08/28/2026
National Bow Tie Day is a day for the necktie that resembles a bow.
The roots of the bow tie go back to the 17th century, when Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War wore scarves around their necks to hold together the openings of their shirts.
The upper class of France began wearing the scarves, which were then known as cravats, and were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is from cravats that the modern-day bow tie descends. Bow ties are most often associated with formal events such as weddings and black tie events, or the even more formal white tie events.
But, bow ties can be worn in more casual settings as well. Sometimes they are seen as being worn by those who are old fashioned, cerebral, or nerdy, and although they have not been as popular as the four-in-hand necktie, they have made a resurgence in recent years.
Men are most often times associated with wearing the bow tie, but since the 1980's many women have been donning them. Bow ties can be self-tie, pre-tied, or clip-on, and there are also many different shapes that bow ties can be.
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