It should come as little surprise that the recent craze for bowties seems to have legs; the accessory, after all, has been a staple of men’s wardrobes for centuries. Yet nowadays, few things seem to make sartorially savvy men more fraught, more unsure. Our executive editor, Russell Smith, has addressed the question twice, reassuring readers that almost anyone can wear a bowtie, provided they wear it with confidence.
And indeed, it is true this summer even more so than the previous two, perhaps because our eyes are growing accustomed to the look, or perhaps because Pee-Wee Herman’s successful comeback has balanced public perception with the damage done by conservative blowhards like Tucker Carlson. It is, in the end, just a tie, and when it comes to your fourth wedding of the season, it’s also a way to introduce some much-needed variety into your formal wardrobe. Here, some ideas to kick off your bowtie shopping.
Club Monaco
The Club offers a classic black number, but we prefer their playful plaid of black, white and grey, available in summer-friendly cotton. $79, in stores only
Brooks Brothers
Though this century-old clothier offers silk bowties depicting an array of whimsical patterns — sailboats, “cloud sheep” — we say, stick with something timeless: burgundy and navy stripes (pictured above). US $29.70
J. Crew
Leave it to America’s coolest mega-retailer to update this classic item with an of-the-moment trend; they offer a bowtie in chambray, a fashionable lightweight cotton. US $49.50
Etro
From the Italian fashion house best known for its bold colours and wild patterns comes this tastefully narrow head-turning number. $150, available at Harry Rosen locations
Ahh, the bow tie. The stylish way to say “I can neither achieve nor maintain an erection without pharmaceutical assistance.”
For some reason I just can’t approve of the bowtie trend. That, and the shoes without socks thing. Not approved. For me, anyways.