Does it look good for a man to wear a bola tie (bolo tie) in place of a necktie when dressing up?

Question

Bola ties are supposedly a form of art, especially the well made ones that have silver and some colorful stone like turquoise or malachite. You would expect that something like this should have more value than an ordinary cloth necktie that is made in a sweatshop in China. But does this agree with the values of society? It seems that most people do not go for this kind of attire and there seems to be the prevaling attitude that bola ties are silly or unprofessional, especially in a business setting. So is it really worthwhile to be spending one's time metalcrafting such attire, and is it a good idea to be wearing it?

Answer 1

You can get away with this, but only in Texas, Arizona or New Mexico.... everywhere else people will point and laugh.

Answer 2

Wearing A Bolo Tie

Answer 3

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 4

I suppose it depends on the ocassion and the man. In my opinion, if a gentleman is comfortable wearing cowboy boots to a party, a bola tie would work just fine. If it is a "black tie" formal affair, a silk tuxedo tie is probably a better choice. When in doubt, the man should ask the woman he is taking to the party. She can offer the best advice. Besides, she is the one he is trying to impress, isn't she?

Answer 5

Your OK dressing with the bolo tie. Put good quality clothing and tasteful coordinate colours and you will be fine. A small way to let your wilder side glimmer through. Research what looks good.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_4_208/ai_84313908 . Just my humble observation.

Answer 6

Wear a Bola tie ONLY if you are going square dancing or country western dancing.

Answer 7

I think it depends on time and place. Coming from upstate new york, it would look kind of weird seeing someone wearing one, but I think it would be perfectly appropriate if you're living or going somewhere out west.

Answer 8

if it's a black-tie affair, i deff suggest you not wearing it. i understand your point of view, since lots of decent looking ties come from "sweat shops" but society today prefers to accept the clean cut man with a sharp suit and a regular tie.

Answer 9

It's the only tie I wear.

Answer 10

Not unless he is going to a ho-down