Bowtie - braces or belt?

[dba]

Hello,
I just purchased my first Bowtie yesterday. I am on the hunt for a set of braces to wear with them but wanted to ask if it would considered a faux paus to wear it with a belt or whether no such conventions exist.

Any advice is appreciated since this is new territory for me. I figured BowTieLover would be able to give some insight at the least.

Thanks a lot!
dba

 

[Saltwater Wrangler]

I think the traditional convention would say braces, but I wear bows and belts quite often if it fits the occasion. I'm just not a big braces fan personally.

 

[Sebastian]

If the belt isn't too flashy, I wouldn't consider it a problem wearing one with a bowtie.

I personally tend to wear bowties only with 3-piece or double breasted suits, so no problem with this question for me at all.

 

[dopey]

Makes no difference.

 

[grimslade]

What about wearing brown shoes with a bowtie?

 

[dba]

Originally Posted by grimslade

What about wearing brown shoes with a bowtie?

I was considering this...it's a navy polka dot so was thinking of pairing with a solid navy suit and possibly a brown cap toe or maybe with a charcoal pinstripe and a burgundy shoe....although part of me would like a navy suit and white/navy saddle shoe, lol.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by dba

I was considering this....

I doesn't matter, dude.

 

[organix71]

Either is fine. I often wear with a belt (since i have more trousers that take belts) but braces are, of course, ok as well. I'm not keen on showing ones braces in general, but i know some folks like the look.

 

[TexasLidig8r]

I own probably over 100 bow ties (I last had a "conventional" tie on in 1983 for an interview)... and think either a belt or braces go well. Sometimes braces feel a bit dated, yet it is still a good look.

In any event, I found that to effectively "pull off" the bow tie look in the business or legal world, it's more about a certain attitude, than look itself. Some men can just pull it off better than others.

 

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by grimslade

I doesn't matter, dude.

LOL

 

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by TexasLidig8r

I own probably over 100 bow ties (I last had a "conventional" tie on in 1983 for an interview)... and think either a belt or braces go well. Sometimes braces feel a bit dated, yet it is still a good look.

In any event, I found that to effectively "pull off" the bow tie look in the business or legal world, it's more about a certain attitude, than look itself. Some men can just pull it off better than others.


"You said bullshit and experience is all it takes, right? Come on in and experience some of my bullshit." Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), 48 Hrs. 1982

to some extent, this is true. If you feel uncomfortable in a bowtie, it shows. I got over my initial problems with them quick, and now, I much prefer them to regular long ties.

 

[John Ellis]

Originally Posted by Sebastian

If the belt isn't too flashy, I wouldn't consider it a problem wearing one with a bowtie.

I personally tend to wear bowties only with 3-piece or double breasted suits, so no problem with this question for me at all.

There's no problem with wearing belts or braces with bowties as long as they are complementary. I also noticed this quote about wearing a bt with db suit, sorry to demur and maybe it's just a personal thing but I NEVER wear a bow tie with a double breasted suit, other than for evening dress. I don't know what it is but somehow the combination of TWO rather distinctive, some would say egocentric, garments just looks over the top. Trying a bit too hard. I feel rather the same way about the look of double breasted suits in glen checks (I know it was the Duke of Windsor's thing) but it again seems a tad OTT. For some reason db suits in glen check seem popular with small guys (DoW again) and this seems to make it even more overcompensatory. I once knew a small guy who always dressed this way, the suits always seemed too big on him. Mind you he used to have two monograms on his shirts too so maybe he was suffering an identity crisis.

 

[lakewolf]

You can wear it however you want.

It would be nicer if you keep it traditional.

I'd say go to braces or a 3 pieces suits with pleats and cuffs. nice

.

 

[Gus]

Unless you are 85 or really want to look like a trad costume, don't wear both at the same time, IMO.

 

[JR88]

Originally Posted by dopey

Makes no difference.

If you are 23 years old and your peers are all wearing regular neckties, all other things being equal, braces/bowtie is a MUCH different look from belt/bowtie.

If you are 50, then I agree with you.