Bolo ties?
July 31, 2024 8:17 PM Subscribe
I know nothing about bolo ties. Do you know about bolo ties?
Where are good places to buy bolo ties? Are there a good online bolo tie resources?
For a good selection you need a Western Wear shop; a US national chain is the Boot Barn which not only carries boots but other stuff too; however, the best shops like this are the big ones Out West, in cowboy country.
posted by Rash at 9:31 PM on July 31
posted by Rash at 9:31 PM on July 31
Sheplers is worth a look. I bought my dad some pearl button western shirts from there ages ago.
posted by jabes at 4:45 AM on August 1
posted by jabes at 4:45 AM on August 1
So a bolo tie is a leather cord that goes around your neck, and the ends go into a decorative... buckle thing? Very much a Western/cowboy thing, and also (materials-wise) it's basically a belt, so places that sell Western-style belts/belt buckles tend to carry them. Seconding looking at Western wear/cowboy boot places, especially places that do custom leatherwork/saddlery.
I know there is a lot of cultural signifying with belt buckles in white Western culture, and I know the signifiers are present but different in, say, New Mexico Latino culture. If you're planning on wearing a bolo tie to an in-culture event in the Southwest, I'd very strongly recommend finding someone from those cultures to talk to about it first. Otherwise you might end up like you're wearing a costume, and that tends not to go over well.
If you just like them cause they're cool, then yeah, go for it.
posted by restless_nomad at 5:58 AM on August 1 [1 favorite]
I know there is a lot of cultural signifying with belt buckles in white Western culture, and I know the signifiers are present but different in, say, New Mexico Latino culture. If you're planning on wearing a bolo tie to an in-culture event in the Southwest, I'd very strongly recommend finding someone from those cultures to talk to about it first. Otherwise you might end up like you're wearing a costume, and that tends not to go over well.
If you just like them cause they're cool, then yeah, go for it.
posted by restless_nomad at 5:58 AM on August 1 [1 favorite]
Consult my HS physics teacher?
posted by 8603 at 6:59 AM on August 1 [1 favorite]
posted by 8603 at 6:59 AM on August 1 [1 favorite]
If I were in the market for a bolo tie I'd get one here because they are cool as hell
posted by potrzebie at 11:00 AM on August 1
posted by potrzebie at 11:00 AM on August 1
CO Springs Western Shop Cavenders. Maybe in Glenwood Springs Bullocks. Steamboat has Cowboys and Indians. Aspen Kemosabe
posted by brent at 12:06 PM on August 1
posted by brent at 12:06 PM on August 1
I wear bolo ties because they're some of the only male-coded jewelry I like. I buy mine on ebay so I can shop to my taste but I see them regularly at flea markets and in vintage stores. Good vintage bolo ties have their decorative tips in a similar style to the face setting of the main jewelry. I've never looked into buying new but any western wear store (boot barn or the like) can help you out. Imo, a bolo is out of place without a nice leather belt and shoes, I'll wear mine with leather sandals or "cowboy" boots but I probably wouldn't pair with loafers or other boots. Oxfords/Brogues/Derbys are a gray area, not my style so I can't comment. Collard shirt it a must but beyond that, the world is your oyster.
There's a ton of variety in the face settings. I prefer a nice natural polished stone and similar in my belt but there are truly options for all tastes and styles.
posted by Summers at 4:14 AM on August 2
There's a ton of variety in the face settings. I prefer a nice natural polished stone and similar in my belt but there are truly options for all tastes and styles.
posted by Summers at 4:14 AM on August 2
Depends a little on the style of bolo you are going for. If you're interested in a more traditional Southwestern look (and you're willing to pay for jewelry made by real artists) many Native American tribes make absolutely gorgeous bolo ties.
You should be cautious and do a bit of research to make sure you're buying legitimate Native-made art and not counterfeits (which rob tribal artisans of their designs and income).
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque has a fantastic online and IRL gift shop with items from Native artists. Their bolo selection is pretty small but could give you some sense of specific artists or tribes to look up if you are interested in directly supporting Native artists.
Here's a resource on buying legitimate Native jewelry.
posted by forkisbetter at 11:40 AM on August 2
You should be cautious and do a bit of research to make sure you're buying legitimate Native-made art and not counterfeits (which rob tribal artisans of their designs and income).
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque has a fantastic online and IRL gift shop with items from Native artists. Their bolo selection is pretty small but could give you some sense of specific artists or tribes to look up if you are interested in directly supporting Native artists.
Here's a resource on buying legitimate Native jewelry.
posted by forkisbetter at 11:40 AM on August 2
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posted by less-of-course at 9:25 PM on July 31