A Little Bow Tie History
Bow Tie History
So where in the hell did the ever popular and dapper bow tie come from? It derives from the and old style known as stock, simply put, it was a bolt of washable fabric wrapped many times around the neck and tied up front. Eventually, people got smart and the stock was reduced to a single band around the neck, while its ends tied up in a bow that we all know and love today.
By the end of the 19th century, there were at least two noticeably different bow tie shapes - the butterfly and the batwing. The early forms of the butterfly shape was known for its broad "fish-shape" whose wide bow tied up with a small knot. Another common name for the butterfly cut is thistle ties, famed from English manufacturers.
The "batwing" is a modified more narrow butterfly cut, although the end product gives primarily the same appearance. In America, this style came to be known as the club bow. The Batwings tabs can range between 1.5" to 2". While the Butterfly lapels, should never exceed 2 3/4" and not be less than 2 1/4".
We all know that bow ties can be worn in both formal and informal settings and occasions, day or night. In America bow ties reached their peak of popularity in the mid 30s. Thank goodness for all us bow tie fans, they are popular once again.
