Favorite Ways to Wear a Bolo Tie

A bolo tie can be both rugged and refined at the same time. Worn with any outfit, casual, formal, date night, wedding, evening out—it's a versatile accessory for the cowboy (or cowboy at heart) to wear. A good bolo tie can be a statement piece no matter how it's worn or what it's worn with. If you've never worn a bolo tie before and just are not sure how, or have been a little sheepish in asking, our bolo tie fashion tips will have you sporting your new bolo tie with confidence in no time.

What Exactly Is a Bolo Tie?

A bolo tie is New Mexico's state official neckwear, as it is in Arizona as well. America's indigenous silversmiths and people living in the Southwest desert are not only famous for making them, but for wearing them as well. And of course, it's a staple cowboy or cowgirl accessory, right along with the beloved cowboy hat and Western boots.

A traditional bolo tie consists of a leather braided cord with silver or metal tips. The cord is threaded through a slide or a clasp that can be made out of metal, wood, beads, or other materials. The clasp is typically decorated with Western motifs but can be modernized with different designs as well. Common motifs you may recognize are thunderbirds, horses, cattle skulls, bears, and bulls. Traditional bolo ties are most often inlaid with turquoise or other semi-precious stones, and some are embellished with Native American indigenous beading.

A bolo tie may be known by other names, such as Bola tie, cowboy tie, or string tie—but as long as it is a cord clasped together and worn like a tie, it's considered a bolo tie.

History of the Bolo Tie

In the 1940s, a man named Victor Emanuel Cedarstaff from Wickenburg, AZ claimed to have invented the bolo tie after an incident when his hat blew off while he was riding. Not wanting to lose his silver-trimmed hatband, he slipped it around his neck. One of his companions allegedly joked that it was a nice-looking tie, planting the idea, and Cedarstaff soon fashioned the first bola tie.

Where Do You Get a Bolo Tie?

Bolo ties come in a variety of styles and colors—and you can find them right here at Stages West. We carry many vintage- and retro-inspired bolo ties as well as patriotic and Western-inspied bolos for men and women. Choose a braided black leather style bolo with silver and gold engraving for a classic Western look, or try one of our multi-strand bolos with a concho slide and matching silver stud earrings.

How Do You Wear a Bolo Tie?

Now that you've picked out your perfect bolo tie…how do you wear it? What do you wear with it? Of course, your Western wardrobe is a perfect option—there's nothing quite as timeless or classic as a pair of denim jeans and a handsome Western shirt with a bolo tie to match. But there are many other wonderful ways to incorporate a bolo tie into an everyday look that fits your style and wardrobe.

The bolo tie is slowly drifting away from being only Southwestern and Western gear and becoming an everyday accessory. A bolo tie can be worn:

For Casual Days or Nights

Wear your bolo loosely around your neck with the clasp slightly pulled down for a great carefree look, perfect for casual nights out or just hanging out with the boys. If you're wearing your favorite buttoned shirt, undo a button or two for that ultimate casual Western cowboy feel.

On a Weekend Fishing Trip

If you aren't a fan of the collar or love the rugged yet laid-back lazy outfit that looks like you didn't put a lot of effort into it—but still looks fantastic—ditch the collared shirt entirely. You can wear a bolo tie with a comfortable T-shirt—just top it with your favorite denim jacket to tie the entire style together.

Bolo Tie Fashion Tips for Women

A loose bolo tie worn as a necklace is the perfect cowgirl accent for any women’s Western outfit. A denim jacket with a sleeveless tank top paired up with skinny jeans and cowboy boots is a killer casual way to incorporate a bolo tie into your wardrobe.

Fashion isn't just dictated by the items we wear: With a little innovation and unconventional use, you can even turn a bolo tie into a one-of-a-kind choker or necklace that can be worn in even more ways than the tie itself. Wear a bolo tie choker with a Western dress, or wear it as a necklace with your favorite flowy off-the-shoulder tunic.

Bolo Ties for Special Occasions

When it comes to special occasions like weddings or anniversary dinners, the bolo tie looks handsome with a well-tailored suit—and makes a gorgeous Western accessory with a dress. It's the message you want to send with a bolo tie that makes it one of the most versatile accessories yet.

If you want to try a bolo with your Western wear, or are looking to expand your Western flair, we've got you covered with the finest bolo ties out there. Explore our blog for more head-to-toe Western fashion tips.