Quote Originally Posted by Pleater View Post
A velvet bow tie is usually one of the permanently made up sort, with a band which clips together inside the back of the bow - and the band is not velvet - I have to confess to owning such a thing in a slightly over the top size, and would not consider it manly in my own social circle - but of course these things differ according to place.
When I was a child, in the 1970s, the super-sized velvet pre-tied bow was an all too popular item of evening wear, often paired with a powder blue polyester tuxedo jacket featuring truly massive lapels and formal trousers of the same garish material (with flared legs). The ensemble would be completed with a ruffled shirt, with a gigantic collar that was thought to "balance" the double-wide lapels and clown-size tie. Prom pictures from the era memorialize this unfortunate look.

It's just one more reason I am glad that the era of Watergate and disco is behind us.

The black bow tie I wear on formal occasions is the same silk self-tie one I've had since my own prom in the 1980s, although it was an older item I bought at a vintage shop then.

I like the idea of velvet jackets, especially for evening wear. I am not so sure about the matching vest and definitely skeptical of the low price for a brand-new item. It would be more believable for a pre-owned jacket, perhaps ex-hire or discovered in Grandpa's attic.

Andrew