Fans are only just realising why Ronnie O’Sullivan and fellow snooker stars must wear bow ties and waistcoats

THINK of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams or Stephen Hendry and I can guarantee you’ll picture them wearing a waistcoat and bow tie.

It’s almost bizarre to picture them in casual clothes after decades of seeing them all suited and booted, strutting around the table, cue in hand.

Snooker players must wear waistcoats and bow ties for matches… but why?PA

But what’s the reason for snooker players always donning a waistcoat, bow tie and long-sleeved shirt?

Spoiler alert: It’s not because they just love the look.

For the answer, we have to dive into the history books… all the way back to the 1700s, to be precise.

In the 18th Century, a similar pastime called billiards was rife among the British aristocracy.

Those who wanted to play had to wear their Sunday best.

Of course, neck ties and jackets would get in the way.

So it was determined waistcoats and bow ties – paired with a long-sleeved shirt – were the best bet.

In 1875, snooker was invented by members of the British Army – and the formal dress code stuck.

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In the near-150 years since, the rule simply hasn’t changed.

But it has been relaxed in very rare circumstances.

For example, players are allowed a limited number of sponsors on their waistcoat for a bit of extra moolah – which is good if you’re a big-name and marketing dream like Rocket Ronnie.

The original black and white rule has also been relaxed in certain tournaments, allowing players to introduce a splash of colour and personality into their look.

World No33 Stephen Maguire has even been given an exemption to wear a bow tie on medical grounds.

The Scot developed a neck condition in his early years and has noticeably played without ever since.

Maguire explained: “I played with a bow-tie for my first few years as a professional but developed a neck condition and that really put me off.

“I went to the doctor and he managed to get a letter to allow me to play without it.

“I have really climbed the rankings since then, so I think that was a significant factor.”

Other players have been loud in their criticism of the ultra-strict, formal dress code.

Just last year, world No3 Mark Allen said: “You look at every other sport… young people look at TV and go ‘I want to have what they’re wearing’.

“And unfortunately snooker’s not like that.

“It could change definitely. Polo shirts are probably more than enough.

“If people want to wear nice watches or have good tattoos on their arms, people can say ‘I’d love to have that’.

“At the minute, we’re just stifled in what we can do and I would be pretty confident in saying no one enjoys playing in a bow tie and a waistcoat.”