Bolo Tie’s History

The bolo tie, bola tie or string tie, is a one-of-a-kind tie style that perfectly moves between the elegant and informal. A rockabilly’s classic, has always been linked to the most traditional western and cowboy look, but the true is that it’s an accessory that matches with any clothing style that looks for an elegant but relaxed touch.

Its design is simple and unique: a piece of string or braided leather cord with metal tips, fastened by a decorative clasp. And its sole mention quickly transports us to the iconic Southern sheriff figure, rodeo riders and rockabilly stars. But in today’s article we will look into its origin and history.

Bola Tie origins

When it comes to American history iconic objects, there’s usually more than one version. And no wonder with the bolos!

On one hand we have its origins most popular version, a kind of legend: At the vilage of Wickenburg, located at the Maricopa County in Arizona, where during the 1940’s decade lived a silversmith called Víctor Emanuel Cedarstaff. The story tells that one day he went to the desert with some friends for wild horses hunting. It was very windy and during the drive he lost the hat when the silver cord that held it let down. To prevent loosing it, slid it around the neck and one of his friends joked with his aspect “What a nice tie you wear, Vic”. That comment let the silversmith the idea for his invention, he designed the sliding and patented it, so the bolo tie was born, taking its name from the Argentinian “boleadoras”.

Although the truth is that elements like the sliding and metal tips have been part of many North America native nations like the hopi, navajo or zuñi since much before that “Vic” Cedarstaff had his brilliant idea. There are remains of Native American bolo ties that go back to the 19^th century. The first settlers had also used this kind of accessories.

And we still have a third version about string ties origin, a bit more scabrous: at the Far West it was very usual to execute criminals at the gallows. And wasn’t strange that the cord broke. And there was the tradition that if this happened, the criminal couldn’t be executed two times. So he was let live with a piece of string as adornment. This “coincidence” would be bolo string’s macabre origin.

Bolo tie’s furor

Whatever it may be its origin, the bolo tie started to make a splash at the end of 60’s and beginnings of the 70’s. And, the truth is that have had many names. This famous tie has been called Gaucho, String, Emblem, Western, Cowboy, Thong, Mono Loop, Sport, Western Bolo much others. But with all of them it ended up becoming a classic, both for men and women.

In 1971 it was officially recognized as a comercial tie and during the 80’s decade it even became more popular with rockabilly’s revival.

And at the end of the decade and beginnings of the 90’s, they became very popular in Japan, South Korea and China. Specially some very expensive and elegant styles, handmade, with luxurious strings and exotic bolo tips.

What is clear, is that this is Southern States favourite tie: in 1971 Arizona made the bolo tie its official tie. In 1987, New Mexico approved a non-binding measure to designate the bolo as state’s official tie; then, in 2007, was officially designed by governor Bill Richardson. That same year, 2007, Texas Legislature also designated it as state’s official tie.

Bolo tie still continues being an ideal accessory to set your own style or to replace the traditional tie in events as special as weddings, parties or anniversaries. If you want to find out its versatility, feel free to take a look to the bolo strings that we have at our online shop, or come to visit us at our store located at famous Barcelona’s Las Ramblas.