Why Did Men Stop Wearing Bow Ties?

[@madmandu]

I am a calligrapher. It’s nice to be able to lean over my drafting table without worrying about my tie falling onto my work. But I’m also just a “bow tie guy.” I have some 20. I do think I ought to get more vests

[@thechairman74]

Wearing vests would help with securing the long tie obviously, but a bow tie would definitely never fall forward.

[@Ali_Saracen]

I love vest, they look great with a tie and tolled up sleeves

[@aguy9893]

I envy you sir, I just managed to own one black self tied one for now

[@teamspeakisbetterthandiscord]

There's always the option of an tie clip, also very stylish

[@gecfes]

I have a pretty decent collection of bow ties. They're so striking and really make a statement. Definitely makes for a memorable trait of your appearance that people are bound to remember. So take my advice and don't scorn the bow tie! They're a bit whimsical, yes, but they're fun and light.

[@piccalillipit9211]

way more comfortable than a long tie

[@mericanignoranc3551]

It looks childish ...to most people ...right or wrong!--->12:38

[@normangoldstuck8107]

Nice with 3 piece suits. Pre-tied ones are ugh! makes you look like a Spanish waiter.

[@gecfes]

​@@normangoldstuck8107 oddly specific example but I do completely agree.

[@icecol22]

I love them!!

[@gunlimitedammo3888]

Best video in a long time. It's esoteric enough that you can't be blamed for not mentioning them, but it's a shame there was nothing explicit on bows with tails. I wear them a lot, personally.

[@marquiswallace9957]

I still occasionally wear them. I’ve also taught my sons to tie them as well. It’s an art that should not be lost on future generations.

[@kenneth7826]

True

[@burtonlewis8119]

I began wearing bow ties after reading Dress for Success in the 80s and have kept them in my tie rotation ever since

[@halleuz1550]

I love wearing bow ties. I wear about 50% long neckties and 50% bow ties. As an unknowing young man I bought some pre-tied bow ties, mostly because I didn't know where to find real ones and also nobody could show me how to tie one. (Thanks to GG for the great instruction video!) But I liked the fabric and pattern of some of my pre-tied models so I cut them open and had them re-sewn into proper bow ties.

[@Ali_Saracen]

That's a pretty cool story, I respect it

[@torkilvold3855]

Wearing a bow tie these days is the new counterculture.

[@rudyberkvens-be]

So is wearing a tie

[@Torilla_on_kilinää]

Diggin' your look Preston! Thank you guys introducing me to bow ties view months ago. They are so addictive to collect.

[@davidhalldurham]

Excellent video! My doctor always wears a bowtie. He says it allows him to lean over to examine patients without the tie draping over them. I love bowties.

[@thechairman74]

I just looked up photos of Albert Einstein and while he did wear bowties on occasion outside of formal wear, he mostly wore long ties. Just an interesting observation about the connection between scientists and bowties.

[@etymonlegomenon931]

Why would what a single scientist does matter?

[@thechairman74]

@@etymonlegomenon931 It doesn't, but given that he's arguably the most famous scientist who ever lived and lived during a period of time in which bow tie wearing was popular, I wanted to see if he indeed did wear bowties.

[@etymonlegomenon931]

@@thechairman74 Why would you share this if you agree it doesn't matter? You run the risk of confusing people who are as dumb as you, and some of them might actually want to know better.

[@goofly824]

THE BEARD IS AMAZING!

[@thechairman74]

If one can grow one! 😊

[@piccalillipit9211]

Yeah he is looking good wiht it

[@thechairman74]

Preston does look dapper with the beard. He has a long enough neck where the beard will not make his face look small by comparison and it soften his jaw a bit.

[@goofly824]

Really? Well brother, everyone has their own opinions. Good day, gentleman.@user-bh4zp4oe9n

[@matthewross1756]

Began a couple years ago wearing them exclusively at work (public education). I get so many compliments as it is not seen everywhere. Bring Back the Bow tie

[@elliottmcfadden6261]

I’ve started wearing bow ties in the last year. I recommend experimenting with the shape and size. I don’t care for the butterfly, which kept me from wearing them for a while, but then I discovered diamond point watching your bow tie primer. I love the more organic shape of the diamond point and am starting to build a collection.

[@nuttycommuter3718]

I love wearing bow ties. I’m building my collection but enjoy wearing them. Bow ties are cool

[@cyberempire3541]

Wise words, nice reference

[@bw5187]

People as a whole in America are letting themselves go, fashionwise, morally, physically, mentally, spiritually. All of it.

[@angelmessenger8240]

Some of the consultants I worked with in the hospitals wore bow ties because ordinary ties would drape over the bed or the patient when they were examining them. The potential for contamination and transfer of infection was an issue that bow ties avoided.

[@dandiehm8414]

Another very good video. Preston has become the best presenter on the channel (through I am sure a lot of hard work).

[@Slaweniskadela]

Dear Preston, thank You for new video. By the way beard suits You well :)

[@lc4n333]

The negative space from bowtie can be an advantage if you like layering. Fill the space with waistcoat, a scarf, and maybe shirt studs or a pin if you are a bit dandy. Think about the many possible combos! The sky's limit!

[@bill99208]

I have quite a few bow ties partly because in my younger days, I started wearing them with tuxedo shirts for church and a Masonic Youth Group called DeMolay. As I entered college I took to wearing a tuxedo on an almost daily basis. I caused a few professors to do double takes. But they also knew I was trying harder for better grades by dressing up for classes. After graduation I would need to invent some reasons to keep wearing the formal wear. After drifting a bit, I would wear tuxes and bow ties to the Symphony primarily and when I got back into church last year, I would wear tuxes and bows as they are the best dress I have. The best thing that has happened is that nobody judges me for perhaps going over the top in my dress, but the others respect me and the ladies especially love my bow ties. I don’t have any doubt that I will continue dressing up for church and maybe in doing so, I will influence more to follow my lead. Bow ties then are what I have been wearing and I suspect it will continue as long as I want it to.

[@seansimmons73]

The first tie I ever bought was a self tie bow tie. I was wanting to wear a suit for traffic court & reason said that since the weather was hot, the smaller amount of material in a bow tie would be more comfortable than a vertical neck tie. I felt like I was better dressed than the lawyers who were there for the case ahead of mine

[@misteroz]

I have a few, but it wasn’t until I saw this video that I realised why they don’t sit well on me (reason 2). Am going to give them a go with sweaters and cardigans to see if the reduced shirt exposure changes things.

[@craft-o-matic399]

Bow ties are very rare to find in the wild even at estate sales. If I find a bow tie, it is always a clip-on or pre-tied, so I leave it on the display rack. I would love to find high quality vintage bow ties to offer in my Ebay store, but after two years, I have yet to find even one. I love the look , so I say, wear those bow ties! It's a very attractive look on a gentleman! Thanks guys! Lisa

[@viclucyzia]

Thank you Prof. Preston. You have now enlighten me... I am a " Bow Tie Guy" 😅

[@sptownsend999]

The thing is, if a man knows how to tie his shoes, he knows the knot for his bow tie -- it's the same *doubly slipped square knot!* Granted, the different orientation does require some getting used to. In regard to occupation, I was told that doctors didn't want their ties to be hitting their patients, and engineers/draftsmen didn't want their ties falling on their drafts, and potentially picking up graphite. On the note of formality, I had the thought that formal daywear often incorporates long neckwear, then my brain went on a tangent, and I realized that in the modern day, we're more likely to see a Black Tie dress code than a Morning Attire dress code. Why do you suppose that might be?

[@gentlemansgazette]

A very good question--perhaps a future installment of this series could ask, "Why Did Men Stop Wearing Morning Dress?" Thanks for watching! - Preston

[@conorolaf1762]

Not to mention if you get in a fight while wearing a necktie you can be choked out (unless it's a clip-on).

[@greggoryjohnson156]

I have been wearing a bow tie since beginning a freshman in college. Now 30 years later, I am still wearing a bowtie as a senior professor at a university, but I wear the bowtie because I love the style and I never think about stereotypes that may be associated with the style.

[@adamkun5524]

I have a few, and I very rarely put one on. Sadly, even with the long necktie I look out of place, and one colleague even expressed that she thought bowties do not exist anymore (when seeing me in one). I'm in academia so I do not mind the crazy science guy vibe. It is a statement piece and I need to collect my courage to wear it more often.

[@MauricioFavero-pi2fy]

I am a college Music Professor and I wear a bow tie at class at all times. Usually I get compliments, but I also enjoy the fact that I am making a statement, because nowadays in my country the prevalent "style"is trash. I have been a flutist at a major symphony orchestra for forty years, and I have always appreciated the formality that enhances concerts, from the musicians side as well as from the audience. Stravinsky and Horowitz always wore bow ties. I am in good company.

[@moorshound3243]

Think i will get one and give it a go

[@sherlock1895]

Since I’ve retired I rarely wear any neckwear. Before that I wore a bow tie everyday. It was my signature look. I was actually known as the bow tie man. Cheers!

[@mpdobbs76]

Thank you very much for the video. It inspired me to wear one today.

[@nikolamarkovic6427]

This video was very educational. I have not payed attention that much about bow ties.

[@douglasjensen8986]

I didn't stop, and don't intend to. I receive many compliments.

[@simonster-9094]

I have a couple bow ties and know how to tie them, (thanks to this channel) but I'm usually hesitant to wear one as I think they look best on either short stockier guys and tall lankier guys, whilst I am somewhere in between. I also don't want to seem like I'm fishing for complements and I don't necessarily like to draw attention to myself or be eye-catching to any potential onlookers. However I do like keeping in touch with the classic style so I might just wear them a bit more.

[@Manuel421]

I've been looking into perhaps getting some pocket squares whenever possible for my sport coats. I'm sure you've all done a video on this already but any suggestions on where to start that will go with everything? I'm thinking White Linen or a solid Burgundy. All my sport coats are informal featuring patch pockets with Cotton being the most casual.

[@gentlemansgazette]

This is the best starting place for you! www.gentlemansgazette.com/essential-pocket-squares/?Why+Did+Men+Stop+Wearing+Bow+Ties%3F

[@Manuel421]

@@gentlemansgazette I appreciate the links. I've already seen the pocket square video but perhaps will revisit in case I've missed anything.

[@isaisotarriva8162]

I love to wear a bow tie every time I have the opportunity. But I will say that due to bow ties being considered kind of a niche product, finding one that fits your style and size is quite difficult (compared to neckties). The lack of availability of good self-tie bow ties is so bad in some parts of the world that I actually had to make my own, or wear a mediocre pre tied one.

[@bill99208]

As for John T. Molloy and Dress For Success, I found the section on bow ties and tuxedos to be rather insulting (hey, it was the mid- seventies). I haven’t seen a copy of the book in some time, but I still remember the closing line in the tuxedo and bow tie chapter: Happy rubber chicken and hard peas! Molloy also hated French Cuffs, which are also my favorites. No short sleeves for me! As for Molloy, I think he passed away many years ago.

[@josephbanfield9870]

I wear bow ties 90% of the time. Long ties are irritating, always get in the way, and are not as cool. I am a teacher. My students have, for several years, asked for instruction on tying a proper knot; resulting in more bow ties at school formal events. Very gratifying and very sharp! I own sixty bow ties, collected over twenty years, and will continue to choose them first. I also wear saddle shoes on appropriate occasions, burgundy and black, with cream and brown for informal events. Be your own man, wear what looks sharp, and ditch those bloody T-shirts unless you're gardening!

[@nathaneaves1440]

I mainly struggle to find bowties as most stores sell only either white or black and occasionally red

[@WithStringedInstruments]

Interesting and informative. ☺

[@Milk-Carton-III]

I’m in high school, and I wear a bow tie all the time. People have called me a grandpa, and I smile all the time when they do.

[@markscott554]

I used to work in a school where the Head wore only bow ties. He made it compulsory that every Friday became Bow Tie Friday.

[@wolodymyrkutschera4808]

Hello gents, an idea came to my mind. How about making a review video on recent oscar awards suits focusing on black and white tie ansambles, figuring out how got it wrong or right. Seen a few reels and short about worn watches during Oscars, seems interesting

[@gentlemansgazette]

We've considered doing something like this - honestly, it can be tricky because of all the copyright issues, plus we'd have to sacrifice quality for speed to get a video out there that is really only relevant for a very short time. Maybe in the future, but no plans at present 🙂

[@11shiroineko]

I only own 2 bow ties both for my tuxedo, the rest of my tie collection is of long ties and cravats

[@barkon]

A lawyer once told me he wears a bow tie because he doesn't like getting soup on his tie. I wear bow ties both as a badge of honor (learning to tie one!) and yes, the quirk factor.

[@HermanVonPetri]

What of the long tail ribbon style of bow tie? Often called a "western" or "Kentucky" bow tie of the kind worn by Colonel Sanders and western icons of the late Victorian era. Is it just affectation at this point, or are there outfits and circumstances where it wouldn't be amiss? It has the advantage of filling up some of that negative space in the open shirt front.

[@gentlemansgazette]

You'll find more information in our video on Alternative Tie Styles, linked below! -Preston www.gentlemansgazette.com/alternative-ties-for-men/?Why%20Did%20Men%20Stop%20Wearing%20Bow%20Ties%3F

[@_iErik]

There’s almost no occasion where I’m wearing a tie where I wouldn’t rather be wearing a bow tie. Learning to tie my own was the best knot I ever learned.

[@SoulSloth147]

Currently, I'm in secondary school but I love bowties, so I just turned my normal tie into a bowtie. Sadly, I only have one real bowtie (being a black one) but hey, l've got enough ties and bolo ties to go around so I'm not that sad.

[@icecol22]

I love bowties!! I have since I was a child in the 1970s(butterfly style). They were big then. I believe that they made a bold statement. I've even learned how to tie one just to master the art in my opinion. It's memorable to most people. 💛💛💛 They're fun too.I have a big collection now.I love how formal an outfit becomes with a bowtie.

[@craft-o-matic399]

I have to tell you again Preston, that your beard is truly perfection on you! Lisa

[@willemkossen]

How do i find out what bow tie shape and style is right for me?

[@doug6259]

I never wear bow ties but it is just a personal preference for long ties. There was an attorney at my firm, retired now, who wore nothing but bow ties.

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

The bow tie went out of style at the same time as hats. Basically the end of these two men's apparel was the end of the golden era of classic men's fashion. The sixties ushered in the jean culture long haired leisure suit wearing worship of youthfulness. During the classic age of men's wear, maturity was admired. By the 1960's maturity was just "old". :(

[@joseph_the_human]

mostly pimps, mobsters, and lowrider enthusiasts still wore hats up through the 70ies

[@BPWDragon]

I got all of my neckties from 2nd Hand Stores by just keeping an eye out every now and then. If have actively searched for bowties for god knows how long and couldn't find anything aside from pre-tied Polyester abomanations! Otherwise I would have a healthy bowtie collection by now

[@TimDocHarper]

Been wearing bowties my whole life. (I've a picture of me in the late 40s. Suit -- short pants, of course -- fedora and bowtie.) I've also always preferred Henry Morgan's famous retort when asked why he always wore them. "Because they never get in one's soup."

[@LorryEmilia]

I never stopped and never will

[@janerkenbrack3373]

The most practical reason for wearing a bow tie instead of a necktie, is to avoid getting it caught in machinery, food, chemicals, etc. This made them very practical for laborers, lab workers, machinists, and so on. They are also preferable in warm weather. But those same reasons making them a practical choice over a traditional necktie, also made them lose out to no tie at all. Open collar work wear became ubiquitous in America in the second half of the 20th century, and forgoing a tie on a hot day became acceptable. And as you covered well in the video, the only people wearing bow ties were Poindexters and people who wanted to look like Poindexters. For the record, I occasionally wear a bow tie myself. Especially in the summer.

[@baronmeduse]

I saw a man today wearing a bow tie; a green one. So clearly they didn't 'stop'. It's not the first time I've seen one. Even 'back in the day' they weren't a common choice.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

Still where one a day or two each week and have about a dozen in my overall tie rotation. A former long-haired rocker, I'm now a middle-aged (yet still skinny) university professor.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

"Wear" Arg!

[@BondUpNorth]

I do love a bow tie. However they do not get worn on rare occasions. Mainly with a dinner jacket. But, and this might make you cringe, at Christmas I always wear one for any parties/events and especially on Christmas Day itself. These aren’t cheesy novelty ones, but they have a subtle festive pattern to them. I would wear a bow tie more often but the situation doesn’t really raise itself in my lifestyle

[@nmarvlonam9908]

Do you have a link that shows the styles that you display on your videos?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Here you go! www.gentlemansgazette.com/bow-tie-guide/?Why+Did+Men+Stop+Wearing+Bow+Ties%3F

[@kennethgates5790]

I used to wear them everyday but my lifestyle and work changed. I kept my bow ties but got rid of my neck ties . Being very short bow ties worked better on me because neck ties were always too long with any knot other than the Windsor.

[@seansimmons73]

Fort Belvader offers neck ties in shorter lengths for short guys

[@kennethgates5790]

@@seansimmons73 👍👍

[@oz_jones]

I have never paid any mind to bowties for some reason, always have been a necktie guy. Maybe its time to broaden my horizons.

[@g.lheureux4252]

Even though bow ties are not really my thing, I think it's important to know how to tie one properly. Years ago I was a member of a wedding party which happened to be black tie I was asked (appointed) to be the official "tier of the ties" including the groom and sadly the groom's father so I guess you never know when a small bit of knowledge can come in handy. ;)

[@dkwolfe1]

I wear them all the time. I fall into the academic category, but they are also practical for not getting caught in things.

[@DenisZaharenko]

Good one

[@vrkoven]

I've definitely become a bow tie guy. With so few occasions to wear a tie any more, it seems silly to me not to go all in. I've got three or four dozen by now ( I guess I should change my old ID photo, huh?). The reference to conservatism gave me a chuckle, though. Up here in Boston, it's the other way around, what with all the left-leaning academics: anyone remember Archibald Cox?

[@kenneth7826]

Yes i remember MR. COX...u and i are older..peace

[@Pastel_of_Nate]

It might be sacrilegious to say it, but even though I love manually tie bow ties, I also adore pre-tied bow ties (especially the 70s velved ones).

[@Alan1234x]

I still wear mine.

[@kenneth7826]

Bow ties r a great change of pace..had one on n church yesterday...peace

[@petemimms4408]

I like bow ties. They are practical, in that they do not dangle into your work (or soup).

[@JasperDamste]

I occasionally wear them with my suits

[@Molach101]

I do wear bow ties but I prefer them with a waistcoat or knitwear. As much as I like them, I think bow ties can look odd with a normal 2 piece worsted wool business suit in charcoal or navy - it would need to be a three piece or with an odd waistcoat or a more unusual or vintage inspired cut.

[@kletts42]

I wear bow ties often. I do 'bow tie Tuesdays". My wife also likes them on me. It just feels like wearing ties and bow ties are the new cultural revolution in some areas.

[@AppealToHeaven]

I've been wearing self-tie bow ties for 12 years and haven't looked back...with 70 or so, all shapes and materials, for different seasons. Yes I'm a bowtie guy and proud of it!

[@dannyboy1983]

Why has no one mentioned how cool James Bond looked in a suit and bow tie?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Bond's black tie ensembles are iconic!

[@jacobbielanski9692]

I enjoying wearing bowties for happy events like weddings or cocktail parties, and regular ties for sad events like funerals and work.

[@SeanGuillermo-kj6se]

I am starting to collect bow tie in different colors and my question was was answered

[@josephknecht4272]

Brilliant!

[@merlin_the_great]

my boss tells me i would look good in a bow tie. but i fear becoming a 'bow tie guy'. now... i reckon i could (tentatively) get a couple

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

This was far more interesting than I thought it would be. Okay now I have to throw out all of my pre-tied bow ties!!

[@alexprach]

Comics may now be associated with children, but just like the bow tie of old being more child friendly, comics were also originally made for all sorts of people. I stopped collecting normal ties and now just collect bow-ties for the past 5 years now, feels like bow ties are just more fun.

[@LatimusChadimus]

I'm the first view the first to click like and the first to comment and since I learned how to tie a bow tie I love to wear them

[@Ric-Roze]

I'm a bow tie wearing non- science guy

[@starseeker1334]

I personally still prefer them In almost every situation I would wear a tie I use a bowtie and got 6 different ones in comparison to 1 tie

[@alandormire4587]

Wearing a red and white houndstooth batwing bow tie with a black dress shirt and a red cardigan

[@MatthewJBD]

Ah you tricked me, I thought Raf would be narrating this video based on the thumbnail.

[@Axqu7227]

My biological mother used to say that men she found unattractive are “as sexy as a neutered cat in a bow tie.” You gentlemen have shown just how incorrect she was about the bow tie; they just need to be styled nicely!

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

I mean I never stopped

[@susannah1066]

Coroner Graham Hetrick looked stylish and smart.

[@CharlesjNWH]

Your beard looks good. I want to learn about ascots. It's just an idea. Cheers

[@gentlemansgazette]

Here you go! www.gentlemansgazette.com/alternative-ties-for-men/?Why%20Did%20Men%20Stop%20Wearing%20Bow%20Ties%3F

[@Theo-ul8qm]

I think the decline of bow ties is largely to do with the general casualization of everyday menswear. Suits and jackets have become increasingly restricted to businesswear, and bow ties are not really traditionally associated with business. Also, much of the '80s and '90s culture consisted of men wearing suits because they 'had to', and anyone who opts to wear a bow tie clearly does so because they enjoy it.

[@jonnityhja7141]

bowtie knot is the same as how to knot your shoes. The Bow Tie is based on a Square (Reef) Knot and is the same as the bow commonly used on a Shoelace. It feels different and awkward to tie because of the nature of the material and the need to achieve a neat, symmetrical result.11.9.2015

[@Ralefe]

I am not a huge fan of bow ties for some reason. In my opinion they look a bit odd on normal suits. For me, I'd only wear a bow tie with a tuxedo or a tailcoat suit (the latter is still on my to-get list).

[@jetsons101]

??? The "History Guy" still wears a bow tie for all of his vids. Great watch.......

[@biggzrose]

I wear both pre-tied bowties and bowties that I tie - for me it's the mood that I'm in

[@jasonackerman9065]

I almost exclusive wear bowties, with Ascots as next most frequent. My Neckties don't live in my closet, they live in a shoebox elsewhere.

[@TheRefinedGentleman]

In the Victorian era, a black bow tie could be worn as an alternative to other forms of standard neckwear for daytime formalwear. However, this practice fell out of fashion as black tie became more popular, and black bow ties became more associated with that. I think given the latter point, and the fact that there's a certain stereotype about bowtie wearers has made them unpopular. Also, I don’t think a bowtie works super well on a more modern shirt with a cutaway collar. On another note, bowties are commonly worn in some professions where a four-in-hand tie poses a safety hazard or inconvenience.

[@montfordpointmarines9474]

Bow ties are the best. 🎀