Yeah, I know this is a nothing post. But for me, it's another in a long line of firsts.

Some of you reading may say, "I don't wear ties, so why is this even a thing?" I get that. Don't feel obligated to read further unless you are bored, or maybe even want to enjoy another man's small victory.

Here's the back story: When I was younger I worked in a men's haberdasher (that's a fancy word for clothing store) for eight years. I was even manager for several. As a result, I know how to tie multiple necktie knots: Windsor, Half-Windsor, Four-In-Hand, etc. But I never learned to tie a bow tie. I don't even like bow ties, for the most part.

But the other part of this is that every year for the past 30+ years, I've attended a black-tie event, and a bow tie is de rigueur neckwear with a tuxedo. So, for decades I've "cheated." I've used the pre-tied, fasten-around-your-neck-and-hook bow ties that come with a tie and cummerbund set. I've had no problems doing so.

This year, I saw a nice tie and cummerbund set online, so I ordered it. When I unpacked it, I saw that it was a REAL bow tie. And if I want to wear it for this year's event, I'd have to learn how to tie it.

Enter the Internet. As I learned moments ago, there really can be value to the Internet. I went to Youtube and searched for "How to tie a bow tie." VOILÀ. I watched about five different instructional videos until I found one that suited me, and before long, I was standing in front of a mirror with a nicely shaped, hand-tied bow tie! Time elapsed from unwrapping to tying, about ten minutes.

Before the Internet, the way to learn how to tie a tie was to either be coached by a veteran (and yes, I did my share in the men's store) or follow a printed diagram. If neither were immediately available, one would be out of luck.

So, yay for the Internet! I'm packing my new tie and cummerbund now, and tomorrow I will be heading off to my black-tie dinner.

Small success. And in this day and age when neckties (or bow ties) are a rarity, almost a non-thing. But I'm happy!

Heheh. Actually, I think that's pretty damned classy...congrats!! I believe mother taught me how to tie a full Windsor knot when I started wearing ties. I've since reverted to a half Windsor.

all of the early family pictures of myself and 3 brothers show bow ties(clip on). later switched to clip on full length ties. now when a tie is proper I ear a "Bolo" western style...... ..drill sgt.

I love bow ties. When I had an office job I used to wear them quite often. The coolest thing about bow ties comes at the end of an evening at a dance or some formal function when you go ahead and tug it loose and let it hang right before you walk out. Cool style points and a great jab at all the schmucks wearing clip-ons or hook-ons.

I wore bow ties for 20 years starting at the end of a PanAm winter tour of Russia back in 1990.
Enjoyed the tour and drunk like a cossack most of the time, it was cold outside.

Returning to the US with alll my new friends, I asked one of them, who wore bow ties, how complicated it was to tie one. He told me to close my eyes and pretend I was tying my shoes. Presto!
We were all shitfaced even on the flight home and demystifying the bow tie was for me a huge success so I adopted it for the years to come until I stopped wearing suits.

Good times.

0-0

The last time I wore a tie it was a bow tie, was at the Kentucky Derby. I really liked them and when a tie is required, it will be a bow tie. I used and will use this video to tie it. Yes, there is a cool factor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X4aBSRt_HQ

I've worn a bow tie on occasion. I used to wear one with a pincord suit when I was doing the Southern lawyer thing. And with a tuxedo.