Bow tie with dark suit?

[nadge]

Obviously one wears a bow tie with formal wear (tuxedo), but do people tend to wear bow ties with dark suits, or are normal ties sufficient?

Thanks,

nadge

[ab0si]

Most wear "normal" ties, but some wear bowties. Either is fine. There are occasional string ties, also -- but lets skip that and make us both happy. <grin>

[Druke I]

A few men still wear bow ties, but the long tie is much more common.

My father often wore bow ties; I never got the "hang" of tying them.

[nancygp]

Nigel, wear whatever makes you happy!!!

Nancy

[All too soon...]

Some of us even wear bow ties on informal nights!

PS: The trick to learning to tie a bow tie is to start with it around your calf, or just about the knee. It is exactly the same knot as tying your shoe, and muscle memory will take care of the rest. Then it is easier to transfer that "reminded" muscle memory to your neck.

The other trick is that when you actually getting dressed for the evening, put on your tie at the earliest stage, so you don't get too hot and sweaty in the struggle. Shorts and shirt are all you should have on to avoid getting steamed up. (Once you have some practice, it won't be an issue.)

The other trick is to get your ties from the best source I have found: R. Hanauer. (bowties.com) Their woven fabrics are expensive, but spectacular. Be sure to have them send you free swatches to make your final decision.

[Roland4]

Before we started to cruise Crystal regularly and a tux became a practical purchase, I wore a black suit with a "tux" shirt and a bow tie. It worked well and looked great in the pictures. When we occasionally cruise lines other than Crystal where a tux would be overkill, I do the dark suit/regular tie thing on formal nights.

[Harry1954]

Originally Posted by All too soon...

Some of us even wear bow ties on informal nights!

PS: The trick to learning to tie a bow tie is to start with it around your calf, or just about the knee. It is exactly the same knot as tying your shoe, and muscle memory will take care of the rest. Then it is easier to transfer that "reminded" muscle memory to your neck.

The other trick is that when you actually getting dressed for the evening, put on your tie at the earliest stage, so you don't get too hot and sweaty in the struggle. Shorts and shirt are all you should have on to avoid getting steamed up. (Once you have some practice, it won't be an issue.)

The other trick is to get your ties from the best source I have found: R. Hanauer. (bowties.com) Their woven fabrics are expensive, but spectacular. Be sure to have them send you free swatches to make your final decision.

Nice comment .. I generally wear bow ties only with tux, but have admired those that are manually tied as they tend to a) have colorful nature, b) are more natural looking.
harry

[All too soon...]

Once you learn to tie your own, you'll never go back.

Nothing makes you feel just a little bit above the fray like one you toed yourself. Other gents who tie theirs take note, as you of them.

But the best part is the end of the evening, when you are in your stateroom, and you tug the end, untying it like James Bond.

The only downside of being a trim guy who wears a bow-tie instead of a necktie, is you get a little weary of hearing the word "dapper." But it could be worse...

[Keith1010]

Nadge, I aree with Nancy's comments. This is one where one should wear either a bow tie or regular tie and they will fit in very well.

Keith

[NHBob]

Originally Posted by nadge

Obviously one wears a bow tie with formal wear (tuxedo),
nadge

Actually, it is now quite fashionable to wear a normal straight tie with a tux. This is especially true if wearing a vest (wescott). Obviously, wild colored ties would not be suitable.

[nadge]

........many thanks as ever for your informed and friendly replies.

As it happens, I will be wearing a dinner suit (tux) with bow tie. As has been discussed many times I think that dressing up for an elegant formal evening is a distinct advantage of Crystal. I was inquiring on behalf of another member of our party.

ATS - I'm sorry (and almost ashamed) to have to tell you that my bowtie will be one of the ready-made ones. Although the challenge of tying my own is attractive.......

nadge

[Flash G]

Originally Posted by NHBob

Actually, it is now quite fashionable to wear a normal straight tie with a tux. This is especially true if wearing a vest (wescott). Obviously, wild colored ties would not be suitable.

I mixed it up on my last Symphony cruise, just for variety. I wore a straight "formal" tie one formal night and wore bowties on the other formal nights.

[jerblu]

One does appear just a tad GIFT WRAPPED