Bow Ties and Bourbon Bath and Body Works: The Ultimate Grooming Experience

Bow ties and bourbon – the two basic pieces of any man’s wardrobe that speak class and style. These sophisticated accessories are perfect for a contemporary gentleman who has an eye for finer things like luxury as they ooze elegance. But dressing up elegantly isn’t everything. In this day and age, a suave man knows that he needs to keep up with his grooming in this high fashion world.

And here’s where Bath & Body Works steps in, the unexpected hero in the world of men’s self-care. The name has been associated with beauty and pampering targeted at women, but now Bath & Body Works has launched a wide range of men’s products. Yes, that includes a bourbon-infused soap, a sandalwood cologne, and yes, even shape soap! So, are you as excited as I am to see this new range of bath and body products? Then let’s see how this iconic bow tie and its everything bourbon scented can enhance your grooming game.

The Symbolism of Bow Ties

What Is The Appeal Of A Bow Tie? Culture associates them deeply with intelligence, charm, and coolness. Great thinkers, artists, and leaders use it on a regular basis.

A bow tie definitely stands out from the average necktie in the fashion world. It first became prominent as a more flamboyant accessory in the 1950s and, when combined with other elements of men’s fashion, was always considered to be an attention grabber. Bows are very fashionable even today and almost every designer has them in their collections.

There is nothing inherently wrong with wearing a tie; however, feeling unique certainly has its appeal. It is important to remember that bow ties require bow tie shirts, but there are various styles of dress shirts available from Geoffrey Beene, Calvin Klien, Brooks Brothers, and countless other designers that look good with or without a tie. It’s worth noting that bow-wearing is more common in the US than in Europe.

Bow Tie Type	Material	Occasion	Level of Difficulty
Self-Tie	Silk	Formal	Advanced
Pre-Tied	Cotton	Casual	Beginner
Clip-on	Polyester	Costume	Effortless

 

It doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself a fan of self-tied, pre-tied, silk, or cotton bow ties, or if you save them for special occasions or wear them on a daily basis. One thing that is apparent is that bow ties are more than just an embellishment; they are a statement. They alone are enough to set the stage for a distinguished head-to-toe look.

Bourbon as a Symbol of Masculinity

Bourbon has long been referred to as the embodiment of masculinity, especially in the American Southern regions. If bow ties exhibit sophistication, then bourbon serves as its less refined counterpart in the scope of adult beverages. It gives off a romantic aura of deep bars, poker games, and ‘Mad Men’ types of places, where key decisions are made.

Bourbon is produced in a certain way, and these stipulations are strictly adhered to, almost like gentlemen’s etiquette, and do not need to be spelled. It’s not an impulsive drink and can be treated differently from a cheap whiskey shot. It’s not considered impolite to drink bourbon whenever and wherever, but there are entire rituals designed for it, and that needs to be respected. From the ingredients to the branding, every aspect requires distinct precision.

Yes, bourbon can get you buzzed; however, that isn’t its sole purpose. “Bourbon Culture” refers to an increasing number of people who not only enjoy the taste but also the heritage and craftsmanship of the drink. Whisky is on its way to becoming exotic, no longer will people just aim to get a decent kick out of it like the wine. Rather, the alcohol is set up to be discussed in detail and appreciated, like all alcohol ideally should be.

These values of tradition, craftsmanship, and taking one’s time are the very definition of masculinity. By choosing bourbon as his signature spirit a man is showing maturity, a respect for the finer things. It’s a drink to be sipped and savored not chugged recklessly. An appreciation for bourbon means a man values quality over quantity and tradition over trend.

But bourbon’s influence has gone beyond the bar cart and into the bathroom cabinet. The last 10 years have seen a massive increase in bourbon-infused grooming products from beard oils to colognes to shampoos. And that brings us to Bath & Body Works where the bourbon beauty trend has found an unlikely yet welcome home.

Bath & Body Works: The Men’s Collection

Imagine this: You walk past the usual array of fruity candles and floral lotions, enter a Bath & Body Works store…and head straight for the men’s section. Yes, you read that right. Amongst the sugary soaps and glittery sprays, there’s now a whole section of products for guys.

The men’s line at Bath & Body Works keeps it simple and sophisticated with a curated selection of classic scents: bourbon, sandalwood, leather, and cypress. Packaged in navy and silver, these aren’t your little brother’s Axe body sprays. They’re complex, layered fragrances for the grown man who wants to smell good without smelling like a high school locker room.

Product	Scent Profile	Key Ingredients	Format
Body Wash	Bourbon	Vanilla, White Pepper, Dark Amber	10 fl oz
2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash	Teakwood	Mahogany Teakwood, Lavender, Geranium	10 fl oz
Conditioning Beard Wash	Clean Slate	Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E	6 fl oz
Body Spray Cologne	Ocean	Cypress, Vetiver, Coastal Air	3.7 fl oz
Antiperspirant Deodorant	Noir	Sandalwood, Musk, Sage	3.7 oz

 

The real star of the B&BW Men’s Collection is the bourbon-scented body wash. With notes of vanilla, dark amber, and white pepper it’s a warm and woody scent that lingers on the skin. It’s definitely masculine but never overpowering, just right for the man who wants to feel clean and confident.

Other faves include the mahogany teakwood 2-in-1 hair and body wash, a fresh and earthy blend that’s also a moisturizing shampoo. And the clean slate conditioning beard wash, ocean-scented body spray cologne sandalwood, and sage antiperspirant for all-day freshness.

By going into men’s products Bath & Body Works has cornered the market. They’ve taken their body and fragrance expertise and translated it into guy-friendly products that feel luxurious but not too extravagant. Shopping the Men’s Collection feels efficient but still a little indulgent, like buying top-shelf bourbon that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Bow Ties and Bourbon-Inspired Grooming Products

However, how can we intermarry the polished coolness of a bow tie with the brawny sensuality of bourbon grooming items? It’s all about balance and intention. Just as a striking patterned bow tie gives a traditional suit life, or the proper bourbon gives a basic cocktail its grace, adding a bourbon-infused product to your morning regimen is a step up to every day.

The key is to view your grooming regimen as a chance to feel dashing, even when your attire errs on the side of casual. While a bow tie makes sense for a wedding or a boardroom, you’re probably not sporting one to the supermarket or the gym. However, by using a bourbon-scented body wash or beard oil, you’re still giving yourself a subtle cue that you’re looking to invest in self-care and sophistication.

Consider Bath Body Works’s beloved bourbon body wash. Sure, it serves a utilitarian purpose in getting you clean and smelling good. Yet just applying a dollop of that amber-colored cream to apply onto your skin is luxe. So, as the aroma of vanilla and spice rises with the steam of the shower, you can’t help, but feel a little like a star in a shower montage. Your simple daily scrub-down suddenly feels special.

Layering on a sandalwood and bourbon cologne in the morning, like this one from Cremo, or smoothing a dab of bourbon-infused beard oil through your whiskers, like this version from The Art of Shaving, sends the same message. That these small acts of self-care matter. That the man who tends this closely to the details of his appearance is one worth watching, worth knowing.

And when the occasion does call for more formal attire? Imagine how the faint lingering notes of that bourbon body wash might mingle with the wool of your suit as you secure your bow tie in the mirror. Having attended to your grooming so carefully only augments the power of that punctuation mark at your throat. You’ve paid attention to every aspect of your person, and that reads as deeply, undeniably attractive.

Creating the Ultimate Grooming Routine for Men

However, too much philosophizing about the virtues of clean looks is, frankly, tiring. You have specific suggestions for building your own bourbon barrel-and-bow tie-inspired routine. We’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide, featuring product recommendations from Bath Body Works’s unparalleled Men’s Collection:.

Step 1: Start your day with a steamy shower, lathering up with Bath Body Works Bourbon Body Wash. Take an extra minute to breathe in the warm, spicy scent and appreciate the tingle of the exfoliating formula.

Step 2: In case of rocking facial hair, massage some drops of The Art of Shaving Bourbon Reserve Blend Beard Oil by the whiskers to soften and smooth the unruliness hairs.

Step 3: Before getting dressed, dab on a musky cologne like Bath Body Works Noir Cologne on your pulse points. Take the application easy, you want to fascinate, not shock.

Step 4: Wear either the pristine white dress shirt for a formal occasion or a casually printed gingham or microdot button down, for an everyday type look, on the basis of the situation.

Step 5: Now for the pièce de résistance: the bow tie. For a sleek, timeless look, go with a classic black silk style. For a more trendy take, try a bow tie in a whimsical print like paisley or polka dot. Remember, the magic is all in the details.

Step 6: Finish your outfit with a smart pair of chinos or trousers and a leather belt. Go for it on all ends if your sock game is strong, even if a bright color or pattern is showing just from under your pant cuff and shoe.

Step 7: One last dose of bourbon-infused cologne on the nape of the neck as one last step before leaving the house. You know that you want that subtle smell to stay in the air, so that others feel drawn in to take a closer sniff.

By combining the polish of a bow tie with the subtle sexiness of bourbon grooming products throughout your routine, you’ll exude an aura of put-together masculinity all day long. Whether the occasion calls for a formal suit or broken-in jeans, you’ll look and feel your very best. Well-selected equipment and a focus on self-care are what make you unique in any environment.

FAQs

Q: How do I tie a bow tie?

A: There are a good number of ways it is possible to tie a bow tie, however, the traditional way is the self-tied way. The bow tie, with one end longer, lies across the front of your neck. Place the longer end over the shorter end to get an X. With the long end up and over the short end, tighten it whereby the short end passes under the long end and within the neck loop, pull it through the off side of the neck loop from underneath, fold it in half forming the front loop, then pull the folded loop through the knot behind the front loop. Adjust until even and snug against your collar.

Q: What’s the difference between a self-tie, pre-tied, and clip-on bow tie?

A: A self-tie bow tie is a piece of fabric (often silk, cotton or a blend) that is wrapped around the neck and held in its shape by tying it by yourself. This is considered the most traditional and formal style. A pre-tied bow tie is pre-knotted and adjustable also with a collar band. It is a viable choice if you cannot tie, but still desire the appearance of a knot bow tie. A clip-on bow tie has a clip that fastens to the collar. Clip-ons are the least professional and are generally only acceptable for tthe heatrical wearer.

Q: Can I wear a bow tie casually or is it only for formal occasions?

A: Although bow ties are better known with formal attire, such as tuxedos, they can be worn to be much more informal. The most important thing is to select a bow tie in a casual fabric, such as cotton or linen, and to wear relaxed garments, such as an Oxford cloth button-down shirt and chinos or dark denim. Do not use too formal accessories, bow tie should be the center of the outfit. Knit or wool bow tie is another possibility for a professorial look.

Conclusion

In a society where the notion of “metrosexual” is, quite literally, an old hat, interest in male looks and maintenance is no longer a punchline. On the contrary, taking pleasure in one’s appearance is now understood to be a key aspect of the male condition. Through a deliberate selection of the constituents of your toilette – that silk flash at your neck, that heady aroma of bourbon as you meander past – you’re toeing the line of the great lineage of gentlemen of yesteryears.

By searching out items that meet your whims and wants, such as the surprisingly sophisticated Men’s Collection from Bath Body Works, you’re investing in yourself. That nice bourbon wash, for heaven’s sake, yet also feels like a splurge, but you deserve it, don’t you? Just as you would reach for a more expensive cut of beef or a very exclusive liquor, you should get grooming products that leave you looking and feeling your best.

So go ahead and buy yourself that Reputation Black Reserve Cologne you’ve been wanting. Grab that silk paisley bow tie, the one that nails your mischievous side. The contemporary man knows that the key to looks and success is not just in the suit that hangs on your back or the watch on your wrist. It’s the confidence that comes with knowing you’ve attended to every detail with thought and care.

Next time you find yourself straightening your bow tie in the mirror or catching a whiff of that alluring bourbon scent on your skin, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. How you’ve graduated from the frantic drugstore aftershave grab to a curated array of products that reflect your tastes and values. Bourbon, bow ties, a top-shelf grooming regimen – you’ve earned all of it in this sophisticated way of life. Just go out there and start the day like the dashing fella you are.