The way a man dresses speaks volumes of his character. In a world where baggy pants are normally around boys’ ankles, a dapper gentleman is even more appreciated and refreshing. This holds true especially for a group of House B boys, or as they call their “fraternity,” Beta House. The article of clothing that brought them all together? The iconic yet eye-catching bow tie.

Bow ties date back to Europe, seventeenth century and originally flourished in fashion as a new twist on the regular necktie. On Cape Cod, they are consistently seen on preppy men and are popular with famous clothiers, like Vineyard Vines, Brooks Brothers, and Lilly Pulitzer.

Barnstable High School athletes regularly dress to the nines on game days, and junior hockey player Mike McDonough smoothly pulled off a classic bow tie all season, starting a brotherhood that cannot go unnoticed by the BHS population.

The impeccably dressed gentlemen include sophomores to seniors, and according to House B guidance counselor, Mr. James Buckman, “the fraternity” already has “up-and-coming sophomores and juniors.”

However, not just anyone can join this exclusive brotherhood. As far as the actual tying goes, it’s practically a prerequisite.

“Everyone ties them, it’s part of initiation,” said senior Joe Egan.

“Pre-tied is cheating!” added senior Colby Blaze.

The seven guys are definitely distinguishable from the rest of the male population at BHS, sporting blazers and dress shirts, with preppy bow ties to match. “When you wear a tie, people see you. When you wear a bow tie, people remember you,” said senior Cam Curtin.

While a bow tie is classy in every way, the boys admit it takes a certain kind of guy to properly showcase and do it justice—after all, they do have an image to keep up as Beta House. So what kind of guy can pull it all off?

“He’s a gentleman, first and foremost,” said Egan.

According to Blaze, “He’s ruggedly handsome and gets everything he endeavors.” Blaze pulls his particular inspiration from a quote by bow tie entrepreneur Chae Michaels, “A well-dressed man is more confident, and a confident man is more productive.”

But their lifestyle is more than just the style factor – Beta House guys are firm believers that girls are sooner to swoon over a bow tie as opposed to its boring relative.

“I thought that was implied, it’s not even a question,” said McDonough.

Buckman said he pulled his inspiration for regularly donning the bow tie from McDonough, who consistently dresses exemplary, but Blaze said that Buckman, as their “founding father deserves more credit than he gives himself.” Buckman originally organized the boys together and played a major role as the creator of the crew.

Beta House members also strongly believe bow ties are worth taking out for every occasion, with any excuse they can imagine. “It’s fun, it’s stylish, we lead colorful lives,” said Buckman. He and his boys even gave Principal Patrick Clark a bow tie of his own to wear.

Through Beta House, the bow tie has had a steady and impressive revival in the wardrobe of Barnstable High’s mens’ fashion. “We brought it back,” said McDonough.

“We didn’t choose the bow tie, the bow tie chose us,” added Egan.