The bolo tie, a distinctive piece of Western fashion, emerged in the American Southwest in the mid-20th century, though its exact origins are debated. Its history ties to Native American craftsmanship, cowboy culture, and post-World War II style trends.

In the 1940s, Victor Cedarstaff, an Arizona silversmith, is often credited with creating the first bolo tie. According to legend, while riding horseback, Cedarstaff’s  hatband slipped off, and he secured it around his neck with a silver clasp. Inspired, he crafted a leather cord with a decorative silver slide, naming it a bola after the boleadora, a South American gaucho tool with weighted cords. By 1949, Cedarstaff patented his design, marketing it as a bolo Wrangler Tie.

However, Native American artisans, particularly the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi, were already producing similar cord and slide neckwear using silver, turquoise, and leather, often inspired by their traditional jewelry. These pieces, worn by Native men and cowboys alike, predate Cedarstaff’s claim and suggest a broader cultural origin. Some historians argue the bolo tie evolved from these indigenous designs, blended with the practical neckwear needs of ranchers.

By the 1950s, bolo ties gained popularity in Western states, especially Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Hollywood’s romanticized cowboy imagery: think John Wayne and Roy Rogers helped spread the style. The tie’s adjustable cord and ornate clasp, often featuring gemstones, conchos, or Western motifs like steer skulls, appealed to both men and women. It became a symbol of rugged individualism and regional pride.

In 1971, Arizona officially named the bolo tie its state neckwear, followed by New Mexico in 1987 and Texas in 2007, cementing its cultural significance. The 1980s saw a mainstream resurgence, with bolo ties appearing in pop culture, from urban cowboys to rock stars. Designers experimented with materials, from classic silver and leather to plastic and neon for a modern twist.

Today, bolo ties remain a staple of Western fashion, worn for formal events, casual outings, or as collector’s items. Vintage pieces, especially Native American-crafted ones, are highly prized. The tie’s appeal lies in its versatility; part jewelry, part neckwear, and its blend of cultural heritages, reflecting the Southwest’s diverse history.

So over history, the Boleadora has had many names such as the bolo Tie. Mizz Boot Bola has repurposed the Bolo name and added a feminine quality by naming our boot accessory “Bolas”.