#WFH won't last forever, so in this transitional time I've been doing (too much) shopping online, and thought to add a new, diamond-tipped, bow tie for my formalwear kit. The site I'm looking at offers black bow ties in both satin and grosgrain. While probably not too big a difference visually, does the Forum have opinions one way or another? Will probably wear with a vest more often vs a cumberbund. Thanks.
Bow tie for black tie; satin or grosgrain?
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I match my black tie bow tie to my lapel material.
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I am a source of general ignorance concerning formal and semi-formal dress, but by the eye, I'd likely be more willing to wear a satin tie with a grosgrain lapel, than other way 'round.
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Agree. When I bought mine, I just bought one to match the other... not being fanatic about it 
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As others have said, satin and grosgrain bow ties should match satin and grosgrain trimmings, respectively. That's the simplest take on this rule, but it's about matching the lustre of the bow tie to the facings. If your bow tie is noticeably shinier than you lapels, or vice versa, one of the two will look inferior to the other. People will think that one part of your outfit has too much shine or not enough shine. The kind of bow tie you pair with your outfit is more about harmony than it is about matching.
Because this is less of a rule and more of an idea of balance, there are other options beyond satin and grosgrain. For instance, there are barrathea and basketweave bow ties that pair wonderfully with grosgrain lapels because they match the dull sheen. I find that velvet bow ties can go nicely with either. Shantung silk bow ties are nice too, and depending on their lustre you can pair with either satin or ribbed facings.
Because this is less of a rule and more of an idea of balance, there are other options beyond satin and grosgrain. For instance, there are barrathea and basketweave bow ties that pair wonderfully with grosgrain lapels because they match the dull sheen. I find that velvet bow ties can go nicely with either. Shantung silk bow ties are nice too, and depending on their lustre you can pair with either satin or ribbed facings.
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I have an acquisition disorder (or two), and have two supper coats (peak and shawl), and a half dozen black ties, but the lapels of both coats and all the ties are satin. I had grosgrain bows on my shoes many years ago, but that was when pant legs were more commodious and hid the bows while I was standing.
Tom
Tom
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I wouldn't mix and match them myself. It would look odd as they would be similar (black and shiny) but not identical. That's always a dangerous situation. My personal rule is keep related items identical or make them radically different, but never only 'slightly different'.
Thanks everyone. As it ends up neither was too expensive so I got both grosgrain and satin. Surprised by the subtlety of the grosgrain, it's a very understated texture, and seemingly more interesting than the satin, but not in an attention-grabbing sort of way. Now if I could only find an occasion (any!) that a) is formal, b) not cancelled, and c) black tie. That seems a tall order nowadays.
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