Why Did Men Stop Wearing Bow Ties?

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VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: E.J. Daniels
→ Camera: Chris Dummer
→ Editing: Jonathan Oster
→ Visual Supervision: Jack Collins
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IMAGE CREDITS:
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00:00 Introduction

In the first half of the 20th century, bow ties were almost as common as neckties as a Classic Style neckwear option. Why did they fall out of favor?

00:32 1. Bow Ties Emphasize Horizontal Lines
02:13 2. Odd Look Against Expansive Shirt Fronts
03:35 3. Common Associations with Formality
05:59 4. They Require One More Knot to Learn
08:42 5. Butterfly Bows as the "Only" Style
10:33 6. Perceptions as a Statement Piece
12:38 7. Negative Cultural Associations

While bow ties may have fallen out of favor for the general public, there’s no reason that they have to stay that way! We have several guides on how to integrate a bow tie into your personal Classic Style look.

17:26 Outfit Rundown

#bowties #accessories #notsponsored

[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

[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.

[marquiswallace]

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.

[torkilvold]

Wearing a bow tie these days is the new counterculture.

[halleuz]

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.

[gunlimitedammo]

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.

[burtonlewis]

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

[thechairman]

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.

[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.

[angelmessenger]

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.

[Torilla_on_kilinää]

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

[nuttycommuter]

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

[sptownsend]

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?

[elliottmcfadden]

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.

[matthewross]

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

[bill]

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.

[craft-o-matic]

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" 😅

[lcn]

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!

[Slaweniskadela]

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