First making its appearance in the 17th century the bow tie has evolved over time, a wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.

 

Upper class citizens noticed this new trend and began adopting the style as their own. Adoptions by the upper class  made the cravat blow up in the 18 & 19th centuries, eventually, becoming the bow tie we know today; the newest evolution being the incorporation of the knitted finish.