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Bow tie

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A bow tie, also called a dicky bow, is a specific form of neckwear. It is easily distinguished from a standard necktie by its placement. A necktie drapes down the shirt placket. In contrast, a bow tie is tied just underneath a shirt collar.

Bow-tie-colour-isolated
Bow-tie-colour-isolated

It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied in a symmetrical manner. This process creates two opposite ends that form loops. Most modern versions are tied using a common shoelace knot. This method is also known as a bow knot.

There are three primary types of bow ties used today. The first is the self-tie, or "freestyle," bow tie. This version consists of a strip of cloth that the wearer must tie by hand. The second type is the pre-tied bow tie. In this version, the bow is already sewn onto a band. This band then clips around the neck to secure it.

HowToTieBowtie VersionA
HowToTieBowtie VersionA

The third type is the clip-on. Some clip-ons do not use a neckband at all. Instead, they clip directly to the points of the collar. Some of these were called "Lido Grip" ties in the 1950s and 1960s.

Self-tie bow ties come in several distinct shapes. One common shape is the "bat wing," which has parallel sides like a cricket bat. Another popular shape is the "thistle," which is also called the "butterfly" shape. There is also the "Diamond Point" style. This is a double-ended type where both ends have pointed tips. Some people wear these as single-ended ties. In that case, only one end flares out into a shape like the thistle or bat wing.

Bow-tie-colour-isolated
Bow-tie-colour-isolated

The history of the bow tie traces back to the 17th century. It originated with Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War. These soldiers used a scarf around their necks to hold their shirt openings together. This style was adopted by the upper classes in France. They called it a cravat, a word derived from the French term for Croats. The cravat flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is not entirely certain if the cravat evolved into the bow tie or the four-in-hand necktie.

Ziehrer
Ziehrer

Bow ties are made from a variety of materials. Most are constructed from silk, polyester, or cotton. Some may use a mixture of different fabrics. While wool and velvet are common for standard neckties, they are less common for bow ties. Recent innovations have introduced even more unique materials. Some modern bow ties are made of wood. Others are crafted from natural bird feathers.

Bow-tie-colour-isolated
Bow-tie-colour-isolated

Specific sizes and fits are important for different styles of dress. Fixed-length bow ties are often used with formal wing-collar shirts. This prevents the wearer from exposing a buckle or clasp. Adjustable bow ties are the standard for less formal shirts with lie-down collars. These collars help to obscure the neckband of the tie. Later inventions included "one-size-fits-all" adjustable ties to lower production costs.

CDR Aldrith L Baker
CDR Aldrith L Baker

In the 1980s, bow ties became popular in women's professional attire. Sales for women's bow ties rose by almost 6 million units during that decade.

Many different professions are associated with the bow tie. Pediatricians often wear them because infants cannot grab them easily. This is a safety benefit compared to long neckties. Clowns use oversized versions for comic effect. Classical musicians often wear them as part of "white tie" or "black tie" ensembles.

Ziehrer
Ziehrer

Some people view the bow tie as a symbol of social conservatism. It can be seen as an embodiment of propriety or fastidiousness. In Hollywood movies, it is sometimes used as a sign of "nerddom." However, it is also linked to professions like newspaper editors and high-school principals.

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File:HowToTieBowtie VersionA.png
HowToTieBowtie VersionA.png
File:CDR_Aldrith_L_Baker.jpg
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