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Bolo tie

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A bolo tie is a unique kind of neckwear.

Bolo tie
Bolo tie

It is not made of fabric like a regular tie. Instead, it uses a piece of cord or braided leather. The ends of this cord have metal tips. These tips are called aiguillettes. A decorative clasp, or slide, holds the cord in place.

Tommy Singer 2
Tommy Singer 2

People often wear them as part of Western style. They are very common in the western parts of the United States.

Making a bolo tie involves a few special parts. The main part is the long, thin cord. This cord can be braided leather or other materials. At each end, there are metal tips called aiguillettes. These tips give the cord weight and style. Then, a slide or clasp is placed on the cord. This clasp stays at the neck to keep the tie secure. It can be quite ornamental and pretty.

Many people have helped shape the history of the bolo tie. Victor Cedarstaff from Wickenburg, Arizona, claims he invented it. He did this in the late 1940s. He later received a patent for his slide design in 1959. Since the mid-20th century, many skilled artists have made them. Silver tips and slides are part of Hopi traditions. Navajo, Zuni, and Puebloan people also use their silversmithing skills for them.

Different places have special rules for this tie.

Bolo tie
Bolo tie

Arizona made the bolo tie its official neckwear on April 22, 1971. Governor Jack Williams made this decision. New Mexico also recognizes the tie. In 2007, Governor Bill Richardson signed a law for it. Texas also named the bolo tie its official tie in 2007. These states show how much they value this style.

Bolo ties have traveled all over the world.

Tommy Singer 2
Tommy Singer 2

In the United Kingdom, people call them bootlace ties. Teddy Boys wore them with suits in the 1950s. They became popular again in the 1980s. Rockabilly fans and new wavers liked them then. Hollywood stars also wore them in the fall of 1988. Even in places like Japan, Korea, and China, they were sold. Some were very expensive with handmade cords. Even football player Philip Rivers wore them in 2013.

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