The use of neckwear dates back to 300 years. The origination of neckwear is still a mystery due to the increasingly old records of ancient personalities wearing neck adornments. You can find evidence of some type of neckwear in different parts of the world. Therefore, you cannot tell with certainty where this neckwear came from. 

However, most scholars believe that the practice of wearing neckwear began in the European culture after the thirty years war between Sweden, France, and Croatia. The French soldiers took home with them the style of wearing loose neckerchiefs, a common practice amongst the Croatian soldiers. 

Formal neckwear became the cornerstone feature of the western dress code in 1650 and onwards. Some even suggest that climatic factors also have plenty to do with their rise in popularity. Between 1645 and 1705, there was a vast drop in peak temperatures in the west. People started wearing neckwear for protection against the cold, and it gradually became a staple clothing item in a men’s wardrobe. 

The early name for the bowtie was Cravat. The Croatian and French people knew it by this name and translated the bowtie to something similar to a scarf. Furthermore, the Croatian mercenaries wore it because it kept their shirt collars from separating. 

What are Formal Bow Ties?

A bow tie is a form of neckwear, which is an alternative to the regular necktie. A modern-day bowtie involves some kind of ribbon or fabric tied on the collar. The common style of knot that a bowtie consists of is a shoelace knot; however, there are different types of knots that you can find.

You have to tie a bowtie in a way that it forms a puffy center, with each side of the bowtie forming a loop. The two opposite ends have to be perfectly symmetrical if you wish to wear a bowtie formally. A traditional formal bowtie is a self-tie, which means that you need to tie it yourself. Although, you can also find some pre-tied or clip-ones that save you the trouble tying a bow tie. 

Types of Shapes for Formal Bow Ties 

Bow ties have evolved to suit the eccentric fashion trends of the 21st century. In today’s world, people like to modify the shapes of bowties to make it more edgy and versatile. While the formal black-tie attire remains as one the classic and popular choice of formal wear, there is always room for experiments. 

Professional stylists claim that not everyone can carry non-conventional bow ties. Each bow-tie design will suit an individual according to their facial features and personality. If you wish to wear a bowtie unconventionally, you need to have the confidence to own it. If we talk about formal bow ties, that you can find them in five shapes. 

Big Butterfly 

This bow-tie shape allows you to make a statement just because of its sheer proportionate size. A formal bowtie design that is not easy for people to rock. The general rule of bow tie size suggests that the size of it should proportionately match the size of your face. Therefore, if you have a narrower and smaller facial structure, this bow tie choice may not fare you well. This shape favors people with bigger faces and substantial confidence. 

Semi Butterfly

If you are looking for a safer choice, you should opt for the semi-butterfly design. It encompasses everything that a formal bow tie offers. Makes you look classy and conservative. It is a bow tie design that most men gravitate towards when picking out neckwear for a formal evening.

Straight End 

The straight end bow tie shape is a great choice if you wish to try something different for the very first time. It offers a look that is elegant, decent, and sleek, while also helping you stand out from the common semi butterfly choice. However, this shape may also suit people with a narrower face. Moreover, this formal bow tie retains the traditional foundations and promises a striking and sharp look. 

Diamond Point 

This shape became quite a popular informal bowtie options after James Bond wore it. If you are going to wear the diamond point shape, you need to have the personality for it. This type of formal bow tie shape resonates with a flamboyant personality and suits people with a narrower jaw-line. It also carries the trademark look of a famous personality, so many people drift towards it. 

Double V-Cut 

A double V cut bow tie design will surely catch the eyes of plenty as you walk past them. This is a much newer design than the rest of the bow ties. Therefore, it calls for a surprise. If you wish to carry a formal look that elegantly stretches the bounds of conventional neckwear, then try the double V-cut design. You can find classic patterns of this design at the Blue Cavalz clothing store. 

 Occasions to Wear a Formal Bow Tie

The occasions in which bowties are most suitable are usually formal ones. For example, an evening ball, a wedding, or an elite level dinner party. Conventionally, bow ties were an essential part of the ‘black attire’. This popular formal attire consists of a black tuxedo with a black bowtie. Therefore, bowties drift towards formal and classier occasions. 

 What to Match with a Formal Bow Tie

What you match with your bowtie ultimately depends on the fabric of your bowtie. The fabric of your bowtie should match with the fabric of your lapel or shirt. Even if the fabrics do not completely match, you should still aim for the same texture of both fabrics. The fabric of the bow tie ultimately depicts the feel, smoothness, and intensity of color. Matching the fabrics makes your bowtie gel nicely with your clothing.