A Quick Guide to Custom Ties: Of Bow Ties and Neckties

“Clothes maketh a man.” is a common adage. Although a big pressure can be deduced in saying so, one must not puzzle himself when choosing appropriate attire. Knowing when suitable accessories must be worn will mean the right look is achieved. That’s expressly true when choosing a necktie whether it is a mass-produced one or a custom tie.

People who are conscious of fashion have by tradition word ties for more formal events or occasions. Here are some need-to-knows about custom ties to stay on the right side of preppy looks.

On average, around three-quarters of billion dollars in annual revenue for the American economy account for neckwear. The main components are ready-made and custom ties (bowties and neckties alike). 

Bow Ties and Neckties before Today’s Custom Ties

Before today’s custom ties came to picture, neckties and bowties developed differently.

In the 1920s, neckties took of consisting of one long length of fabric, unlike today’s custom ties. Neckties back then were hand-painted, others had symbolisms particularly military and depicting nobility, honor, and order. Louder and more flamboyant ties also came to be. By the 1950s and ‘60s, tie manufacturers have toned these down because ties were word with elongated suits and slimmer collars. Neckties back then also have a wide range of patterns available that it can show that you belong to a specific organization, university, or club.

Bow ties have their beginnings as a type of cravat in Croatia back in the seventeenth century. Being traditional trailblazers, the French developed what we now call a bow tie. Bowties give a nod toward intellectualism and a lot of people enjoy wearing them. Some fashionistas associate them with reputable professions including architecture, lawyers, and university education. Bowties have also found a way into women’s wardrobes. In the 1980s professional women wore them with conservative suits while working in corporations. 

Neck vs. Bow Custom Ties

Presently, both men and women of all ages wear neckties and bowties, usually custom ties, as an embodiment of a purpose or identity, largely as a student or employee uniform but also for special occasions.

Only a few circumstances are there where definite neckwear rules are to be followed. These are quite specific situations thus, the need to address them all would be tedious and so we will only talk about the most common one here. The most obvious way to determine whether one should knot up in a necktie or bowtie is to consider how formal (or casual) the even would be.

• For formal events (those with black tie dress codes or that black ties are options and events where tuxedos are a must), a bow tie will appropriately cover it. As a rule-of-thumb, it is better to be slightly overdressed than appear too casual.
• For events where suits are worn, or that are laid-back and casual, a necktie should be enough. Although less commonly worn during casual events, bow ties can be as casual too. Whatever feels right will work.

Pre-made vs. Custom Ties

Ties have existed for a long time, and as previously mentioned, a large variety of patterns and designs are available for mass production and so neckties and bow ties can be bought anytime. Personal purchase from stores and mall outlets, however, it fits your preferences should be okay. 

In today’s era, however, and if a brand or product is involved as in corporations and large organizations, taking advantage of custom ties as a means of standing out from competition may be an advantage. The right tie can make an outfit, thus, a product/brand, unforgettable. Customized color, style, material, and pattern showcase an organization’s personality. 

Custom ties as opposed to ready-made ties invoke originality and a professional look. Custom ties can be tailor-made depending on your brand color palette, logos and signatures. They are a perfect addition to business uniforms any day. Doing so enhances brand/product image. Custom ties are also great promotional gear as giveaways to customers during events.

Woven vs. Sublimated Custom Ties

Custom ties can be a lot of things. They can be any design and size one wants.

Quite common are woven custom ties. The fabric can be polyester or silk depending on the custom tie manufacturer. Company or school logos can look sharp when woven into custom ties. It also adds an appealing texture to custom ties which uniquely compliments plain-colored apparel. 

When custom ties are described as sublimated, a process by which dyes are applied to the fabric is referred. The sublimation printing process makes use of heat to transfer dye onto fabrics. Dyes bond very well with polyester and it makes it possible to print starkly bright and detailed images.

The name may make the process appear complex and technical but it is simple to comprehend. Most businesses and designers use this kind of printing as it is less costly. Also, sublimation other than its application on custom ties and clothing can be used when creating graphics on signages, company exhibits, house decorations, and personal items such as coffee mugs, coasters, and keyrings.

Silk vs. Polyester Custom Ties

The quality of the custom ties ordered will always have an impact on how it looks. Cheaper custom ties will have a habit of creasing, at times permanently, and will not look pleasant at all.

Customized neckwear is at the peak of fashion and marketing gears. The best type of custom ties is made from silk, often woven by hand. Another best type would be from high-quality cotton which is guaranteed to remain vibrant and in shape.

Polyester custom ties come in next as they are one of the most popular fabrics to dye sublimate. They are also versatile, easy to handle, and not very expensive.

Go for custom ties that are made from seersucker fabric (from seersucker plants) if you want a tailored look. They are lightweight and have a crimped appearance.

Care for Custom Ties

A good custom tie should last for years. But a good deal of effort is also required to take care of these accessories.

Taking care of custom ties starts as soon as you take them off. Untie by doing the reverse steps of your knots made. This will lessen the chances of wrinkling. Pulling directly on the know may place too much pressure on the shape of the tie and its seams. 

Wool or cashmere ties have a greater risk of loosening up.

Store linen, wool, or cotton custom ties on hangers. They tend to keep their shape and fade away wrinkles naturally. Silk custom ties are recommended to be rolled as they are more sensitive to gravity when hanged. 

When it comes to wrinkles, make steam the best ally. Custom ties can be hanged in the bathroom when taking a hot shower and the steam will loosen up the fibers. 

Care must be exercised when ironing custom ties. A low temperature must be kept while keeping a lot of steam. Never put the iron directly on your custom tie but rather put it under a cotton shirt/towel.

Avoid too much pressure on the tie. Slide the iron on the fabric. Finally, let your tie lay flat until it cools.

Remember to consult your custom tie manufacturer for additional special instructions in the care of the particular custom ties ordered.