Men’s Fashions
A strange piece turned up in the Sunday New York Times, in the style section, about bow ties. I was surprised to learn that – in New York, I guess – a bow tie is regarded with inward hostility. Even Tucker Carlson, a television commentator known for his preference for bow ties, likened a bow tie to wearing an upraised middle finger.
The human mind is so curious, making all of this elaborate stuff about what our clothing choices are communicating to others. When I wear a bow tie (for I share this preference), why would it be assumed to mean anything other than my choice to wear a bow tie? I am not being intentionally dull – I would not show up to a Catholic wedding in Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt any more than I would come to practice wearing a diving suit instead of my robes. Clothing choices communicate one’s respect for situation and relationship, I get that.
To surmise, however, that a bow tie means “Look at me, I’m smarter than you,” (as the Times supposes) is adding something extra. Yet sometimes different people arrive at these ‘extras’ by unspoken agreement, veiled in the whispered admonitions of culture.
Especially amusing is the view of some that bow ties are elitist because they are more difficult to tie than the standard four-in-hand bibs that, for their ubiquity, still look silly to my eyes. I have a harder time with them than I do with bow ties; with the more common necktie, I seem to misjudge the length consistently. Bow ties are only one degree more difficult than tying a shoe lace. Once you know how to do it, it is not a big deal; no special talent or technical acumen is required.
The rumored hostility towards bow tie wearers has not been directed at me – if anything, I get more smiles from strangers when I sport a nice colorful bow. They transform me into someone from whom people feel okay asking for directions – which complicates my lunchtime walk a bit, but makes the city just a teensy bit more hospitable and friendly. El gusto es mio.
June 27th, 2005 at 5:26 pm
Try as I might to avoid it, I tend to make assumptions about folks based on their dress. When I see someone with a bow tie, I “see” someone who is individualistic, willing to go against the grain, and trustworthy. Or, to put it another way, I see someone who isn’t just another corporate drone.