Wooden bow ties sound like a gimmick. Or a craft fair project gone wrong. But if you’ve spent any time looking at men's accessories over the last decade, you've probably seen a Two Guys Bow Tie. They aren't just blocks of wood strapped to a collar; they are intricate, laser-cut pieces of wearable art that managed to bridge the gap between "hipster novelty" and "high-fashion staple." Honestly, it’s a weird success story.
It started in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Adam Teague and Tim Paslay—the actual two guys—weren't looking to disrupt the silk industry. They were just playing around with scraps of wood and high-end fabrics. Most people think fashion has to come from Milan or New York. These guys proved that wrong from a workshop in the Midwest.
The Design Philosophy Behind the Two Guys Bow Tie
A Two Guys Bow Tie is a study in texture. Think about the standard silk tie. It’s shiny, soft, and frankly, a bit predictable. Now, imagine African Zebrawood, Peruvian Walnut, or Canarywood. The grain is the pattern. You aren't wearing a print; you're wearing a slice of nature.
The construction is actually pretty clever. They use a flexible suede or leather middle piece that allows the wood to sit flush against the neck. This solves the "Is it uncomfortable?" question immediately. No, it doesn't poke you in the chin. It’s surprisingly lightweight. Most of their pieces weigh less than an ounce. That’s lighter than a heavy metal watch.
Materials That Actually Matter
They don't just use plywood from a big-box store. We’re talking about exotic hardwoods sourced with intent. Some pieces feature mother of pearl inlays. Others use genuine leather centers that age and patina over time. It’s this weird mix of old-world carpentry and modern laser-cutting technology that makes them stand out in a sea of clip-ons.
Why Wood Became a Wardrobe Essential
You might be wondering who actually wears these things. It isn't just guys at indie weddings. Celebrities like Mike Tyrell and Jeff Goldblum have been spotted rocking them. Even NBA players, known for their aggressive tunnel walks, have integrated the Two Guys Bow Tie into their pre-game fits. It works because it's a conversation starter.
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Fashion is usually about fitting in or standing out. The wooden bow tie lets you do both. In a room full of black silk ties, the guy in the Birdseye Maple bow tie is the one people remember. It’s a "statement piece" in the truest sense of the word.
Breaking the Formal Rules
Traditionalists might scoff. "A tie should be fabric!" Sure, if it’s 1954. But modern style is about breaking those rigid boundaries. The beauty of the Two Guys Bow Tie is its versatility. You can wear it with a crisp white button-down and suspenders for a rustic look, or you can pair it with a three-piece suit to add an organic element to an otherwise stiff ensemble. It softens the corporate edge.
The Shark Tank Effect and Business Growth
Growth wasn't just organic. The brand got a massive boost after appearing on Shark Tank. If you remember the episode, they walked in looking for an investment to scale their Tulsa-based operation. Daymond John, the king of apparel, saw the potential.
But it wasn't just about the money. It was about validation. When a guy who built FUBU tells you your wooden ties are cool, the rest of the world starts paying attention. They expanded from just ties into lapel flowers, hats with wooden brims, and even pocket squares that don't wilt.
The "Two Guys" brand became a symbol of American craftsmanship. In an era of fast fashion and disposable clothes, they leaned into the "handmade in the USA" narrative. People crave that. They want to know that someone in Oklahoma actually sanded the edges of the thing they’re wearing to their best friend's wedding.
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How to Style Your Two Guys Bow Tie Without Looking Like a Lumberjack
Keep it simple. That’s the golden rule. If your tie is made of exotic wood with a bold grain, your shirt shouldn't be fighting it for attention.
- The Shirt: Stick to solid colors. White, light blue, or a subtle grey. Avoid heavy flannels unless you’re going for the full "urban woodsman" vibe.
- The Suit: Navy and charcoal are your best friends here. The warmth of the wood (especially Walnut or Koa) pops beautifully against dark blues.
- The Occasion: Weddings are the bread and butter for these ties. But don't sleep on them for galas, holiday parties, or even a fancy date night.
One thing people get wrong? They think the wood needs to match their belt and shoes perfectly. It doesn't. As long as the tones aren't clashing—like a very red Cherry wood with very yellow tan shoes—you’re fine. Contrast is usually better than a perfect match anyway.
Maintenance: It’s Easier Than You Think
You don't need to varnish your tie. Honestly, the natural oils from your hands will help the wood age over time. Just keep it out of the rain. While a little splash won't kill it, you shouldn't be wearing a Two Guys Bow Tie to a pool party or during a downpour.
If it gets dusty, a simple microfiber cloth does the trick. Store it in the box it came in. Because it's wood, it can't be crushed like a silk tie, but it can be scratched. Treat it like a piece of jewelry rather than a piece of clothing.
The Future of Alternative Materials in Fashion
The success of Two Guys Bow Tie opened the floodgates. Now we see watches made of stone, sunglasses made of buffalo horn, and wallets made of carbon fiber. We are moving away from the "all-fabric" wardrobe.
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It’s about tactile diversity.
The wooden bow tie was the scout that went ahead and proved the market existed. It showed that men are willing to experiment with unconventional materials if the craftsmanship is high enough. It’s not a fad; it’s a shift in how we define "luxury." Luxury isn't just about the price tag anymore; it's about the story and the material.
Practical Steps for Choosing Your First Tie
If you're ready to dive in, don't just grab the first one you see. Think about your existing wardrobe.
- Check your skin tone. If you have a pale complexion, darker woods like Walnut or Ebony provide a nice contrast. If you have a darker skin tone, lighter woods like Maple or Zebrawood really stand out.
- Look at the "Center" fabric. The fabric in the middle of the tie is what connects it to the rest of your outfit. If you wear a lot of denim, find a tie with a navy or leather center.
- Consider the shape. Two Guys offers different cuts—some are traditional "butterfly" shapes, while others are more angular or "diamond" point. Choose the one that fits your face shape. Rounder faces usually benefit from the sharper, more angular tie shapes.
Don't overthink it. It's a bow tie. It's supposed to be fun. The moment you start taking a wooden accessory too seriously, you've missed the point of wearing one in the first place. Put it on, straighten your collar, and wait for the "Is that actually wood?" comments to start rolling in. They always do.