What is a Bolo Necktie
It is not uncommon for many of the 50 US states to adopt certain trees, animals, or even dishes to identify themselves with. Minnesota for example has an official state fish, the walleye. In addition they also have an official state bird, the loon, and even an official state flower, the “Pink Lady Slipper”. Did you know that one state uses a piece of clothing accessory to identify with? This state is Arizona. They picked a thing called “Bolo” as an official trademark in 1971. Soon after, another state found liking in this piece of men’s clothing accessory, and in 2007 New Mexico also added the “Bolo” as their symbol. You may ask yourself now, what is a bolo? If you are from the southwestern part of the United States or are into western wear, you probably know what it is, and you might actually have a few in your wardrobe. For others this might be a completely new term.
A bolo is a piece of neckwear for men, similar to the necktie. It is a piece of braided leather or cord that traditionally has silver tips and has an ornamental clasp. It is sometimes also called “Bola Tie”, a “String Tie” or “Texas Tie”.
Supposedly a silversmith named Victor Cedarstaff of Wickenburg, Arizona sometime in the late 1940s, first created the bolo tie. The story is that he was riding his horse with some friends and his hat blew off. Afraid of losing the silver-trimmed hatband, he put it around his neck. One of his friends kidded him that he had a nice-looking tie. Cedarstaff, being a silversmith, soon fashioned and patented the bolo tie.
According to another story, a North American pioneer created the bolo tie back in the 1800s. In a trading post in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico there is a bolo tie on display that is said to date back that far.
The bolo tie is known as a bootlace tie in the United Kingdom. It was made popular by a group of teenage boys called the Teddy Boys in the 1950s. They wore the ties with dark drape suits, brightly colored socks (which they made sure everyone could see), a white shirt with a high-necked loose collar, a brocade waistcoat and suede shoes.
In the southwestern part of the United States, the bolo tie is said to be appropriate for any occasion. Even though it is most commonly worn in combination with the “western/ cowboy look” many consider it to be appropriate to wear the Bolo in combination with a tuxedo.
As you might know, men’s neckwear can come in various shapes and colors. Most common are neckties and bow ties that are tied with one of the many necktie knots. If you live in certain parts of the United States or love horses and western wear, your neckwear of choice might in fact be the Bolo necktie. No matter what its origin, it is the official state tie of two states and beloved by many.
Mr Pohl is the founder of Ties-Necktie.com, a specialty mens retailer for fine designer neckties, brand name silk ties, bow ties, cufflink sets, and fine pocket squares.
