The history of
bolo ties is a bit shaky in the men’s fashion industry. But, it’s been said that they have been around for over 100 years! Men from all walks of life have been known to sport bolo ties. Whether they're Navajo Indians of the American southwest, Argentinean cowboys or rock and roll stars, like
Bruce Springsteen.
Some people recall Native American men clasping together bandanas around their necks. In order to adjust the fit and hold the ends together, they used a shell or a silver conch. But not all men used bandanas, some used string and the bolo tie was born. Beyond the southwest, Argentine cowboys were wearing their version of the bolo tie, but with leather straps. It is also said that the bolo tie is a North American pioneer tradition that dates back to between 1866 and 1886.
Victor E. Cedarstaff, a silversmith who lived in Arizona in the 1940s, also had a hand in creating the bolo tie. Victor was riding his horse one day with a group of friends, when his hat flew off. Afraid of losing his hatband, he slipped it over his neck for safekeeping. His friends noticed his new look and complimented his “tie.” An idea incubated, and Cedarstaff soon fashioned the first bola tie, named after the boleadoras cords worn by Argentine cowboys.
3 TYPES OF BOLO TIES
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Southwestern Bolo Ties
The southwestern United States can lay claim to its Indian and western versions featuring stones of the region and integrating Native American silversmith traditions.
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Argentinean Bolo Ties
Bolo ties that have three leather straps, known as a lariat style, are generally associated with Argentina.
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British Bootlace Ties
These fabric or leather laces may be traditional black or multicolored. People consider them costume wear, although stylish Teddy Boys donned them in the 1950s.
FUN FACTS
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The bolo tie was made the official neckwear of Arizona in 1971.
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New Mexico passed a non-binding measure to designate the bolo as the state's official neckwear in 1987.
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On March 13, 2007, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson, signed into law that the bolo tie is now the state's official tie.
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In 2007, the bolo tie was named the official tie of Texas.
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In the 1980 film "Urban Cowboy", John Travolta sported a southwestern style bolo tie.
Posted by: Kimi Sakamoto
