“A bolo tie is a necktie with a braided cord [and] metal tips held together with a clasp,” says Winkler. They are also sometimes referred to as shoestring ties and can be made of cord or braided leather. The clasp is typically something ornamental and statement-making. “Traditionally, they have had more of a western look to them,” says Davis. “But the style has come back with a wider range of varieties that appeals to those looking for a more casual, urban, or quirky look for the groom and groomsmen,” Davis adds.

What should your bolo tie match?

Thanks to their often intricate design, bolo ties can bring in color through the choice of metal, cord, and the clasp’s gemstone, crystal, or glass stone. “While the color doesn’t necessarily have to match the bridesmaid dresses, it should harmonize with the color scheme of the wedding,” says Davis. “Consider using the same metal color on your tie as you chose for the wedding rings."

Can you wear bolo ties to your wedding?

“If this style feels authentic to the groom, a bolo tie is a fun way to bring some personality and character to your wedding,” says Davis, adding that style is less about what is on-trend and more about who you are. “If a bolo tie fits your personality and personal style, go for it."

How do you wear a bolo tie?

With bolo ties, you don’t have to deal with the fuss of tying a tie, so they are very easy to wear. “Traditionally, bolo ties are worn like any other necktie, with a collared shirt buttoned to the top and the tie firm around your neck,” says Davis. That being said, if your wedding or the wedding you are attending is slightly informal and more laid back, you can loosen the tie slightly. “The tips of the tie should end approximately four inches below your breastbone,” she says.

The 13 Best Bolo Ties

Brides / Lecia Landis

Whether shopping for the groom, best man, groomsman, or a guest, choosing a tie for a wedding is all about bringing an outfit together, but it’s also a great moment to show off your style and have a little fun with your ensemble. And, nothing says fun quite like a bolo tie. The traditional Western-style necktie is all about intricate detail, adding a bit of flair to menswear. But, you don’t need to be a cowboy to wear a bolo tie. Since its inception, the bolo tie has become a nod to personal style, including traditional western wear, as well as urban, rock, hipster, and even some more modern styles.

One of our favorite things about bolo ties is how unique they can be, especially since so many of them are handmade with ornate gemstones, metalwork, and various shoestring ties or cords, giving them all the potential to become a family heirloom post-nuptials.

We set out to find the best bolo ties from traditional western wear retailers such as Boot Barn, as well as artisanally made options from Etsy, keeping the bolo ties style spirit of intricacy, personality, design, and quality in mind.

Read on for the best bolo ties on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nudie Jeans Nisse Bolo Tie Black at Nudiejeans.com (See Price)

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Best Budget:

Huabola Calyn Bolo Tie at Amazon ($10)

Jump to Review

Best Personalized:

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Initial Bolo Tie at Etsy ($28)

Jump to Review

Best Vintage-Inspired:

Craft by Jasper Bolo Tie at Etsy ($28)

Jump to Review

Most Unique:

Minima Maxima Shop Pansy Lariat Bolo Tie at Etsy ($64)

Jump to Review

For the Minimalist:

Katie Kismet Black Diamond Metallic Bolo Tie at Etsy ($148)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Prada Brushed Leather Bolo Tie at Prada.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Gold:

Designs by Maral Southwestern Brass Bolo Tie at Etsy ($43)

Jump to Review

Best Turquoise:

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Turquoise Bolo Tie at Etsy ($28)

Jump to Review

Best Silver:

Montana Silversmiths Men's Silver Bolo Tie at Bootbarn.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Nudie Jeans

View On Nudiejeans.com

Since bolo ties are so personal, it’s hard to choose the best overall. But, for this category, we wanted something that was high quality and authentic with a more neutral design, so it fits an array of personal styles. Our top pick is this silver and black bolo tie from Nudie Jeans Co. The necktie is made from vegetable-tanned pieces of leather braided into the traditional cord style with a traditional engraved metal clasp and tips. It’s perfect for the minimalistic groom or the groomsmen as a way to compliment the groom’s tie.

Material: Vegetable tanned leather and metal

Amazon

View On Amazon $10

Because of their handmade nature and intricate designs, bolo ties are typically pricey. But, there are some great affordable options, including this top-rated bolo tie from Amazon. The tie is made from braided leather with metal tips and an oval clasp featuring a natural black agate stone. And, despite some of its detail, it’s on the more minimal side of the spectrum, making it easier to get a lot of wear out of it.

Material: Agate stone and faux leather

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Initial Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $28

Personalization is a great way to up the ante on sentiment for your wedding day. Why not make a statement out of it with this personalized initial bolo tie? The tie features a more traditional western style with a mix of brass and silver metals and ornate engraving on an oval clasp. And, for extra flair, this Etsy seller creates a matching belt buckle, too.

Material: Brass, silver, and leather

Craft by Jasper Flower Grass Tiger Eye Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $28

We swoon for this vintage-inspired bolo tie. From its floral detailing to its stunning choice of gemstone, this handmade tiger's eye bolo tie is a great choice for anyone looking for a future family heirloom. Not to mention: Tiger's eye is a stone of courage, so it’s a great choice for the groom on the big day.

Material: Zircon alloy, tiger eye, faux leather

Minima Maxima Shop Pansy Lariat Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $64

If you’re looking for a bolo tie that takes unique to a whole new level, we are all about this floral bolo tie, which features a black and brass braided cord and stunning acrylic pansy flower clasp. The handmade bolo tie is made to be worn in several ways, including traditionally as a tie but also as a necklace with the clasp hanging lower.

Material: Enamel, acrylic, walnut, and brass

Katie Kismet Black Diamond Metallic Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $148

Minimalist and bolo ties don’t always go together, but some of the more modern styles are a great choice for the person looking to rock a bolo tie that isn’t too detailed. We love the clean lines and sleek finish on this diamond-shaped bolo tie, which is made of glass and is formal enough to wear with a tux but also still able to be dressed down with a shirt and slacks.

Material: Glass, leather, and silver

Prada

View On Prada.com

A designer bolo tie also makes a great wedding keepsake. We love this fresh take on the bolo tie from Prada, featuring flat leather strap cords and a leather clasp in the shape of the Prada logo, with the enameled metal logo set in the center.

Material: Leather and enameled nickel-free metal

Designs by Maral Southwestern Brass Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $43

Thanks to their western heritage, bolo ties are traditionally made of silver, which makes a gold bolo tie all the more special and unique. This one is a simple and sleek take on the authentic bolo tie with a brass-colored round scalloped clasp, black braided cords, and brass metal tips. If you like this style and gold isn’t your vibe, it also comes in silver.

Material: Brass and faux leather

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Turquoise Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $28

Turquoise is a classic feature of the bolo tie, and we love the nod to tradition with this modern southwestern bolo tie. The cord is made of genuine leather and cinched together with a stunning turquoise-colored agate stone, giving it a more muted hue.

Material: Agate and leather

Montana Silversmiths Men's Oval Silver Engraved Bolo Tie

Boot Barn

View On Bootbarn.com

It’s all in the details with this silver bolo tie from Montana Silversmiths. The tie is designed with western tradition and authenticity in mind yet has more of a modern feel to it. We love the simplicity of the design, making it a great neutral bolo tie for any occasion, including a wedding.

Material: Leather and silver

Cabela's

View On Cabelas.com

Bolo ties are classically western, but some take that nod even further. We love the mix of silver and gold in this Southwest-inspired tie, especially for a wedding. The clasp features a gold and black southwestern design with a unique scalloped edging that stands out in the crowd. Plus, the arrow tips are a great addition to the detailing.

Material: Leather and silver

Minima Maxima Shop Tortoise Shell Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $76

For something a little different, we can’t stop staring at this handmade tortoiseshell bolo tie. Unlike other bolo ties, this one has more of a gold and tan color scheme with tan leather cord and a wooden art deco-style clasp with acrylic tortoiseshell front and center.

Material: Maple hardwood, acrylic, copper, and leather

Minima Maxima Shop Modern White and Gold Bolo Tie

Etsy

View On Etsy $66

If you love the bolo tie trend but want something that feels a little more modern and quirky, this is our top pick. The tie features beautiful white cords with charm tips and a handmade contemporary wooden clasp featuring acrylic detailing in the center. The tie is a nod to western style with some art deco flair, making it a great choice for any bohemian-style wedding.

Material: Maple hardwood, acrylic, and brass

Meet the Expert

Linda Davis is a stylist at House of Colour in the Kansas City, Missouri area.
Lydia Winkler is a style expert and tech founder who makes bolo ties in her free time.

What to Look for in Bolo Ties

Scale

“Pay attention to scale,” says stylist Linda Davis, adding that it’s important to consider whether or not you look better in a small, medium, or large clasp before shopping for a bolo tie. Also, it’s important to consider the scale of the clasp with the scale of your collar. “Pair a small bolo clasp with a narrow collar [and] a larger bolo clasp with a wider collar,” Davis adds.

Face Shape

Davis also recommends paying attention to your face shape. “Men with a round or molded looking face will often look better in a round or oval clasp,” says Davis. “Men with a more angular or chiseled face may look best in a more angular clasp."

Personality and Style

“Look for them to be personal,” says Lydia Winkler, a style expert and tech founder who makes bolo ties in her free time. It’s also important to consider personal style—especially in a wedding setting. If the groom and groomsmen are wearing bolo ties, she recommends choosing them "based on the groom’s style."

FAQ

What is a bolo tie?

“A bolo tie is a necktie with a braided cord [and] metal tips held together with a clasp,” says Winkler. They are also sometimes referred to as shoestring ties and can be made of cord or braided leather. The clasp is typically something ornamental and statement-making. “Traditionally, they have had more of a western look to them,” says Davis. “But the style has come back with a wider range of varieties that appeals to those looking for a more casual, urban, or quirky look for the groom and groomsmen,” Davis adds.
What should your bolo tie match?

Thanks to their often intricate design, bolo ties can bring in color through the choice of metal, cord, and the clasp’s gemstone, crystal, or glass stone. “While the color doesn’t necessarily have to match the bridesmaid dresses, it should harmonize with the color scheme of the wedding,” says Davis. “Consider using the same metal color on your tie as you chose for the wedding rings."
Can you wear bolo ties to your wedding?

“If this style feels authentic to the groom, a bolo tie is a fun way to bring some personality and character to your wedding,” says Davis, adding that style is less about what is on-trend and more about who you are. “If a bolo tie fits your personality and personal style, go for it."
How do you wear a bolo tie?

With bolo ties, you don’t have to deal with the fuss of tying a tie, so they are very easy to wear. “Traditionally, bolo ties are worn like any other necktie, with a collared shirt buttoned to the top and the tie firm around your neck,” says Davis. That being said, if your wedding or the wedding you are attending is slightly informal and more laid back, you can loosen the tie slightly. “The tips of the tie should end approximately four inches below your breastbone,” she says.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. From working in the fashion closet and interviewing designers at NYLON Magazine to writing about the best style trends for various publications, Jessie researches and sources the best fashion finds. As a life-long crafter and lover of anything handmade, Jessie appreciates the intricacy and craftsmanship of a bolo tie. When sourcing the best bolo ties, she kept quality at top of mind while also considering bold design and uniqueness.

5 Non-Traditional Wedding Shoe Ideas for Brides to Consider

Best Overall

Nudie Jeans Nisse Bolo Tie Black

Best Budget

Huabola Calyn Bolo Tie

Best Personalized

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Initial Bolo Tie

Best Vintage-Inspired

Craft by Jasper Bolo Tie

Most Unique

Minima Maxima Shop Pansy Lariat Bolo Tie

For the Minimalist

Katie Kismet Black Diamond Metallic Bolo Tie

Best Splurge

Prada Brushed Leather Bolo Tie

Best Gold

Designs by Maral Southwestern Brass Bolo Tie

Best Turquoise

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Turquoise Bolo Tie

Best Silver

Montana Silversmiths Men's Silver Bolo Tie

Best Western

Montana Silversmiths Scalloped Bolo Tie

Best Turtle Shell

Minima Maxima Shop Tortoise Shell Bolo Tie

Best Modern

Minima Maxima Shop Modern White and Gold Bolo Tie

Related Stories

The 13 Best Bolo Ties for Sophisticated Western Flair

Best Overall

Nudie Jeans Nisse Bolo Tie Black

Best Budget

Huabola Calyn Bolo Tie

Best Personalized

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Initial Bolo Tie

Best Vintage-Inspired

Craft by Jasper Bolo Tie

Most Unique

Minima Maxima Shop Pansy Lariat Bolo Tie

For the Minimalist

Katie Kismet Black Diamond Metallic Bolo Tie

Best Splurge

Prada Brushed Leather Bolo Tie

Best Gold

Designs by Maral Southwestern Brass Bolo Tie

Best Turquoise

Belts Buckles Bolos Southwestern Turquoise Bolo Tie

Best Silver

Montana Silversmiths Men's Silver Bolo Tie

Best Western

Montana Silversmiths Scalloped Bolo Tie

Best Turtle Shell

Minima Maxima Shop Tortoise Shell Bolo Tie

Best Modern

Minima Maxima Shop Modern White and Gold Bolo Tie

What to Look for in Bolo Ties

Scale

Face Shape

Personality and Style

Why Trust Brides

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