If you thought that mens bow ties were just for bookish nerds, think again. Hip, cool guys all over the world, including celebrities like Chris Brown and Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brothers trio, are bringing back this fashion. With a little know-how, you can turn geek into chic.

What is a bow tie?

The bow tie is a ribbon tied around the collar, with the ends forming symmetrical loops. Usually this special necktie is worn with formal attire, like suits and dinner jackets. It might come in silk, cotton or polyester, or a blend of various fabrics. These days you can find a tie in almost any kind of fabric.

Traditionally a bow tie was tied by the wearer upon each use. However, this procedure can be a little complicated. To make things a bit easier, designers came out with ready-tied bow ties. You can even buy clip-on ties, that forfeit the collar part altogether and just feature the actual bow.

Bow ties in fashion:

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw the height of the bow tie’s popularity, before they sunk into a reputation of being unfashionable. The four-in-hand presented a simpler option with as great a variety of styles, and bow ties came to be worn mostly by ’dorky’ types. They were still deemed appropriate in the context of wedding ceremonies and other formal events, but they were rejected as a general fashion item.

The story didn’t end there, though. With so many people afraid to give the wrong impression by wearing a bow tie, some courageous and stylish types who did decide to give them a go were suddenly seen to be making a statement. These people were bold as well as intelligent. They had a wild side that they weren’t scared to show off.

Making it work:

So maybe you’re thinking of trying one out for yourself. If you do, it is so worth it to take the time and effort to learn to tie these things. Clip-on ties and ready-ties are far less impressive than one you have done up yourself. It isn’t hard to find some instructions with photos to show you how, then just practice a few times till you have got it.

Slim tie, standard tie, wide or butterfly. Choose a bow size that reflects your personality. Add your tie to a bitchin’ outfit, or it’ll lose its effect. If you don’t know what’s in, style-wise, then flick through some celebrity magazines for ideas. Wear your tie where it’ll be appreciated, and wear it with confidence. Looking cool means acting cool!

Discover what bow ties will do for your look. Getting bow ties may seem like something for only older men, but it adds a lot of style to your look. Go online and find your right tie now!