Many doctors seem to have jumped the gun on government plans to tackle hospital infections, with some having already replaced their ties with bow ties.

Yesterday (Monday 17th September) the Department of Health announced a series of new clothing guidelines, including the end of doctors’ white coats and a recommendation to not wear ties.

But the UK’s leading online tie retailer http://www.TieWarehouse.co.uk has been watching demand for bow ties rise 30 per cent over the last year.

And medical themed ones are especially popular.

The website’s Gary Baker said: “About 12 months ago we started to see a strong increase in sales of bow ties that weren’t for formal occasions. We introduced a range of medical-themed bow ties and they have really taken off.

“The days of the bow tie only being worn during the day by slightly eccentric consultants are long gone. Bow ties are now a safe way for doctors to continue to look smart but help to battle infections within hospitals.”

Some of the medical themed bow ties that sell well include:

Self-tie medical supplies bow tie
£17.99
Features stethoscopes, test tubes, plasters and other medical equipment on a cream background
http://www.tiewarehouse.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2624

Hospital bow tie
£14.99
A blue pre-tied bow tie featuring cartoon-style hospital scenes
http://www.tiewarehouse.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1471

Self-tie hospital bow tie
£17.99
As above but self-tie
http://www.tiewarehouse.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2569

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
• A Tie Warehouse spokesman is available for interview. Call Paul Green on 08452 303049. Or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• You can see the Department of Health’s original press release here: http://snipurl.com/1qumu
• Pictures, samples and competition stock are available
• Full press resources including images, logos and screenshots, are available online at http://www.tiewarehouse.co.uk/press
• Tie Warehouse is an online retailer of men’s ties and related accessories. The Kent-based company was founded in early 2004 and currently stocks over 1500 different ties, bow ties and cravats for men and boys. In addition to a wide range of fashion ties, Tie Warehouse specialises in hard-to-find items like clip-on ties and children’s ties.