Material & Care Guide

Material & Care Guide

WEST66 GOODS bolo ties combine decorative metal components, adjustable hardware, genuine leather cords, and—in selected designs—natural stone. Because these materials respond differently to moisture, chemicals, friction, and storage, thoughtful care helps preserve the color, finish, shape, and movement of your piece.

Quick care: Keep it dry, avoid chemicals, wipe it gently after wear, operate the slide without forcing it, and store it flat or loosely coiled.

Know your materials

Materials vary by design. Always check the individual product description for the most accurate specifications.

  • Decorative centerpiece: selected styles use zinc-alloy components with gold-tone, silver-tone, or antiqued surface finishes.
  • Slide hardware: selected styles use stainless-steel adjustable hardware at the back.
  • Cord: selected styles use hand-braided genuine cowhide leather.
  • Stone: selected designs feature natural stone, which may vary naturally from one piece to another.

Everyday care

  • Make your bolo tie the last thing you put on, after fragrance, lotion, sunscreen, hair products, or cosmetics have dried.
  • Avoid water, rain, swimming, showering, heavy perspiration, household cleaners, and other chemicals.
  • Remove the piece before exercise, sleep, bathing, or activities that may pull, crush, or scratch it.
  • After wear, wipe metal and stone gently with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

Metal and plated finishes

Many designs use zinc-alloy decorative components, gold-tone or antiqued finishes, and stainless-steel slide hardware. Plated and antiqued surfaces can gradually change with friction, moisture, skin chemistry, and exposure to chemicals.

  • Do not use abrasive cloths, metal polish, chemical dips, alcohol, or ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth with light pressure.
  • Do not scrape recessed or antiqued areas, as this can alter the intended finish.
  • Surface finishes are not permanent. Gradual tone changes or wear at contact points can occur with normal use and are not necessarily manufacturing defects.

Genuine leather cords

Leather naturally develops character over time. Small variations in grain and tone are normal.

  • Keep the cord dry and away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight.
  • If it becomes damp, blot gently and allow it to air-dry naturally away from heat.
  • Do not soak, machine wash, tumble dry, iron, or apply household leather products unless they are specifically suitable for the cord’s finish.
  • Avoid sharply bending or tightly knotting the cord.
  • Do not pull the cord by its metal tips or use the tips to tighten the tie.

Natural stone

Natural stone may vary in color, pattern, inclusions, and surface character. These variations are part of the material and help make each piece unique.

  • Avoid impacts, drops, extreme temperature changes, and prolonged moisture.
  • Clean only with a soft, dry cloth unless the product page gives different instructions.
  • Do not use acids, bleach, jewelry cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaning equipment.

How to clean your bolo tie

  1. Release and lower the slide gently so the cord is not under tension.
  2. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and surface dust from the centerpiece and tips.
  3. Wipe the leather cord lightly with a separate dry, soft cloth. Do not saturate it.
  4. Allow the piece to become completely dry before storage.

If residue cannot be removed with a dry cloth, contact us before using a cleaning product. A cleaner that is safe for one component may damage another.

Adjusting the slide

Operate the slide gently and keep both sides of the cord aligned. Release the slide mechanism before moving the centerpiece, and never force it along the cord. Adjust the tie using both hands when possible to reduce stress on the leather and hardware. If the slide feels stuck, stop rather than pulling harder.

Storage

Store the bolo tie clean and completely dry, away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight. Lay it flat or keep the cord in a wide, loose coil—never a tight loop. Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined compartment to limit scratches, pressure, and tangling. Avoid airtight storage if the leather is even slightly damp.

Normal variation and wear

Leather grain, natural-stone pattern, antiqued detailing, and handcrafted assembly can create small differences between pieces and photographs. With use, leather may soften and develop a patina, while plated or antiqued finishes may gradually change at areas of frequent contact. These natural characteristics are distinct from damage, incorrect goods, or manufacturing defects.

Care limitations

Damage caused by moisture, chemicals, impact, abrasion, forced adjustment, improper cleaning, modification, or storage is not considered a product defect. Nothing in this guide limits any rights you may have for goods that arrive damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered.

When to contact us

If a product arrives damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered, do not attempt a repair. Photograph the item and packaging and contact us within 7 business days after delivery. Visit Start a Return or email hello@west66goods.com.

For other questions, visit our FAQ, Contact Us, or review our Returns & Exchanges Policy.