How to Wear a Bolo Tie
Traditionally worn like a regular tie with a collared shirt, modern stylists suggest wearing it with a T-shirt too, as a fashion accessory. Bolo ties are cool enough to complement formal dresses, semi-formal outfits, and even casual attire.
For a more unique look, I would suggest one go with some bold adornments. While for a cool evening look, you can choose the one embedded with a shiny stone set inside a metal piece. However, if you want something retro then grab a vintage bolo tie and wear it with clothes to match.
What to Look for in a Bolo Tie
There are various things to look for when it comes to having a bolo tie. Endless designs of adornment/medallions need to be mixed and matched with appropriate quality, color and length of the leather cord to create a masterpiece.
Leather Color
The color of the leather cord can greatly affect the overall aesthetic of the tie. In general, darker colored leather cords are worn more often. However, with the advent of modern faux leather, it is now possible to tie a bolo with leather straps of any color. However, the quality of faux leather is questionable as it wears out easily. Hence, it is advisable to compromise on the color and choose a good quality leather cord that might be available in a limited number of colors.
Length
Bolo ties are available in two basic cord size lengths – standard and extra-long. Classic bolo ties come with a long cord length that gives them a vintage look. Contrarily, modern bolo ties are relatively short and have a funky look. Taller people should choose the extra-long size, while normal-height people can choose the standard length to match their size.
Standard Length
A standard bolo tie is about 38-40 inches long. This length is between the two end knots, except for the inches added by the silver tips.
Extra Long Length
Extra-long bolo ties range between 42 and 44 inches in length, without the addition made by metal tails.
Slide and Tip Color
Typically, the medallion and the tail-tips bolo ties are made of sterling silver. Therefore, they usually come in silver color only. However, there is always an option of spicing things up by going after a gold adornment and metal tips.
Slide Style and Adornment
Bolo tie slides come in a variety of styles, including gripping clasps and pull sliders. You can add anything to these slides as an embellishment. Most of the embellishments I have come across are metallic. However, non-metal slides are also available, usually made of resin, wood or stone.
Types of Bolo Ties
It’s incredible to think that you can find so many types of bolo ties, with men’s bolo ties, bolo tie necklaces, western bolo ties, vintage bolo ties and wedding bolo ties being some of the popular ones.
Men’s Bolo Tie
Modern-day bolo ties are usually unisex – both men and women can wear similar styles. However, some styles and designs are men specific. Men’s bolo ties have a large medallion with a long strand. They also have a distinctive rugged look that is reminiscent of the Wild West culture.
Bolo Tie Necklace
Bolo ties were historically associated with the cowboys of the Wild West and, as such, were previously adopted only by men. However, I have found that women also welcome this unusual cultural intricacy. Women’s bolo ties, also known as bolo tie necklaces, are shorter and snazzy than men’s bolo ties. They have an elegant pendant design and lovely cord ends. Generally, the adornment in a bolo tie necklace is a stone engraved on a metal clasp.
Western Bolo Tie
All bolo ties are western bolo ties because of obvious reasons. It has been granted the status of official neckwear by the states of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. However, modern designs have largely changed the good ole spirit associated with the bolo ties of the cowboy.
The traditional bolo tie is dynamic in design and imposing in appearance. They are worn in the western states of the United States, not out of fashion, but out of tradition. Western bolo tie medallions are made with specific designs – such as a bullhorn, showcasing the cultural ethos of the West.
Vintage Bolo Tie
Vintage bolo ties have a comfortable and classic feel. The medallions used in vintage bolo ties have a retro feeling about them. Their designs are usually consistent with the historical jewelry once worn by the Native Americans. However, many vintage bolo tie designs have also evolved with the tides of time.
Bolo Ties for Weddings
For me, all bolo ties are perfect to be worn at a wedding. Depending on the overall theme of your event, you can select the appropriate combination of leather color and medallion design. If you ask for my advice, I would suggest a turquoise embedded silver bolo tie strangled onto a black leather cord.