Motion to Expand Acceptable Formal Attire Categories in Bow Tie Battle Matches
WHEREAS the Bow Tie Battle match format—"The most elegant wrestling you've ever seen!"—has traditionally required competitors to wear bow ties during combat, representing the intersection of fashion and ferocity;
WHEREAS changing fashion standards, evolving member demographics, and formal feedback gathered at the 2024 Annual Convention suggest opportunity for thoughtful modernization;
WHEREAS several member clubs have petitioned for expanded neckwear options, citing regional fashion traditions, accessibility concerns, and one very passionate letter from the Southwest Regional Chapter about bolo ties;
BE IT RESOLVED that the following formal accessories shall be permitted as alternatives to traditional bow ties in Bow Tie Battle matches:
- Cravats (knotted in the Ascot style only; four-in-hand knots remain prohibited)
- Bolo ties (with CCWAA-approved medallions only; turquoise settings encouraged; minimum string length 18 inches)
- Pearl necklaces (triple-strand minimum; freshwater or South Sea; costume pearls subject to judge verification)
- Pocket squares (displayed prominently, not concealed; minimum 12" × 12" when unfolded)
THE BOARD EMPHASIZES that standard neckties remain STRICTLY PROHIBITED as they present a strangulation hazard, are aesthetically inferior to bow ties, and frankly lack imagination.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that cummerbunds remain "optional but strongly recommended" per existing regulations, and that competitors may request a "formal attire review" from judges prior to match commencement.
Submitted by: The Fashion Forward Wrestling Coalition
With support from: The Southwest Regional Chapter, The Pearl Enthusiasts' Auxiliary, and Three Anonymous Cravat Advocates
💬 Discussion (3)
Speaking as someone who wrestles for the Hamptons Croquet and Cryptocurrency Club, I fully support expanded accessory options. I've been wanting to compete in my great-aunt's vintage pearl choker for YEARS. It was worn at three presidential inaugurations. It deserves to see the inside of a wrestling ring. Also, my cravat collection is extensive and currently going to waste.
I support modernization in theory, but I'm concerned about the judging implications. How do you objectively score a cravat versus a bolo tie? Are all pearls created equal, or do South Sea pearls outrank freshwater? What constitutes 'prominent display' of a pocket square? We need a 47-member subcommittee to study this for at least 18 months before I can commit to a position. Abstaining pending further bureaucracy.
I've been a CCWAA member for 47 years—longer than some of these 'modernizers' have been ALIVE—and I have NEVER seen a pocket square displayed during combat. Never. Not once. This is a slippery slope, mark my words. Today pocket squares, tomorrow what? LAPEL PINS? Decorative brooches? Fascinators? WHERE. DOES. IT. END.
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