It is thought that the term bow tie comes from the French word jabot, a form of tie in the early days of neckerchiefs. Today the bow tie is generally available in two shapes - either the bat wing, which is straight as a cricket bat, or the thistle, also known as the butterfly. At Ben Silver we only cut the butterfly, which we think is more interesting and a better venue for our fabric and patterns, particularly of stripes. The width of the wide parts of the bow are 2 3/4". It is always made to be tied, not pre-tied. A bow tie makes a statement of individuality, and nothing contradicts that statement more readily than having it pre-tied. Bow ties come in adjustable neck sizes. Nevertheless, regardless of the neck size, the bow itself must finish within the contours of the wearer's face, and inside the collar edges, to look trim and avoid buffoonery. Bow ties are extremely easy to tie, and it is only the average person's lack of experience in tying them that has prolonged the myth of difficulty in getting them right. A few minutes of tying them on your own leg, just as you would tie a shoe lace, will convince you otherwise. Bows are practical and offer a flash of color nearest the face. They look especially good with soft rolled button downs and straight point collars, but they will also work with a spread collar, if it is not too starched or stiff.