A bow tie is a kind of necktie that entered the scene of fashion back in the beginning of the nineteenth century. It came up as a modification of the cravat, its predecessor that had started losing its taste in the male world of fashion. It had become a staple and widely worn by men who were sensitive or conscious to fashion by the mid-1880s. Bow ties for men have undergone many changes since their introduction and are still under modification.

Bow ties did not undergo change in form only, but in function too. It has transcended the pure traditional and formal stereotypes partly due to the mass acceptance that it received since its introduction. People have changed their minds about how they view them. No one thinks of them as purely for formal occasions anymore. Current uses were not originally meant to be. For example, it is a common street style, uniform in some states, and a major celebrity fashion.

The rigid sartorial laws that applied in the yesteryears are powerless today. Bow ties are now free to be worn by anybody in any occasion for whatever reason. Both men and women can wear them. Anyone who is stylistically exploitative would be happy to have a piece in their wardrobe any day. Many celebrities are not shy to wear the tie and they seem to like and even prefer it for public occasions.

The tie is made in the form of a ribbon. The ribbon is tied in a symmetrical fashion around the collar with the two ends creating a loop. Traditional versions require the wearer to tie them because they are made in the form of strips. They are commonly called self-tie, tie-it-yourself, or freestyle. On the contrary, are made in an already tied fashion to save the wearer the trouble of tying them.

There is a great variation in the kinds of fabrics used to make the product. However, the use of cotton, silk, polyester, or a combination of these fabrics has been common. When used in combination, the fabrics can be mixed in different ratios. Wool is more common in four-in-hand neckties. The ordinary shoelace knot is used to tie modern products.

Western societies are more accustomed to ordinary neckties. They are commonly worn at schools, business meetings, and formal functions. The bow tie on the other hand is slowly stealing the audience in fun-formal events like cocktail parties and dinners. A formal look can still be maintained by wearing the tie with a suit.

Today, two major types of this product are in existence. This two forms are ready-tied and tie-it-yourself. Ready-tied types are considered to be for people with little preference and experience in this line of products. They are viewed as armature in certain events and occasions. Ready-tied types may have clip-ons for clipping onto the collar. That way, they do not go around the neck when worn.

Self-tie models can be placed into two other sub-categories, that is, bat wing and thistle or butterfly. Besides the two, there are other shapes in use too. People choose the shape of their tie depending on their sense of style and preference.