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Vintage Style Bow Ties

The bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Year war of the 17th century: the Croat mercenaries used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted (under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat") by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It is uncertain whether the cravat then evolved into the bow tie and four-in-hand necktie, or whether the cravat gave rise to the bow tie, which in turn led to the four-in-hand necktie. Either way, bow ties remain a fashion staple today, over 100 years after their appearance in the fashion mainstream.

We offer a full line of men's period necktie styles which are suitable for movie and TV production, theatrical, living history and performing arts requirements, and are also perfect for giving a vintage feel to a modern wardrobe. Please contact us if you have any questions!

Q&A About Vintage Style Bow Ties

What are the different types of bowties?

The different types of bowties include pre-tied, self-tie (freestyle), clip-on, and various shapes such as butterfly, batwing, diamond point, and narrow straight. Each style offers a distinct look, with the butterfly being the most traditional and widely recognized shape.

What are the three common bow types?

The three most common bow tie types are the butterfly (also called the thistle shape), the batwing (straight or slim), and the diamond point. The butterfly is the fullest and most traditional style, the batwing is sleeker with straight ends, and the diamond point features pointed ends for a distinctive look.

What is the difference between butterfly and classic bowtie?

The difference between butterfly and classic bowtie is primarily in the shape and size, with butterfly bowties being fuller and wider at the ends. The butterfly style (sometimes called the "thistle") has a more pronounced hourglass shape, while the classic bowtie (often called a batwing) has straighter, narrower edges.

What is a Marcella bow tie?

A Marcella bow tie is made from a specific cotton fabric with a distinctive piqué texture featuring raised parallel cords or ribs. This formal bow tie style is traditionally white and worn with tuxedos or formal evening attire, especially with Marcella dress shirts for black tie events.

What is a Dickie bow tie?

A Dickie bow tie is simply another name for a standard bow tie, commonly used in British English. The term "Dickie bow" is a colloquial expression that refers to any bow tie style without specifying a particular shape or construction method.

What is a Kentucky Style Bow Tie?

A Kentucky or Colonel style bow tie is also called a string tie. It is characterized by its elongated, narrow shape with squared-off ends rather than the more common tapered design. This distinctive style is often associated with Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, as well as barkeeps and gamblers in the Old West.

What is a Bolo Tie?

Bolo ties were created in the late 1940s and achieved widespread popularity from their use in Hollywood films particularly by John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Bolo ties feature a decorative metal or stone slide on a braided leather cord. This distinctive Western neckwear serves as the official tie of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, symbolizing Southwestern heritage and frontier style.

What are old fashioned ties called?

Old fashioned ties are commonly called cravats, ascots, or neck stocks, which were popular formal neckwear before modern neckties became standard. These historical neckwear pieces were often elaborately tied and made from silk or fine linen, serving as status symbols in earlier centuries.

What kind of bow tie did Abraham Lincoln wear?

Abraham Lincoln typically wore a style of bow tie known as a "stock" or "neck stock," which was common in the mid-19th century. These black formal bow ties were wider than modern versions and often part of his formal attire for presidential appearances and official portraits.

Which presidents wore a bowtie?

Several U.S. presidents wore bow ties, with Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman being particularly associated with this neckwear style. Abraham Lincoln occasionally wore bow ties as well, though they were styled differently than modern versions, reflecting the fashion of the mid-19th century.

Who was famous for wearing bow ties?

Famous bow tie wearers include many notable figures from the 19th century as well as 20th century icons such as Winston Churchill, Bill Nye, Charlie Chaplin, James Bond, and physicist Richard Feynman. These iconic personalities helped establish bow ties as symbols of intelligence, eccentricity, and distinctive personal style across various fields of achievement.

What does wearing a bow tie symbolize?

Wearing a bow tie typically symbolizes individuality, confidence, and attention to detail in one's personal style. Historically associated with intellectuals, professionals like doctors and professors, and formal occasions, bow ties communicate a certain refinement and willingness to stand out from the conventional necktie crowd.

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33 products

Deluxe Western Bow Tie - Brown

Deluxe Floppy Bow Tie

Deluxe Western Bow Tie - Black

Deluxe Bow Tie - Black

Men's Bow Tie - Purple/Red Floral

Men's Bow Tie - Blue Check

Deluxe Western Bow Tie - Royal Blue

Deluxe Western Bow Tie - Forest Green

Men's Bow Tie - Purple Floral

Men's Bow Tie - Lavendar Floral

Deluxe Western Bow Tie - White

Butterfly Bow Tie - Red

Butterfly Bow Tie - Burgundy

Butterfly Bow Tie - Black

Showman Bow Tie - Purple

Men's Bow Tie - Teal Circles

Men's Bow Tie - Black Paisley

Dandy Bow Tie - Red/White Stripe

Dandy Bow Tie - Black/White Stripe

Showman Bow Tie - Silver

Showman Bow Tie - Royal

Showman Bow Tie - Red

Showman Bow Tie - Gold

Satin Bow Tie - Rust

Q&A About Vintage Style Bow Ties

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