

2. High Cotton | Raleigh, NC Camden Madras Bow Tie, $50 Get a bold look with a madras bow tie. This pink, yellow and orange look from High Cotton makes a statement and pairs well with a solid shirt and suit.


Recently Judy Hill was given a unique opportunity to produce a cotton T-shirt with the lowest carbon footprint. This launched a new campaign and effort that they call From Dirt to Shirt. The average T-shirt travels 17,000 miles during production, while High Cotton’s T-shirt travels only 750 miles from the beginning stages of growing the cotton to the finished product. North Carolina is the third largest producer of cotton in the United States and 50% of that crop is exported annually to produce items that are then imported. Judy was also lucky enough to acquire a prize in this past year’s harvest, the first 100% organic cotton crop known in North Carolina’s agricultural history which they will use to create an organic polo. Judy says, “Cotton is staple in Southern history and it is a blessing to get an opportunity to make such an inspiring product that creates so much change.” James says, “The ultimate goal is to bring the cotton back to the south. Not just to grow it, but also to weave it and produce quality American-made clothing with it.”


The first exclusively cotton bow-tie line in the nation, High Cotton is a family affair that has set its roots firmly in the North Carolina dirt...


High Cotton, a new Raleigh-based maker of washable cotton bow ties and cummerbunds, held a grand opening for its flagship store on Hargett St March 1.


Pocket Squares: Handmade in North Carolina, these High Cotton pocket squares can brighten up a suit and add polish to your weekend blazer-and-jeans uniform ($25 each; highcottonties.com).


"Jay wore a bow tie from High Cotton, a North Carolina company started by a family friend." Groom's and Groomsmen's Ties: High Cotton


“In the south a man does not need an excuse to wear a bow tie.”

It is High Cotton’s hope they will be able to “extend itself to our customers as a helping hand to properly reflect their individuality, in good conscience and in good style. Knowing that all of our products represent the revival of a southern tradition, we are more than happy to welcome you as a part of our mission.”

It’s a little too early to break out the pastel seersuckers and bright madras patterns yet but a subdued madras is a great transitional piece. The Sullivan Bay mixes navy, yellow and white for a seasonal appropriate madras you can wear all year long. Each bow tie is hand made in North Carolina and is machine washable, saving you a trip to the dry cleaner.

High Cotton, which sells ties and polo shirts, will open its its first brick-and-mortar store in downtown Raleigh.

High Cotton’s Glen plaid bow tie in cotton from Grady Ervin & Co.

“The people that we find wearing our bow ties are confident, humble gentlemen who enjoy holding themselves to a higher standard and don’t mind getting a little attention,” explains Hill. He says that the bow tie is the perfect way for a gentleman to express his individuality. “Since wearing a bow tie is not the norm,” he continues, “people who wear bow ties normally enjoy setting themselves apart from the crowd.”

High Cotton’s bow ties, cummerbunds and polo shirts are all made in North Carolina. “It’s 500 miles from dirt to shirt,” Hill said.


Groom's Tie: High Cotton Ties / Groomsmen's Ties: High Cotton Ties

“We’ve gone a step further,” Hill said. “We’ve made a commitment not only to North Carolina, but to my hometown of Raleigh; we’re investing here.”

I'm just so blown away that we were able to team up with them, and make some stuff. Stuff that is made on our family's native soil and something that speaks to a long tradition of agriculture and textile manufacturing in North Carolina.

A longer story it is, but she is now the founder, along with her son James, of a remarkable company committed to the flourishing of the state of North Carolina, by making ties and more from North Carolina grown and ginned cotton. Everything about them is a story of vocation for the common good. See the website, and be amazed at their vision and good work. And smile too, at their corporate symbol, viz. the boll weevil—yes, still having a surprisingly long reach into my life.

Arnett said that for him, the bow tie is as much about function as it is about fashion.

A stars and stripes bow tie here, a perfectly faded pair of navy loafers there and you’re all set to count down the hours until you’re free to celebrate your freedom.


crisp gingham in sugary shades makes this bow tie worthy of an orange crush [HIGHCOTTONTIES.com]

These bow ties should have a label on them that reads “Made with love”, because that’s exactly what North Carolina native, and High Cotton co-founder Judy Hill has been pouring into them since day one of the local company’s almost meteoric rise.

Handmade, natty cotton neckwear let Southern gentleman tie one on in style.

Through all the bowtie’s history and its public perception, one thing is certain: a bowtie makes a statement. Oscar Wilde famously claimed that “A well tied tie is the first serious step in life.” Whether you start with solid baby blue or something more adventurous like High Cotton’s pink and green tattersall, there’s no better time than spring to sport your first bowtie.


Judy Hill never intended to start a business when she made three bow ties as a gift for her son at the University of Virginia medical school. Before long, that gift led to the creation of Charlotte-based High Cotton Ties.

I have seen loads of pretty weddings but this one has landed itself at the tip top of my obsession list. Every single detail is inspiring... I am loving the floral print bridesmaids, the bride’s pretty peep toes and the dashing High Cotton Ties.

Once exlusively reserved for supreme prepsters in tame colors and traditional styles, the bowtie is now making its biggest boom yet. Leading the way are James and Judy Hill, mother and son, who launched North Carolina's High Cotton in 2009 with bowties that break all the rules.

We sit down with High Cotton Ties to discuss how hard it is to tie a bow tie, their lacrosse connections and their 2012 spring line. Sounds like if you can string a stick, you can tie a bow.


A little while ago, I was told about High Cotton Ties and absolutely think that this company is a life-changer! High Cotton is creating custom, affordable, bow ties and cummerbunds, perfect for a groomsmen gift and wedding day attire. Not only are the designs super cute, the fabric is 100% cotton - read: machine washable! Genius!

Talk about the perfect sailing knot: This cheery, not-for-landlubbers charmer.

High Cotton Ties was included in the Made in the USA gift buying guide for the holiday season.


High Cotton Ties gets recognized for their role in helping to bring Chiquita to Charlotte. The picture to the right is of CEO of Chiquita (Fernando Aguirre), North Carolina Governor (Bev Perdue), the Mayor of Charlotte (Anthony Fox), Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Commissioners (Jennifer Roberts), and assistants to the Governor. "Judy Hill of High Cotton Ties hand-sewed some yellow-and-blue bowties to send to the self-professed neckwear enthusiast. Soon, Aguirre was tweeting pictures of himself wearing the ties at events."

Charlotte company High Cotton Ties, a local social media savvy company also got in on the act and made a personal push to Aguirre directly. In September, owner Judy Hill sent him a complimentary yellow and blue bowtie which he showed off on a Twitter picture and also proudly wore during Tuesday's announcement.

Help the guys on your list tie one on with a snazzy patterned bow tie.

I respect the hell out of High Cotton. For trying to wrangle and wrestle something back. Something that was the heart of a great state. Something that had been sent overseas. For grabbing it and bringing it home. And for sending a little bit of home up here. Also, check out Old Try's collection of prints and shirts at TheOldTry.com

The Leighton Cove, a selection from the Fall 2011 collection, is one of the newest bow ties to grace the store displays. It's dark blue and red plaid pattern makes it perfect for the more subdued hues of autumn...I already wore it last Bow Tie Friday into the office and received quite a few compliments and I'm sure you will as well whenever you wear this bow.

The ties are easy-to-wear and easy-to-wash, as tested many times through home-based stain washing and customers have raved about the wearability of the products, as they maintain professionalism without pretentiousness.

Charlotte Chamber President Bob Morgan got hold of two and they took pictures of local VIPs (people like City Manager Curt Walton and Airport Director Jerry Orr) wearing the "Chiquita" tie, and then sent the picture via Twitter hashtag #BananasForCLT..."The idea was because he loved bow ties so much," says Hill, "and we're a Southern, North Carolina company that we would just show him some love and it really did generate more excitement that we realized.

I recently got word about High Cotton Ties and absolutely think that this company is a life-changer! High Cotton is creating custom, affordable, bow ties and cummerbunds, perfect for a groomsmen gift and wedding day attire.

So far we've got Made in America, handcrafted, and excellent, personal customer service, but in case you needed a little more - they believe that bow ties should make their way back into the gentleman's everyday wardrobe just like I do. What this means is that their ties aren't gaudy or over the top, but are more refined, quiet yet classy you might say. I like the idea that a bow tie can be worn and not beg for attention but just sit quietly and add a little to the ensemble instead of being the main point, if that makes sense.

High Cotton Ties has taken this style and colors fit for every collegiate occasion. North Carolina has got shades of blue for Duke, UNC and that other state school. Georgia Dawgs there are multiple bright red ties in different patterns so you won't have to wear the same bow tie to every game (unless its a good luck charms). High Cotton ties has a bow tie for every school in the South.

I was disappointed when I got an email within 10 minutes after my purchase telling me that my order was out of stock. But I noticed that it wasn't one of those awful automatic response emails that you get from some online retailers, and instead asked me to respond if they could help me in any way. I explained to the very nice customer representative that I needed something that matched seersucker... I realize now how incredibly obsessive this sounds, but the customer rep was super helpful and actually suggested the other print that I had been unable to find online. All of the responses by High Cotton were immediate, professional, and personable. I could not have asked for more.

I had ordered a few bow ties from High Cotton Ties and was extremely impressed with the unique design and high quality...Simply put, Judy is easily among the most gracious, kindest, and spirit-filled ladies I have ever conversed with. She has a radiant personality and a great story to tell about turning a passion into a business success.

A true Southern lady, Miss Judy will sweetly tell you her definition of a Southerner. "Part of being Southern is being serious about your faith and beliefs whether it's religion, politics or football." In this case for the Hill family, this also means being seriously suited in the finest cotton ties and cummerbunds.

The ties are absolutely amazing. High quality, vibrant colors, classy patterns - if you could imagine your dream tie, they probably sell it!...The ties are now being sold at Laurance Clothing on Main Street in downtown Annapolis! I'm dying to see a groom & groomsmen completely in bow ties this year at one of my weddings. They are so much fun & could coordinate with any wedding color concepts or bridesmaids dresses!

Flooding the Southern scene of fraternity style is High Cotton Ties. In a niche business they are making a strong staple. It is Southern. It is cultural. It is relevant. And you can be certain that it is popular.

High Cotton Ties offers a variety of gingham, plaid and paisley bowties. The North Carolina company channels the good ol' boy spirit into colorful handmade bowties and cummerbunds-and at $45 a pop, you'll still have some cash for that extra mint julep.

High Cotton Ties is another great place to find bow ties for all sorts of occasions. Scoop one up for your boyfriend's graduation, your little brother's prom, your father for father's day. There's one for everyone!

There is something to be said for a homegrown Southern company. You know the types I'm talking about. They are not only based in the South, but everything about their brand leaves customers thinking of sweet tea and evenings on the front porch. High Cotton Ties is the perfect example of a Southern born and bred company.

In doing some further research to find a way to spruce up our groomsmen classic tux's in the perfectly preppy way - I found a men's company that I just adore - High Cotton Ties. This Southern gem has the most fabulous selection of mens bow ties and cummberbunds I have seen! And always an added bonus ... they monogram!

Monogrammed cummerbunds from High Cotton Ties. How cute are these? I love how the monogram is hidden when your jacket is buttoned--like you're own little secret.

When I first saw these ties, I immediately was drawn to the colors and textures. High Cotton has put a spin on old classics, which definitely ensures that the brand will stay popular for a long time.
