guys bow ties

Blog
Camren Williamson

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on May 09, 2016

Handmade right here in Oklahoma, this distinctive line of wooden bow ties have quickly become the most talked about style to date. Where hometown pride meets innovative style, each bow tie features a front-etched skyline of the city of your choosing.                

There are four main wood types we offer as a part of our stock designs. These include: Walnut, Maple, Sapele, and Padauk (pictured below from left to right). The Walnut and Padauk woods are paired with a neutral gray centerpiece, while the Maple and Sapele wood types feature an eye-catching blue fabric. All four pairings are specifically chosen to compliment the wood’s tone and natural grain, as well as their unique variations. You can find these styles on our website by clicking here.

However, similar to our custom bow tie builder on our website, we also have a page where you are able to choose your own wood type, skyline, as well as the center fabric to completely customize your cityscape wooden bow tie to make the perfect gift for someone you love or to match a specific outfit in your wardrobe. The link to design your custom skyline bow tie can be found here. We have 8 wood types and 35 fabrics for you to select from with the price ranging from $75 to $90 depending on the wood species you decide on. Like the rest of our wooden bow ties, the adjustable elastic band sits snugly around the shirt collar for a comfortable fit.

Currently we offer over 60 cityscapes including:

       

                 

Once your skyline bow tie is ordered, our maker’s process takes about 2-3 days as each skyline is handcrafted to order. As soon as the wood piece is hand selected, laser etched, and the fabric and strap are carefully secured, you receive an email notifying you that your USA made wooden bow tie is on it’s way to your front door!

But don’t forget to post a photo of your new tie on Instagram or Facebook when it arrives and tag us in it! We love hearing from you all. 

Blog
Camren Williamson

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on August 18, 2016

According to National Bow Tie Day’s website “One of the most symbolic expressions of dressing well and doing well is the bow tie. Bow ties have a long history of prominence in the menswear world, dating as far back as the 17th century.”

Wearing bow ties are about confidence and putting your best foot forward in all that you do. Today, they’re reemerging and even considered elusive accessories as they’re worn by influential characters, political leaders, celebrities, intellectuals, chefs, etc. The bow tie is a style statement that simply never goes unnoticed.

So every year, a day is chosen to celebrate this icon menswear accessory and promote the personality and confidence behind the bow tie. The chosen day for 2016 is August 28th.

In celebration of this special day—one of our favorite days of the year—we are going to host a GIVEAWAY for a FREE FLOYD BOW TIE.

So join us August 26-29 and get your chance to win a free wooden bow tie for a friend or keep it for yourself. We won’t blame ya if you do.

Here’s how you’ll be able to enter to win on Instagram: simply like our post, tag a friend who loves bow ties in the comments, and make sure you’re following us on Instagram. FOR 5 ADDITIONAL ENTRIES–post a photo wearing your favorite bow tie of ours and tag us in it!

To enter on Facebook: simply like our post, tag a friend who loves bow ties in the comments, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook. FOR 5-10 ADDITIONAL ENTRIES—share the post and/or post a photo on your newsfeed of you wearing your favorite bow tie of ours and tag us in it!

This giveaway will be live until Monday night at 11:59pm central time. Winner will be announced Tuesday!

Blog
Camren Williamson

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on April 15, 2016

There are several ways to fold our two different styles of wooden pocket squares. Today, we’re going to show you how to do a handful of them. 

1. One Point Fold

Step 1: Lay the pocket square on a flat surface with the wooden pattern facing up. 
Step 2: Find the center line of the pattern (four rows on each side) and fold the pocket square in half.
Step 3: Find the center point of the pattern (the top of the fold, 4 columns on each side) and pick the pocket square up off the table. Then take one side, make an inverted triangle until it looks like photo #4.
Step 4: Repeat the step above to the other side until it looks like photo #6. 
Step 5: Fold the two wings towards the enter until they overlap.

Once you’re done with Step 5, fold the bottom selvedge edge underneath so the pocket square is half the depth. After finishing that, simply situate it into your suit or vest pocket and you’re all set! 

2. Puff Fold


Step 1: Lay the pocket square on a flat surface with the wooden pattern facing up.
Step 2: Find the center point (4 rows x 4 columns) and lift the pocket square off the surface. 
Step 3: With one hand holding that center point, use your other hand to gather the rest of the pocket square where the wooden pattern meets the remaining fabric. 
Step 4: Lay the pocket square gently on your surface and fold the bottom portion up towards the midline of poof.

After finishing that, simply situate it into your suit or vest pocket and you’re all good to go! 

3. Square Fold

Step 1: Lay the pocket square on a flat surface with the wooden pattern facing down.
Step 2: Fold over one side of the pocket square so two columns of the wood pattern are visible.
Step 3: Fold the other side of the pocket square so one column of the wood patter is showing.
Step 4: Fold the edge without selvedge up to meet the edge with the selvedge. 

Once you finish Step Four, fold the wooden edge up past the selvedge edge and you’re ready to situate it in your suit or vest pocket!

4. Square Fold (For Dot Pattern)

Step 1: Step 1: Lay the pocket square on a flat surface with the wooden pattern facing down.
Step 2: Fold one side over to the 2/3 line. 
Step 3: Fold the other side until it’s just short of the folded edge. 
Step 4: Fold the pocket square in half by bringing the non-selvedge edge up against the selvedge edge.

Once you finish Step Four, fold the fabric edge over, making sure it doesn’t go beyond the selvedge edge. After that, you’re ready to situate it in your suit or vest pocket!

Blog
Camren Williamson

Pittsburgh Wedding Lapel Flower

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on July 15, 2014

Tim Paslay is the co-owner and designer of Two Guys Bow Ties.  Below he shares with us a little about his background for woodwork and design, how Two Guys all began, his interests, and his future goals.

2GBT:  Tell us a little about your background:  what led to you being such a talented craftsman and designer?

TP:  My background is pretty interesting. I went to college wanting to be a doctor, but after my sophomore year I realized the money I would make wouldn’t be worth the lifestyle working in medicine required. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet, but I didn’t think I would figure it out taking classes.  I decided to finish my biochemistry degree and start working construction. I loved working with my hands and liked construction at first because I was learning lots of new skills. Once I was familiar with those skills, however, I got tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. I started working with some guys who built sets and themed environments and liked it.  Every job was different and required learning new things and finding unique solutions. All of my skills have been developed on the job and in the shop and I have tried to refine my design skills over time with classes and workshops.

2GBT:  What are your other interests besides woodwork/design?

TP:  The majority of my time is spent working and building things, but one of the few things I make time for is NBA basketball. We have had some success gaining traction among athletes and part of that is because it is something I love so much. It has also made our work that much more fun and rewarding.

2GBT:  What was the beginning of Two Guys?

TP:  I was working late one night in my shop on a set and the idea just popped into my head. I started searching wooden bow ties online and saw there were a couple of guys making wooden bow ties, but not like I pictured in my head. Adam and I would meet with one other friend about once a month to discuss business ideas and I mentioned it to them at one of our lunches. It piqued Adam’s interest, so he started running numbers and doing some other research. He came back and felt like it would work so we started making prototypes.

2GBT:  Do you enjoy fashion, or was the bow tie just a stroke of genius?

TP:  I’ve always liked fashion and style, but I’m also too cheap to dress how I really wanted.  In the past I haven’t had many opportunities or reasons to devote a lot of time and energy into my wardrobe.  Believe it or not, most guys on construction sites and wood shops don’t care if your jeans are American-made raw denim. 

I don’t get too wrapped up in what designers or brands someone is wearing, but I do think that what you wear is important, because it tells people a lot about you.

2GBT:  How would you describe your personal style?

TP:  I would describe my style in the same way I would describe our bow ties:  timeless or classic with a bit of a twist to make it interesting. The majority of my closet is made up of classic staple pieces, but I love to find vintage or unique pieces that catch people’s eye and set me a bit apart. I am not afraid to take chances or step outside the box, but I try not to over do it.

2GBT:  Any future plans you want to share?

TP: As far as Two Guys goes, I hope we keep expanding our product lines in a way that is interesting and authentic, and continue to put our unique stamp on men’s accessories. We also have talked to some people about some possible collaborations that we would love to have happen.

Personally, my wife, Kara, and I are developing a home design show and are currently pitching it to a few networks. It has been fun to see how it has developed and matured as my skill set and confidence have grown with Two Guys. I would love to get to work with Kara more. This past year and a half has been so busy with bow ties that I haven’t gotten to work with her as much as I had grown used to and I really miss that. She is a lot prettier than Adam and I always enjoy getting to create with her.

To learn more about Tim’s latest design endeavors, woodworking projects, and stunt reel capabilities, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. 

Custom Lapel
Blog
Camren Williamson

Custom Lapel

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on August 28, 2015

If you’re anything like most grooms you don’t care too much about the flower arrangements, the table settings, or maybe even the colors that’ll be used in your wedding ceremony. Most of that you’ll leave to your lady, not because you’re full of apathy, but because you know she’s been thinking about it since she was a girl. The problem is brides don’t usually consider the ways they’ll convey your masculinity. It’s going to be up to you to convey a dapper gentleman’s wedding, and we have just the thing—a manly groom’s boutonniere. Our wooden lapel flowers are the perfect rugged compliment to bring balance to your otherwise flowery wedding.

There are a few good reasons why a wooden lapel flower is the perfect manly groom’s boutonniere. Allow us to explain how your decision to use a wooden lapel flower instead of a traditional boutonniere could make your wedding equal parts Cinderella Story and dapper gentleman’s wedding. There are three main reasons:

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New Haven Lapel Flower

They’re Not Real Flowers; They’re Manly Flowers

Traditional groom’s boutonnieres are usually made of real flowers. We’re not saying you should be against flowers, but it’s not the most masculine thing you could pin to your lapel. The most masculine thing that will still honor your brides’ femininity, is indeed a flower, but it’s one that’s been handcrafted in the U.S.A. out of a solid hardwood tree.

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Photo: Susannah Blatchford Photography

They’re Not Real Flowers; They’re Forever Flowers

Another problem with the groom’s traditional boutonniere made from real flowers is the problem of their ability to last. In a matter of hours, those real (probably beautiful) flowers are going to shrink and shrivel so much so that you’ll be lucky to make it back from your honeymoon before they look like crushed potporri. And that’s if they even make it through all the dancing. A wooden lapel flower is the perfect manly groom’s boutonniere because it’s made to last. You’ll be able to pull it out and wear it on your five year or even ten year anniversary.

They’re Not Real Flowers; They’re Useful Flowers

Not only will a wooden lapel flower be the most manly kind of flower you can utilize for your dapper gentleman’s wedding, but it’ll stand the test of time as you’ll be enjoying it as a reminder of your ceremony for many years to come. Finally, a handmade wooden lapel flower from Two Guys Bow Ties is like the Army knife of sophisticated menswear accessories. You could just as easily wear it to your boss’ barbecue as you could wear it for dinner at you and new bride’s favorite date night location. Our products are workhorses. They’ll do it all. You can’t say the same thing about a real flower groom’s boutonniere. That will just be taking up space before the summer’s gone.

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Photo: Susannah Blatchford Photography

We gave you a pretty good run down on the benefits of choosing a wooden lapel flower for your dapper gentleman’s wedding. But it’s not only a great choice for some rugged guy looking for the perfect manly groom’s boutonniere, it’s also a great gift for groomsmen. Best of all, if you don’t see a style you like, you can always custom order or build your own on our website.

Blog
Camren Williamson

As Seen on SHARK TANK

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on October 05, 2015

All of us here at Two Guys Bow Tie Co.™ are so excited to announce the official launch of our newest product line, the Wood-Brimmed Fedoras! With over four colors and four sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one to fit your style. 

After our first batch of hats we tested last year, it became quite obvious to us people were loving our innovative take on the traditional fedora. So we knew we had found our next product line. 

Each wooden fedora is carefully handcrafted by our best wood-workers right here in our local wood shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Because of the carefully planned process and selected materials these beautiful hats are made with, the walnut brim is incredibly smooth and lightweight, the felt is high quality and comfortable, and the genuine leather is carefully cut and hand-dyed by us as well.  

These wood-brimmed fedoras are an investment. Each fedora is shipped to you along with a canvas bag to store it in and directions in how to best care for it. Also included in the package are: a bottle of mineral oil and some sandpaper we cut into the shape of the USA. We’re proud of the fact our products are American-made and we want to share that with you guys–our greatest supporters. By using the care package we put together, your new wooden fedora will grow to become even better with age and wear. 

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Because each hat is made to order, the production time is typically between 2-3 weeks. We take the time to make sure each wood-brimmed fedora we send out is of the highest quality as that is our brand standard. 

The four styles we offer at this time are: gray (top left), navy (top right), black (bottom left), and brown (bottom right)

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Each fedora has a Walnut brim and comes in sizes: Small (55cm), Medium (57cm), Large (59cm), and X-Large (61cm). Because this sizing method is not exactly typical, we do also offer foam padding to ensure the perfect fit! 

However, if you happen to get yours in the mail and realize you need to exchange it for a different size, simply send us an email at: [email protected] and we’ll get you taken care of. All you have to do is pay $14 for shipping (the cost of sending it one-way) and the rest is on us! Just let us know what size you need and we’ll get the new one on it’s way to you as soon as possible. 

It’s amazing to us how quickly this new product has become both a fan and staff favorite and we’re excited to hear what you think of it as well! 

Blog
Camren Williamson

FAQ's

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on July 21, 2016

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One of our favorite exotic wood species is Zebrawood. It’s easily recognized for it’s light brown/cream color with dark blackish brown streaks vaguely resembling a zebra’s stripes. These stripes can be either chaotic and wavy, or somewhat uniform in appearance. Even though it’s strong and has a fairly high density, the bold appearance is it’s most stunning point of interest. (“Mr. T” pictured above–find it here)

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Bocote, another exotic species we offer, has a yellowish brown body with dramatic dark brown to almost black stripes. This natural grain patterning is quite striking, and it’s not uncommon to see “eyes” (similar to knots) and other figurings in it. Finished off with a naturally oily/waxy feel and great luster, it’s no wonder this wood type is on our list of crowd favorites. (“Frank” pictured above–find it here)

russell

Black Ebony, a dense black hardwood, is actually dense enough to sink in water. It’s finely textured and has a very smooth finish, making it one of the more valuable and expensive types of wood in the world. Typically, Black Ebony does not grow in thick stands or under closed cover but prefers a more solitary existence, often taking hold in rocky and infertile soils where other plants can’t survive. During its early years it develops an extensive system of roots to sustain its life during the long months of the African dry season. Its growth is incremental and take decades to grow even 10 feet and mature into it’s coveted pure black color. (“Russell” pictured above–find it here)

arthur

Rosewood, on the other hand, has a beautifully rich dark reddish brown color. It’s high quality feel and appearance is a great choice for wood-workers and the guy who seems to have everything. (“Arthur” pictured above–find it here)

One of our most unique wood types, Purple Heart, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. With more exposure, it’s freshly cut, dull grayish/purplish color becomes a deeper eggplant purple. (Do note, however, when exposed to large amounts of UV light, the color may shift to a dark brown with purple hues.) It’s strength is great for both form and function, and with a splash of color, it’s no wonder it’s labeled one of our most unique bow tie styles. (“Victor” pictured above–find it here)

Blog
Camren Williamson

“Russell” Combo

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on July 26, 2014

If you live in Dallas, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the many options available for men’s clothing. While we are sure there are an abundance of stores that offer high quality, stylish clothing for well-dressed gentlemen all over the metroplex, let us make your choice simple: WAREhaus Dallas is the only men’s clothing store you need to visit.

WAREhaus Dallas began in September of 2012 under the direction of trendsetter Patrick Ware. From the first day they opened their doors, they have pushed to create a man-driven fashion haus with a focus on building relationships and providing unique, cutting edge pieces to Dallas.

Patrick’s vision should be enough to help you decide to choose WAREhaus for all of your fashion needs. With WAREhaus, you are guaranteed to find the highest quality, most unique clothing and styles available. Each cutting edge piece is selected with care, guaranteed to provide you with the most unique fashion options around the metroplex (and beyond). WAREhaus was also built upon a commitment to customer service. Patrick grew up in a home where hospitality was a part of everyday life. He wants the men who come into his clothing store to feel like they are actually walking into his home.

Your first step inside WAREhaus is a reminder that you aren’t entering another cookie-cutter men’s clothing store in Dallas. You are entering a man’s fashion haus that offers you nothing but the highest quality, most unique cutting edge pieces around. We’ve loved the way Patrick has integrated our wooden bow ties and lapel flowers throughout his store.

Because WAREhaus Dallas celebrates unique fashion, Two Guys Bow Ties is a great addition to the store (how many wooden bow ties and lapel flowers do you see in any of those other men’s clothing stores you’ve visited?). Just as we seek to provide craftsmanship into every wooden bow tie we make, Patrick seeks to provide only the highest quality clothing and accessories to his customers. It’s a great fit, and we love getting to partner with Patrick and WAREhaus Dallas.

If you want to read more about WAREhaus Dallas and Two Guys Bow Ties (as well as see Patrick wearing one or our wooden bow ties well), check out this recent mention by D Magazine. For those of you who don’t live in Dallas but still want access to unique, cutting edge fashion pieces, they will soon be launching their new website: WAREhaus Dallas.

Blog
Camren Williamson

“Russell” Combo

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on December 16, 2014

It’s unclear why exactly the valet tray became a modern man’s accessory, but it’s not beyond comprehension to assume that it was really just an effort to allay those all too frequent, “Where’s my keys?” moments of frantic pocket searching seconds before you’ve intended to leave. For a more uneventful history of the valet, you may be interested in its likely ancestor—the clothes valet. For the last 200 years, those who’ve had the means to don fine clothing have needed an item to organize it while off their bodies. Enter the clothes valet.

If every modern man over the last two centuries who owns fine goods has required a beautiful piece of organizing furniture, shouldn’t you also? We think a luxurious hardwood valet tray is just what you need. Especially considering that it’s hardly just a man’s keys that he needs to be mindful of these days.

There’s normally something unsightly about seeing the contents of a man’s pockets splayed out as he works at his office or home. But finding somewhere to stash his EDC can also be a problem because it eliminates a degree of accessibility and spontaneity. That’s why we’ve created our wooden valet trays to be masculine works of art. They’re some of the most appropriately sized trays on the market, and their aesthetic composition is unrivaled. This makes them a perfect display piece fit for any desk, counter, shelf, or nightstand.

We’ve selected the most lustrous portions of hardwood stock to create our five different valet trays. Each one will have a depth to its grain and finish that represents the finest a tree had to offer. Each one is uniquely different, as the grains of each portion of board are uniquely different.

The final bit craftsmanship comes in the form of our contrasting inlays of various other hardwood species. The stripes are what really give our trays the uniqueness you’ve come to expect from Two Guys Bow Ties. We think we’ve hit the nail on the head with this product. Get organized with these premium display trays. They’re no doubt as unique and handsome as you. Trust us, there’s not a more dapper bit of furniture that will help you always be on time, or even show up early, and get organized throughout the coming year.

Blog
Camren Williamson

Jack

Posted by Two Guys Bow Ties on April 07, 2016

1. The Button-Up/Collared Shirt

The first staple in wearing a bow tie, is a collared shirt. Smaller sized patterns tend to be a lot more visually appealing when paired with a bow tie compared to a large plaid styles. There is a whole range of colors, patterns, and types of collars, so get creative. Just make careful in mixing patterns to make sure they contrast each other. For example, vertical stripes and single color checks look great with polka dots, while a window pane pattern pairs well with slightly more mixed patterns that can include lines and/or shapes. Also, adding a vest or a jacket over top your button-up shirt is a great way to draw the eye to the bow tie, as well as give structure and shape to the whole outfit.

Image Source: here.

2. The Vest

The vest is our favorite go-to clothing item to wear a bow tie with. Whether your sleeves are buttoned up or rolled up, your ensemble looks classy dressed up or dressed down. They’re extremely versatile as they can be worn with a button up in the spring or can be layered underneath a jacket for the fall. Take a look at some examples were a fan of below.

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Image Source: here.

3. Suspenders

A common men’s accessory, especially at spring and summer weddings, makes a great pair with a bow tie. There are several different thicknesses, clamps, style backs, and colors/patterns, which allows it to make a great fashion statement based on your individual style. Click here to shop at one of our favorite go-to places for finding your next pair.

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Image Source: here.

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Image Source: here.

4. Cardigans

The cardigan is another piece of clothing that adds interest to an ensemble and increases the versatility of the other pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. There is such a natural ease about them, which also makes them a great way to look dapper while staying casual. Ninety percent of the time, it is important to leave the bottom two buttons undone. Just trust us on this one. Most cardigans are a solid color and come in varying textures. It’s important to choose a neutral that goes well with your button-up, or venturing out with a colored cardigan and pairing it with a more neutral shirt. Certainly, again, there are exceptions to this, but it’s a great starting point.

Image Source: here.

5. Pull-Over Sweaters

Many people like to wear sweaters with their neck ties and button-up shirt. We think this is a great idea, however, we have come to believe that crew neckline appear to be more flattering for bow ties, while the v-neck style is more fitting for a regular long tie. It may be a rule of ours, but we all know there are exceptions to every rule! Check out the different ensembles we liked below

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Image Source: here.

Image Source: here.