How to Tie a Tie

We have talked about the best tips to pick a suit, how to to pick the perfect shoe for your suit, but we haven’t discussed yet a ver important detail: how to tie a tie! As always, whether you’re a beginner looking to master your first tie knot or an experienced tie-wearer seeking to add some variety to your repertoire, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through different tie knots, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips and tricks to ensure a perfect knot every time. So let’s dive in and elevate your tie game!

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The Importance of Tying a Tie

Tying a tie is more than just a practical skill; it’s an art that adds sophistication and style to your wardrobe. A well-tied tie elevates your overall appearance, whether you’re attending a job interview, a formal event, or a social gathering. It’s a subtle detail that speaks volumes about your attention to detail and professionalism. So let’s dive right in and learn how to tie the perfect knot!

The Classic Windsor Knot

The Windsor knot is a timeless classic that exudes confidence and elegance. It’s a wide triangular knot that pairs perfectly with spread-collar shirts. Here’s how to tie a Windsor knot:

Start by raising your shirt collar and drape the tie around your neck. Ensure that the wider end is on the right side and extends about 12 inches below the narrow end.
Cross the wide part of the tie over the narrow part.
Pull the wide end up through the opening at the neck, then down.
Pass the wide end underneath and to the right of the narrow part with the wrong side facing out.
Cross the wide part over and to the left of the narrow part with the correct side facing out.
Pull the wide end up through the opening at the neck.
When bringing it down, pass it through the loop at the front.
Hold the dangling parts with one hand and slide the knot carefully up toward the collar with the other hand until snug. Then lower the collar for a polished look.

The Versatile Half Windsor Knot

If you’re looking for a versatile knot that works well with a variety of shirt styles, the half Windsor knot is a great choice. It’s a triangular and symmetrical knot that adds a touch of elegance to your outfit. Here’s how to tie a half Windsor knot:

Raise your shirt collar and drape the tie around your neck. Ensure that the wide end is on the right side and extends about 12 inches below the narrow end.
Cross the wide part over the narrow part.
Cross the wide part behind the narrow part so that the wrong side is facing out.
Bring the wide end up and over to the left.
Pull it through the opening at the neck, so it lays wrong side out to the right.
Bring the wide end over the narrow part from right to left with the correct side facing up.
Bring the wide end up through the neck loop again.
When bringing it down, insert it through the loop at the front of the collar.
Adjust the knot by sliding it upward with one hand and holding the tails with the other.
Lower the shirt collar to complete the look.

The Simple Four-in-Hand Knot

For a more casual and understated look, the four-in-hand knot is a go-to choice. It’s a narrow knot that pairs well with standard button-down dress shirts. Here’s how to tie a four-in-hand knot:

Raise your shirt collar and drape the tie around your neck. Ensure that the wide end is on the right side and extends about 12 inches below the narrow end.
Bring the wide part of the tie across the narrow part.
Then bring the wide part under the narrow part.
Bring the wide side back over the top of the narrow part.
Bring the wide side up through the large loop at the neck.
With a loose hold on the knot, insert the wide end in a downward direction through the loop in front.
Hold the bottom narrow part of the tie with one hand and slide the knot upward with the other until neat and snug.
Lower the shirt collar to complete the look.

The Stylish Trinity Knot

If you’re ready to take your tie game to the next level, the Trinity knot is a sophisticated choice that makes a fashion statement. It features a stylish look patterned after the Trinity symbol. Here’s how to tie a Trinity knot:

Raise your shirt collar and drape the tie around your neck. Ensure that the wide end hangs on the right side, just above the navel.
Just below the collar, pinch the wide side of the tie lengthways to form a dimple in the fabric.
Take the narrow part and cross it over the wide part.
Bring the narrow end up through the neck opening.
Bring it back down toward the right side.
Cross it under the wide part of the tie and to the other side, wrong side up.
Bring the narrow end up.
Pull it through the neck opening and toward the right to form a heart shape.
Move it across the heart shape and bring it up through the neck loop.
Pull it through the knot, keeping the top loop of the knot loose.
Then move it behind the wide portion to the other side.
Bring the now short end up and through the loose loop.
Adjust the knot for tightness and symmetry and tuck the end under the neckline. Fold down the shirt collar for a finished look.

The Sleek Pratt Knot

Also known as the Shelby knot, the Pratt knot offers a stylish look for any dress shirt. It’s slightly thinner than the Windsor knot and works well with lightweight to medium-weight ties. Here’s how to tie a Pratt knot:

Raise your shirt collar and drape the tie wrong side up, with the wide end hanging on the right side, roughly 12 inches lower than the narrow end.
Cross the wide part of the tie under the narrow part.
Bring the wide end up and loop it down through the opening at the neck and tighten.
Cross the wide end to the right with the correct side up.
Pull it up through the neck opening.
Bring it down through the knot loop.
Slide and adjust the knot gently and lower the shirt collar to complete the process.

The Unique Kelvin Knot

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, the Kelvin knot is an excellent choice. It creates an even, polished look that sets you apart. Here’s how to tie a Kelvin knot:

Drape your tie around your collar with the seam out and the thick end on your left. Hang the wide end two or three inches lower than where you hope to complete the tie.
Cross the thick end under the thin side from left to right, creating an X underneath your chin.
Take the thick end across the front knot from right to left. Wrap it around the thin end and pass it back underneath the knot from left to right.
Bring the thick end horizontally across the front, moving from right to left. Tuck a finger under the horizontal band you create.
Tuck your thick end underneath the loop around your collar.
Bring your thick end through the horizontal loop and snug the knot down into place.
Tighten by grasping the knot with one hand and pulling on the narrow end with the other.

The Intricate Eldredge Knot

For those who want to make a bold statement, the Eldredge knot is the way to go. It features an intricate design that is sure to turn heads. Here’s how to tie an Eldredge knot:

Raise your shirt collar and drape the tie so that the wide end lays on the right side, just below the navel.
Pinch the thicker side of the tie near the collar to create a dimple lengthways.
Bring the narrow part over the wide part of the tie.
Bring the narrow part under the wide part of the tie, wrong side up.
Bring the narrow part up toward the neck.
Bring it down through the neck loop to the right, wrong side up.
Going left, take it around the front of the knot.
Take it up through the neck loop.
Bring it back down to the right.
Take it behind the wide part of the tie to the left, wrong side up.
Take it across the front to the right and through the loop created in the previous step.
Tighten the knot by pulling the narrow end to the right.
Bring the end straight up and through the neck loop to the right of the knot.
Again, bring it up and over the knot to the left of the knot.
Keeping the knot loose, bring the short tail up to the right and through the loop just created.
Pull to tighten.
Tuck the end behind the neckline on the left.
Lower the shirt collar for a smart and finished look.

Types of Necktie Accessories

To enhance both function and style, consider incorporating necktie accessories. These accessories not only keep your tie in place but also add a touch of personality to your ensemble. Here are some popular options:

Tie bar: Slides across the middle section of the tie to keep it in place.
Tie clip: Attaches to the same area by clipping into place.
Tie tack: Features a pin, base, and chain that help keep the tie from shifting.
Tie chain: Features a bar and chain combination.
Tie strap: Slips through the label on the tie’s back and attaches to shirt buttons.

So, To Tie The Knot

You’ve now mastered a variety of tie knots that will elevate your style and confidence. Whether you opt for the classic Windsor knot, the versatile half Windsor knot, or the stylish Trinity knot, each knot adds its own flair to your outfit. Remember to experiment with different knots and accessories to create your signature look. So go ahead, tie that perfect knot, and make a lasting impression!