtie, it turns out unvoluntary Sprezzatura. 😂😂
I can't wear bow ties these days (different reasons). Thankfully I can still wear a neck tie(full suit) in different places or occasions.
What use there is for black tie nowadays should be used for curating individual pieces that together form a unique black tie outfit that is filled with textures and elegance.
Honestly, a modern day tux should be mixed jackets and slacks rather than the “uniform” that only typically rents/purchases.
Your shirt to jacket cuff spacing is perfection👊
Agree fully, the tie is the focal point of a black tie ensemble that may be made up of numerous, differing pieces.
I move back forth between neckties & bowties. It really depends on the look I'm going for that day. Yes, I taught myself how tie a bowtie, pretied ones are the worst look.
I’m not sure my double chin would work with a bow tie, but one modern-day chap who can pull it off is radio host John Batchelor on 710 WOR.
as a sailor, the bowtie is a staple !
Not dead but just resting - the bow tie is still to be seen amongst young devotees of the Dark Academia style of dress and the older gentlemen who dine at a "festive board". Some of mine are half a century old and the only thing that stops me waring them is a sad lack of formal events.
Not dressing as an invitation requests? Arrogance. No self-respect. No respect for others. Sad. I own a tuxedo and a white dinner jacket, and have bow ties in white and block. But I wear them so infrequently that I have to get the directions out, though it is always the case that it is then as easy as can be. And wearing a tux is fun.
I own only two other box ties, one stripped (repp) and the other a “WInston Churchill” - dark blue with white dots.
I would say that those celebrities eschewing black tie at awards events, when it is part of the invitation, show a complete disregard not only for tradition, but for those who organise these events. I find that sad, but not surprising. 🤷♂️
There are (I believe) two things going on: There is the wearing of a bow tie in place of a regular four-in-hand necktie. And there is the choice of some celebrities to eschew the bow tie in settings where they have for many decades been the norm.
Personally, I see the bow tie in a non-black-tie setting to be a perfectly acceptable option. The right bow tie, tied correctly and in pleasing colours, adds a touch of novelty to a gentleman's appearance. You won't be asked to leave an exclusive gentleman's club or restaurant for wearing a bow tie in place of a four-in-hand. There are, as noted by Ash, some practical reasons to chose the bow tie: anyone who doesn't want a long strip of tie fabric drooping into whatever he's working on. I own a few nice bow ties, and four or five times a year I break one out to add a little novelty and dash to my appearance.
When the invitation says "Black Tie" - then a gentleman doesn't (or shouldn't) really stray too far from the rules. Black tie means just that. You have the choice of double or single breasted jackets, shawl or peaked lapels. Waistcoat or cummerbund. If budget or other availability restrict you, then I'll overlook wool socks over silk ones. But black tie means just that.
I don't care what celebrities wear to televised award ceremonies. I'm not a celebrity, and I don't go to televised award ceremonies.
Speaking about actors, let's not forget that in the Roman Empire any official could flog an actor without trial. When this custom fell, so did the empire! With your past, you should not deny yourself anything in this case!
I wear bow ties in the office at least once a week. Some of us do “bow tie Tuesday”. I know my wife likes me in a bow tie rather than a regular neck tie.
Thanks!
Thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated
I have almost 20 bow ties. If I have a button down shirt on, there’s going to be a bow tie on my neck, which is about 6-7 days of the week.
Not a chance. I'm starting to wear them for the first time.
Apart from the ups and downs of a bow tie (there are almost no downs), I must say that it is a wider trend of narcissistic behaviour that famous actors choose to ignore the dress code of the ceremony which is held in their honour. It is more the sticking out than the bow-tie they care about.
Unfortunately I don't get to as many white tie, black tie or less formal smoking jacket type events since Covid, these are the only events at which I wear a bow tie.
I've never worn bow ties as part of a professional academic style outfit. It's nothing against the bow tie, I just don't feel that style suits me very well.
If I looked like a youthful Harrison Ford I would doubt it mattered what I wore!
I agree that self tie is a must and I remember it being mentioned that it was rumoured that Her late Majesty could spot a pre-tied bow tie immediately and disliked them.
I find it interesting that fashion has affected black tie over the years, from dress studs or not, a Marcella, pleated or plain fronted shirt and the variety of collar styles throughout the decades but a nice black silk self tie bow has always been a staple.
Something I would recommend to seek out is a self tie bow tie that has been made specifically for your collar size. These are rarer than hen's teeth but affect the end result of how the knot looks.
Kind regards,
Rob.
Valid point Rob, it is hard to get the perfect sizing on many of the adjustable bow ties
Wore a bow tie when I was five or six Don't miss it now that I'm an adult.. I always thought they looked dumb.
Bow ties are cool.
Just like waist coats, these days they show a suave kind of defiance, much needed when most people hit the streets in their pyjamas.
I own some daywear bow ties, but I don't often wear them. My single-ended, marcella, white-tie bow tie gets more use than all of my daywear bow ties combined. Neckties are my style.
For black or white tie? A necktie is unthinkable for me. The black necktie has one use: funerals.
Hi Ash, And I started to think that wearing a neck tie when you're eating sushi that goes around on a conveyor belt is not a good idea... 😂
One more reason for the disappearance of the bow-tie is the disappearance of the 3-piece-suit. Because a bow tie looks particularly good when the free space on the shirt underneath is filled.
Good point, it does indeed.
Who says you can only wear a bowtie with morning dress, black tie or white tie? I have always gotten a lot of positive attention from women when I've worn a bowtie.... 🤩
What we see are waves or currents? - That is the question!
Bow ties tend to be more popular in southern U.S.
The gentlemen you were showing at the British award show who were not wearing ties tended to appear to be wear outfit that were more what I would consider costumes. Black tie is of course meant to create conformity. People in that line of work tend to much prefer to stand out from the crowd. (for better or worse.) It seems many folks no longer watch those shows because of the political themes that often over take them. I believe the dress code will come back once the clown suits hit a certain low point. I will stick with Cary Grant and David Niven thanks.
Very curious to understand why you accessorised your tux with a flamboyantly coloured pocket square instead of a plain white or block colour? Seems to me to diminish the style and formality of the dress.
I think bow ties that are not black tie ones look better with a waistcoat,sweater and sleeveless sweaters just to cover the more open area of the shirt. I think brooks brothers still make good bow ties but I heard & seen that their quality is bit declining. I like self tie bow ties, not everybody knows to tie a tie let alone a bow tie so it gives me a bit more confidence in know how to. I do agree that when it come to more formal like black tie it’s best to wear a tie compared to sport coat/suit, it’s in the name of course.
I haven’t had occasion to wear a dickie bow ,for about 45 years now . Although I reckon I would cut quite a dash ,riding one of my motorcycles attired in one . 😎👍
Wouldn't you agree that the Bow tie should always be a must for the Gentleman in tradition especially ages 40 plus
The problem is that if you are working long and hard, you can’t loosen your tie.
Maybe the modern man doesn’t want to look like a ventriloquist’s dummy in the style of Ray Alan and Lord Charles. If you need this much paraphernalia to look smart then you may as well give up.
I wear a bow tie regularly
Just as you indicated, society as a whole is moving toward ease and "affordability" (meaning cheapness but not necessarily value) in the realm of clothing.
This has manifested itself in the practical extinction of domestic, non-bespoke clothing and accessory industries in (all?) nations with higher labor costs and in the unavailability of tailoring and shoe repair services in many areas. Unfortunately, you are all to aware of this.
That said, as long as there are persons wearing ties, some subset of them will continue to wear bowties. Whether they will be of the quality they once were or as readily available remains up in the air, but they shall soldier on...even the ones one ties oneself!
Too hot to wear any tie at the moment; but as soon as it gets cooler, my bow ties are coming out of the drawer to adorn my neck; and of course, they're all self-tie - you can always tell the ready-tied sort: why do people wear something that advertises the fact that they don't know how to tie it?
Black tie events - well, I do have a black tie if anyone would like to invite me to such an event, a dinner perhaps: and that would give me an excuse to buy a new dinner suit, since my old one no longer fits (must have shrunk, can't be that I've put on weight...).
There's one thing about tying the bow tie yourself: it will not look perfect and it's better that way.
Always self tie, and always smartly turned out, I sometimes wear a bow tie for social gatherings just to be different from every other gent in the room. With the exception of black tie events, I think a bow tie looks best with a covered placket on the shirt. A line of exposed buttons (especially plain white ones) down the shirt front can look a little uncouth unless you make them a feature by using decorative studs, as with black tie. Lastly, If an event invite specifies a particular form of dress code, e.g. black tie, I believe it is a shameful mark of disrespect to one's hosts and anyone with you, such as your wife or partner, if you ignore that simple request. After all, who wants to be seen with someone who chooses to stand out for all the wrong reasons?
I was extremely disappointed today to see pictures a friend took at a local ballet during intermission.
The pictures were meant to be of the building itself, but of course people were there.
A few women there were wearing jeans, branded shirts and sneakers. They looked like theh were at a little league baseball game. 😑
Now im country and get we all dont get dressed up often if at all. But dang if you are going to an event such as the ballet. Make an effort!!!
Anyways thank you for the video. As always i enjoyed it.
Cheers 🍻
I love my poor, neglected bow ties.
what, ye mean sellebrities aren't really GLAMOROUS at all anymore or something?
Oscars still tryna buy respectability since their ratings been death spiral unless they can get Will Smith t' play handsy w' old chums and such.
rock, paper, scissors next time?
I definitely like Indy more than Bond, but that's tangents for whole other day. Obviously Indy less known for his tweed and tie than his jacket and hat, etc.
I think award shows shouldn’t be viewed as the standard for black tie because the idea behind them is in direct contrast to what black tie should be about.
Black tie is about making every man uniform in an elegant way in order to (historically) down play himself in favour of his female partner’s dress and beauty.
Award shows on the other hand are about promotion for the actor, which is why they dress in such garish attire, and it worked, just look at the headlines.
We all know that Bow Ties are Cool.
As the Doctor would say.
Tucker Carlson killed the Bowtie 😅