Are bola ties (or bolo ties) unprofessional?

Question

I used to be in a hobby of making jewelry and was big into making bola ties, the western style kind consisting of a piece of jewelry with a leather cord worn as a kind of tie. But over the years, I found that it seemed more of a waste of time making what I thought was a form of lovely jewelry. It seems that all the silver and turquoise or gold and other stones don't produce a product that has much popularity and society seems to put more value in an ordinary cloth tie make in a sweatshop in China than a handmade work of art.
I have heard the same arguement that the bola ties do not agree with dress codes of many businesses and that wearing them would be just one more way that people can get themselves into trouble, as in the case of a Maryland high school student who was barred from participating in his graduation ceremony because he wore a bola tie instead of a regular tie
Bottom line is that it appears that bola ties are not considered proper professional attire.

Answer 1

It's hard to imagine an occasion where the bola tie is appropriate. Not in a corporate setting. Not even in a business casual setting, unless the person consistantly wears Western attire. I can't imagine wearing non-Western attire with a bola.

Which is kinda a shame - I like bola ties. But I haven't worn mine in a decade.

Answer 2

I have been making and wearing bolo ties for forty years now. When I lived in New York City and worked for PaineWebber the brokerage firm, I wore bolo ties every day. Management never objected. Actually, I received many compliments on the ties I wore. A well made, high quality tie that is not too garish can be worn anywhere. People may think it a little strange, but as long as you are comfortable about how you look you should have no problem. As other answerers have said, a black tie affair is not one of the places to wear one. But most other occasions should be fine. I'm now living in New Mexico. Most people here do not wear bolos or stetsons, but such attire is not considered silly or unprofessional.

Answer 3

My dad used to wear bolo ties because he couldn't stand to have the knot of an ordinary tie around his neck. He was buried in a beautiful one my husband made for him. I think business attire needs a bit of a shake up if bolo ties are thought inappropriate.

Answer 4

I have to say yes because they seem more like jewelry than a tie, which is used to complete an outfit.

Answer 5

I think outside of Texas, they look weird on anyone who isn't a cowboy. What would be nice is some sort of feminine scarf clasp where you'd thread a scarf rather than the leather string.

Answer 6

It seems appropriate in the context of older men who wear cowboy hats.

For a traditional office setting - just say no.

Answer 7

Bola ties are CORNEY! let is go.........