Went over the entire thread because I do on occasion wear bow ties.
First started in 1985 when as a senior resident struck a friendship with a French surgeon at a conference. When I asked him why he wore bowties he explained it is to avoid the tie flopping into the wound as you examine it. Immediately I recalled the many times I had unbuttoned the fourth button of my shirt to tuck the tie inside the shirt to prevent just that messy flop. This was usually followed by getting examining glove talc powder all over my tie as I restored the tie to its proper place. That day I bought my first bowtie.
A year year later I was doing a fellowship at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and was asked by a fellow registrar why I fancied bowties. I gave him the "french rationale" to which he retorted that's what vests are for, an alternative explanation for the ubiquitous use of vests at the Marsden other than love of three piece suits.
Since then I have worn bowties off and on and have a few observations to offer.
First, a bow tie by itself is a statement of sorts so I prefer more subtle patterns. That said, one of my favorites is a bold pink and white stripes number.
Secondly, it is a "committed" look. You can't loosen it like you do a necktie. It is either on fully tied or completely undone, which has its own charm but only at a specific part of the day or at the beginning of the end of things.
Thirdly, I prefer the "shoelace knot". If you avoid the first single knot, the "laces" give huge latitude for adjusting. By pulling on the static lace you alter the length of the wings and/or even out things later. By pulling on the anterior leaf of of the pull through lace you adjust the tightness of the central vertical band. Final touch ups are done by adjusting the tip ends.
Fourthly, because of my surgical introduction to bow ties I tend to look at vest and bow tie as I would belt and suspenders. Besides, the couple of times I tried it patients asked if I was going to a formal event.
Fifthly (?!), if I am going to a nice restaurant where soups, sauces, and lively conversation are the rigueur it's either a bow tie or I'm staining a neck tie. Breaking this rule is a triumph of hope over experience.
Finally I must congratulate FNB who by his own admission is not a regular bow tie guy for the best bow tie tip I have ever heard. I will now always carry a bow tie in my coat pocket, wether or not I'm wearing a necktie lest my mood change or the situation dictate.

Last edited by Chévere (2012-03-21 10:19:33)

I know that thought.  When I saw the bow tie I thought nahhh... a knit bow tie?? . . .  dots?? . . .  Hey I kind of like that.  I am now thinking of contacting David and see if he will make one for me.  My only conern, will it stay tight.  I like to tie my bow ties a little looser to give them a flatter more perfect look.  I don't like the helium balloon knot in them.  Not sure that will work but, hey, its only money.
Hmm, would want a prototype first in a knit silk but not a grenadine which might be too stiff (But maybe not, ergo the prototype). Perhaps Mr Hober would try a few out?  I would bet it's a challenge to cut.
FNB and G,

Hopefully, you are doing it in magenta.
I would imagine that if there is an issue with grenadine it is that the weave, especially the large version, would be too bulky to tie without aggravation. My next concern would be an artificial, stiff look. Maybe I am wrong but those would be the conceptual red flags. I wonder if a satin lining would help or hurt?


Sorry not magenta - the current order is for a midnight navy garza fina grenadine.

I do not have any concerns now about the weave being bulky or having a stiff look.

A light wool interlining could be a good idea. In this case I might make it both ways.

Last edited by g- (2012-03-22 22:17:28)