The London Lounge

I've just been exploring marcella bowtie for the first time, and have discovered that the cloth is sufficiently substantial that it is hard to tie, and can create a somewhat informal knot if you don't work at it. One obvious cure, that would take in the need for exact size and absence of hardware, would be a single-ended tie. Obviously there is some flexibility in length for such a creature, but has anyone found useful ranges? [By comparison, a double-ended bow is about 18" longer than neck size.] Also, has anyone developed preferred methods for disposing of the narrow end (which might vary, I suppose, depending on length)?

Concordia wrote: ... the cloth is sufficiently substantial that it is hard to tie, and can create a somewhat informal knot if you don't work at it.

Concordia:
A long time ago, while experimenting with bow ties for my DJs, I tried single ended ones. I still have a couple in silk and grosgrain somewhere. I liked them because they didn´t have the metal adjusters, and disliked them because the resulting single tier bow was kind of flat and unsubstantial for my shirt collars. Maybe the Marcella material would help for a fuller more tridimensional bow.
If I remember well, I just tucked the very long thin end under the unseen tie band and folded the collar (if your exploration is regarding a white Marcella single ended bow tie for your full dress, this "tucking in" might not work that neatly with the upright collar).
Your concern about "a somewhat informal knot" might even work to your advantage introducing a good note of self-made irregularity into an otherwise rather stiff outfit.

Concordia,

The single ended tie should be exactly the same length as the now-conventional double ended one, and the plain end is simply an extension of the neckband band finished with a square end. Simply, that plain end sits behind the bow-shaped end, and is hardly seen, save from the side or slightly behind. This was a popular style in the early 20th century and can work very well with standing collars, whether with wings or without. Well starched, it's a very neat look.

Not the best close-up perhaps, but one that shows the look isn't absurd; the chap on the end here is sporting one (https://www.instagram.com/p/BG7XePgInNm ... ovis&hl=en).

YoungLawyer wrote:Concordia,

The single ended tie should be exactly the same length as the now-conventional double ended one, and the plain end is simply an extension of the neckband band finished with a square end. Simply, that plain end sits behind the bow-shaped end, and is hardly seen, save from the side or slightly behind. This was a popular style in the early 20th century and can work very well with standing collars, whether with wings or without. Well starched, it's a very neat look.

Not the best close-up perhaps, but one that shows the look isn't absurd; the chap on the end here is sporting one (https://www.instagram.com/p/BG7XePgInNm ... ovis&hl=en).

So if your normal tie is, say 36" long, then the single-ended is, too. And that means behind the front wing of the bow, you just double back the narrow end? Or do you dispose of it under the detachable collar or some other place?

Concordia,
It just doubles back, so it's tied as normal, and if it's the same length, it doesn't require to be tucked anywhere.

I suppose if it were shorter, you could either double it back to make a smaller wing, or push it all the way through single-ended although that would make it harder to untie.

I'm such a rube I didn't even know what single ended bow tie meant.

Not to worry. I've never worn one, and only saw one in the flesh because I ordered it from a website that (all too accurately) identified as a small bow. Small for my face, small for my neck. Passed that on to my daughter.

The Cordial Churchman was kind enough to make one for me, which just arrived today.

I also found that it requires a somewhat different approach to knotting. The video on the bottom of this page (last third, roughly) shows the technique. I had to put my laptop up on a cabinet to guide me-- in many ways, it's backwards to what I was expecting. The dude in the video doesn't do a conventional loop with the skinny end-- he pushes it straight up and then tucks it under the neck piece.

Single-ended or regular, do wear a bow tie when the occasion permits. Granted, that is not often for those of us who wear regular ties as a matter of course. Yet bow ties are casual and smart, just right for some events. Concerts, plays, art shows and the like. Wear one the next time you are invited to a private dinner and your hostess will love you forever.

Well, the white tie is a special-event thing which will be required if I attend.

Otherwise, I do have a small roster of bowties made for me, and I'm occasionally finding ways to have them make sense. At the moment, getting something assertive (not necessarily loud) and patterned to go with a not-too-dark suit seems to be the best solution. Solid bows on me look either like a bid for substitute black-tie, or Nation of Islam. A dark suit threatens to push further down that road. But mid-grey, or tan suit and a navy Macclesfield with a light pattern is pretty good. And blazers can absorb some bright colors during less serious events.

rodes wrote: ... bow ties are casual and smart, just right for some events.

Not counting formal affairs, I don´t see bow ties as event related. For me it´s more a matter of mood. I found them just right for a playful change of pace a few times a year, and at a true advantage only when I wear them with 3-piece suits or odd vests.

Agree with the vest comment. On my way to work today I noticed a gent wearing a bow tie. With his jacket worn open (I assume he was hot), the vast expanse of shirt, unmitigated by a longer, 'regular' tie did not look harmonious. With a waistcoat/vest (or at least a buttoned-up jacket), however, it's an entirely different matter.

Or for the FDR look, double-breasted.

Awe,my young Hectorm,you make me smile again. I must take you to the fortnightly meeting of the Cambridge Philosophical Society. They might let in,such a handsome youth, naively tailored in fine worsted and silk tie perfection, but they will not think you are old enough for the dram of Macallan 50. They will give it to old, bow-tied Rodes.