A bolo tie is a neck garment made of cord or string with an ornamental clasp, commonly associated with cowboys and Native Americans. It can be made of braided leather, cotton, or western grasses, and the clasp often features silver or stones. The tie is usually worn over a clean button-down shirt and is not considered proper formal wear, although it may be worn on special occasions.
A bolo tie is a neck garment made of cord or string, fastened at the throat with an ornamental clasp. Some people also call bolo ties “rope ties” or “cord ties,” referring to the narrow width of the cord used to create them. Bow ties are particularly associated with the American Southwest, though they periodically appear in fashions elsewhere as well. Many western clothing stores sell ties, and they can also be ordered from companies specializing in western clothing.
The first links appear to have emerged in the mid 1800s, among pioneers working in the West. Several historical examples dating back to the 1860s are proudly on display in the southwestern states, and the garment’s history may be even older. In the late 1940s, the bolo loop became immensely popular, thanks to the efforts of a businessman in Arizona who began marketing the loops.
Americans often associate the bolo tie with cowboys and Native Americans, although ties are also commonly worn in the West. Outside of the United States, the bolo tie may appear in American-inspired fashion. In most cases, the bolo tie is not considered proper formal wear, although this rule is sometimes relaxed in the West. This has sometimes been a cause of friction, as proponents of the tie believe that ties are perfectly appropriate for formal occasions.
The rope from which a bolo tie is made may be composed of braided leather, cotton, or western grasses, in some cases. The ornamental clip often features a large amount of silver, a metal used abundantly in Southwestern jewelry. Often a design is engraved on the clasp of a bowl, or the bowl may be set with a stone. Turquoise and tiger’s eye cabochons are common decorating options. The closure can also be made of beads or a piece of carved leather.
The clasp on a bolo tie is very easy to adjust, as it can simply be moved up and down the tie cord. Some wearers prefer to wear the clasp close to the neck for a close fit, while others move it lower on the chest for more casual comfort. The tie is usually worn over a clean button-down shirt, and may be paired with an ornate belt buckle on special occasions.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
