# Do bow ties meet the dress code requirements for fancy restaurants? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 31, 2013, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423 "2013-03-31T14:10:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/1 "2013-03-31T14:10:10Z")
Fancy restaurants often require suit jackets and a tie. I’ve heard some even supply them at the door for patrons not properly attired. I make a point to avoid those places. If I were to go… Would a bow tie and jacket be acceptable? _Bow Ties are cool_ - The Doctor ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/2 "2013-03-31T14:13:14Z")
It should meet dress code and the Doctor is wrong on this one. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/3 "2013-03-31T14:20:46Z")
Bow ties are cool if you are one of the rare breed that wear them. I only know 2 guys that do and they both, surprisingly, look stylish rather than stupid. As to dress code, are you using a time machine to visit restaurants from long ago when people could be bothered giving you shit about whether you wore a jacket or tie? If so try 1971, I had a lot of fun that year. And had to wear a jacket and tie a couple of times. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/4 "2013-03-31T14:25:19Z")
Since bow ties are standard for “formal” attire (tux), I don’t see how it can be inappropriate for “semi-formal” (suit and tie). (Yes, I know there are other definitions for these terms…) ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/5 "2013-03-31T14:35:38Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > Bow ties are cool if you are one of the rare breed that wear them. “Ventriloquist’s dummy” isn’t a “breed”. > [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > I only know 2 guys that do and they both, surprisingly, look stylish rather than stupid. Were their last names Farrakhan and Redenbacher? > [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > As to dress code, are you using a time machine to visit restaurants from long ago when people could be bothered giving you shit about whether you wore a jacket or tie? If so try 1971, I had a lot of fun that year. And had to wear a jacket and tie a couple of times. This. Unless the OP are going to jump into the TARDIS on a man date to some stuffy French restaurant in the early 80s, you don’t need a jacket and tie. Remember that The Doctor also thinks fezzes are cool. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/6 "2013-03-31T14:53:02Z")
Bow ties are appropriate for every occasion. Just as with long ties, they can be fun, festive or formal depending on pattern and size. But for the love of Og, learn how to tie one. Clip-ons are not cool. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/7 "2013-03-31T14:55:19Z")
I was under the impression the really fancy places still had a dress code. Especially the restaurants inside the very fancy hotels. Like The London in NYC or some of the places in Washington DC. Even if it isn’t enforced at the door. I wouldn’t want to be the only guy in a polo shirt if everyone else is in coats and ties. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/8 "2013-03-31T14:58:10Z")
They have high standards about how clean and tidy your money looks. That’s about it here in Australia. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/9 "2013-03-31T15:07:18Z")
Meets the dress code for a restaurant, also the dress code for dweebs. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/10 "2013-03-31T15:24:28Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > Bow ties are cool if you are one of the rare breed that wear them. I only know 2 guys that do and they both, surprisingly, look stylish rather than stupid. > > As to dress code, are you using a time machine to visit restaurants from long ago when people could be bothered giving you shit about whether you wore a jacket or tie? If so try 1971, I had a lot of fun that year. And had to wear a jacket and tie a couple of times. > [@msmith537](#): > > This. Unless the OP are going to jump into the TARDIS on a man date to some stuffy French restaurant in the early 80s, you don’t need a jacket and tie. You MIGHT be able to get by without a tie, but most 5 star and 5 diamond restaurants most emphatically require a coat or jacket. [http://www.broadmoor.com/penrose-room/](http://www.broadmoor.com/penrose-room/) > **[SLOT77 : Situs BANGSAJP Slot Gacor 77 Slot Thailand Server Luar Negeri](https://awaywegomedia.com/)** > > Situs BANGSAJP Slot Gacor 77 Slot Thailand Server Luar Negeri [http://dallas.about.com/od/restaurants/tp/Five-Star-Restaurants-In-Dfw.htm](http://dallas.about.com/od/restaurants/tp/Five-Star-Restaurants-In-Dfw.htm) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/11 "2013-03-31T16:08:01Z")
We’re thinking about a trip to NYC and will be staying at a nice hotel. I’ll pack a blazer and bow tie. That should be formal enough. I don’t even own a suit coat. I’ve got several blazers that are nice. I don’t do clip-ons either. I learned to tie a tie or bow tie when I was a kid. ---
**Author:** ![DataX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@DataX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DataX)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/12 "2013-03-31T16:43:47Z")
I have eaten in a three star restaurant last week in NYC - jacket required - no jeans. I was meeting three friends and didn’t have the required clothes with me. This was no problem - I was dressed nice - nice button down, nice shoes, and jeans. I have had no problem eating at the finest restaurants in NYC and London wearing this - and even less. I would be shocked if abow tie didn’t count. I am sure there are some restaurants that strictly enforce this, but in places like NYC and London - with so many tourists - you’d probably have issues. Sometimes I have been wearing a jacket - so I don’t know about those restaurants. No one has ever treated me poorly at a restaurant based on my clothing in NYC/London (that I know of) ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/13 "2013-03-31T16:55:01Z")
Indeed. I’ve been to several restaurants in NYC that require a jacket (though not, IIRC, a tie). Le Bernardin and The Four Seasons both come to mind. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/14 "2013-03-31T16:55:19Z")
What about a nice " 4-in-hand"-such as worn by Doc Holliday-ca. 1870? ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/15 "2013-03-31T17:01:33Z")
This is why I always keep an ascot with me; to dress up my tank top. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/16 "2013-03-31T21:51:52Z")
At one place where jackets were “encouraged,” and I didn’t have one, and everyone else seated in the room did, I insisted to the manager that he insist I wear one, just so I could try one of the jackets he had in a closet for this type of situation. I found one that fit perfectly and looked quite good. I alays think of a quick bit in _Top Secret_, where the hero is stopped by the maitre d’ because hes not dressed right, steps out to the side, and returns a few moments later with a stunning hand-tailored/fitted tuxedo. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/17 "2013-03-31T22:01:49Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > Remember that The Doctor also thinks fezzes are cool. He’s fond of a stetson too. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2013, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/18 "2013-03-31T22:25:29Z")
Moved to Cafe Society. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/19 "2013-04-01T00:13:31Z")
For those of you who detest dressing up in any way. More power to you. I enjoy my 8 formal suits. Tuxedos, white tie and tails and a formal kilt outfit. When asked to escort a lady to an embassorial reception (I have) I’m ready! Yes, I do enjoy a matini on occaison ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2013, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423/20 "2013-04-01T05:30:06Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > As to dress code, are you using a time machine to visit restaurants from long ago when people could be bothered giving you shit about whether you wore a jacket or tie? **If so try 1971, I had a lot of fun that year.** And had to wear a jacket and tie a couple of times. 1971; late 1960’s - early 1970’s. Them was the days. The kewl crowd dressed [like this](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQd6jdZ9MPM/UK4ho0wVHmI/AAAAAAAACvg/RSXUrI_yHwM/s1600/alices-restaurant.jpg) at fine restaurants. And you could always get anything you want at those places too! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bow-ties-meet-the-dress-code-requirements-for-fancy-restaurants/654423.md?page=2)