How To Tie A Tie

From job interviews to black-tie events, knowing how to tie a tie is an essential skill for every modern gentleman. With countless styles and variations available, choosing the perfect knot can be a daunting task. However, by mastering a few classic knots, you can effortlessly elevate your look and showcase your style.

In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the steps for tying a few different tie knots, including the Four-in-Hand, the Half Windsor, the Full Windsor, and the Pratt knot. Whether you're a tie-wearing veteran or a complete novice, our step-by-step instructions will have you looking sharp and polished in no time. So, let's dive into the art of knotting and explore the techniques that will make your wardrobe stand out from the crowd!

Four-in-Hand Knot

The Four-in-Hand Knot is a reliable and widely used tie knot with roots dating back to 19th century England. In London, there was a gentlemen's club called the Four-in-Hand Club, where members were passionate about coaching and equestrian sports. These fashionable gents popularized a knot that eventually became known as the "Four-in-Hand." This straightforward, asymmetric knot is versatile enough for most parties and pairs well with nearly all tie types and shirt collars.

Here’s how to tie this knot:

1. Start by standing in front of a mirror with your shirt collar up and the tie around your neck. The wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left.
2. Cross the wide end of the tie over the narrow end, creating an X shape just below your collar.
3. Wrap the wide end around the back of the narrow end, passing it from right to left.
4. Bring the wide end back over the narrow end, crossing from left to right in front of the knot you've started to form.
5. Lift the wide end up and pass it through the loop created around your neck, pulling it from behind the knot and down towards the floor.
6. Gently slide the wide end through the knot formed at the front, taking care not to twist or wrinkle the fabric.
7. Hold the narrow end of the tie with one hand, and with the other, carefully tighten the knot by pulling on the wide end. Adjust the knot to the desired size and position.
8. Lower your shirt collar and ensure that the tie is centered and appropriately snug around your neck.
9. To complete the look, adjust the length of the tie so that the tip of the wide end reaches the middle of your belt buckle or waistband.

With a little practice, the Four-in-Hand Knot becomes easy to master, providing a stylish and classic option for your neckwear repertoire.

Half Windsor Knot

The Half Windsor Knot is a classic choice that's got a more polished vibe than the Four-in-Hand. It's named after the British royal family's residence, Windsor Castle, but it's not as fancy as its big sibling, the Full Windsor Knot. The Half Windsor is a solid choice for weddings because it's got that perfect balance of being stylish without being too flashy. Plus, it's symmetrical and works well with a wide range of shirt collars, so you'll look great in those wedding photos!

Here's how to tie this tie:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and make sure your shirt collar is up. Put your tie around your neck with the wide end on your right side and the narrow end on your left. The wide end should hang a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, just like you're starting to create an X below your collar.
3. Now, bring the wide end up and through the loop around your neck, then let it hang down on your left side.
4. Take the wide end and swing it around the back of the narrow end, moving from left to right. The wide end should now be on your right side again.
5. Time to bring the wide end across the front of the knot you've started to form, going from right to left.
6. Next, guide the wide end up and through the loop around your neck one more time, this time passing it down through the knot at the front.
7. Hold onto the narrow end with one hand and gently tighten the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Adjust the knot to your liking.
8. Lower your collar and check that the tie is sitting comfortably and centered around your neck.
9. Make sure the tip of the wide end is lined up with the middle of your belt buckle or waistband, and you're good to go!

So, the next time you're headed to a wedding or any event where you want to look extra sharp, give the Half Windsor Knot a try. It's a crowd-pleaser that's always in style.

Full Windsor Knot

The Full Windsor Knot, also known as the Double Windsor, is a big deal in the world of tie knots. It's named after the British royal family's home, Windsor Castle, just like its smaller sibling, the Half Windsor Knot. This knot is one of the best tie knots for weddings (grooms love it) and formal events because it's larger, more symmetrical, and looks really distinguished. The Full Windsor works best with wide ties made from thicker fabrics and wide-collar shirts, making it a great choice to help you stand out on any fancy occasion.

Here's how to tie a Full Windsor Knot:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt collar up and your tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. The wide end should hang quite a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, making a neat X shape below your collar.
3. Bring the wide end up through the loop around your neck and pull it down towards the left.
4. Now, take the wide end and pass it behind the narrow end, moving from left to right.
5. Bring the wide end up again and pull it through the neck loop, this time letting it hang down on your right side.
6. Time to cross the wide end over the narrow end again, this time from right to left, creating a horizontal band across the knot-in-progress.
7. Once more, guide the wide end up through the neck loop, but now pass it down through the horizontal band you just made.
8. Use one hand to hold the narrow end and the other to gently tighten the knot by pulling on the wide end. Adjust it to your desired size and position.

The Full Windsor Knot is a timeless choice for weddings and other formal occasions. With its elegant and sophisticated look, you'll feel like royalty every time you wear it.

Pratt (Shelby) Knot

This is a lesser-known but still, super cool tie knot that deserves some love. It was invented by a guy named Jerry Pratt, who worked at the US Chamber of Commerce. The knot got more attention when a TV reporter named Don Shelby started wearing it on air. It's a medium-sized, symmetrical knot that's pretty versatile and looks neat with most ties and shirt collars.

Here's how to tie the knot:

1. Start with your shirt collar up and your tie around your neck but with a twist: the tie's backside (the seam) should be facing out. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left, with the wide end hanging a little lower.
2. Cross the narrow end over the wide end, making a nice X shape below your collar.
3. Tuck the wide end under the narrow end, pulling it up through the loop around your neck. Let it hang down on your left side.
4. Now, bring the wide end across the front of the narrow end, moving from left to right. You're starting to see that knot taking shape!
5. Lift the wide end up and pass it through the neck loop from behind.
6. Guide the wide end down through the knot you've formed at the front, keeping the fabric smooth and neat.
7. Hold onto the narrow end with one hand and gently tighten the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Adjust the knot to your liking.
8. Lower your collar, and make sure the tie is sitting comfortably and centered around your neck.
9. Lastly, adjust the length of the tie so that the tip of the wide end is right around the middle of your belt buckle or waistband.

The Pratt (Shelby) Knot is a fantastic option when you want to switch things up from the more common knots. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite way to rock your ties!

Eldredge Knot

The Eldredge Knot is a showstopper in the tie-knot world. It was created by a guy named Jeffrey Eldredge in 2007, and it's been turning heads ever since. This intricate, attention-grabbing knot is perfect for when you want to make a bold statement. Keep in mind, though, it's a bit tricky tying this tie and it works best with solid-colored ties, so the knot's pattern really stands out.

Here's how to tie an Eldredge Knot:

1. Flip up your shirt collar and drape the tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your left side and the narrow end on your right. The wide end should hang just a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the narrow end over the wide end, making an X shape right below your collar.
3. Take the narrow end and tuck it up through the neck loop, then bring it back down and to the left.
4. Bring the narrow end across the front of the wide end, from left to right. You've got the start of your knot!
5. Tuck the narrow end up through the neck loop again, this time from behind, and pull it down to the right.
6. Now, wrap the narrow end behind the knot, moving from right to left.
7. Bring the narrow end across the front of the knot one more time, going from left to right. You're almost there!
8. Tuck the narrow end up through the neck loop one last time, pulling it down and to the left.
9. Finally, hide the remaining narrow end by tucking it behind the wide end on the left side of the knot.
10. Hold the wide end with one hand, and gently adjust the knot with the other hand until it looks perfect.

The Eldredge Knot is a conversation starter and a perfect choice for those moments when you want to stand out from the crowd. It takes a bit of practice, but once you've mastered it, you'll have a showstopping knot that's uniquely yours.

Trinity Knot

The Trinity Knot is a real eye-catcher that's perfect for when you want to step up your tie game. This cool knot has a unique, trefoil-like pattern that gives it an almost Celtic vibe. Although its origins aren't well-documented, the Trinity Knot has gained popularity in recent years as a stylish and distinctive option for adventurous tie-wearers.

Let’s see how you tie this tie:

1. With your shirt collar up, put your tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your left side and the narrow end on your right. The wide end should hang a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, making a nice X shape right below your collar.
3. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop, then pull it back down and to the left.
4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end, moving from left to right.
5. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop again, this time going from behind and pulling it down to the right.
6. Time to create the trefoil pattern! Bring the wide end across the front of the knot, moving from right to left.
7. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop one more time, pulling it down and to the left.
8. Finally, wrap the wide end across the front of the knot one last time, moving from left to right, and tuck any remaining fabric behind the knot.
9. Hold the narrow end with one hand, and gently adjust the knot with the other hand until it looks just right.

The Trinity Knot is a fun and unique choice when you want to make a statement with your tie. It might take a few tries to get it just right, but once you've nailed it, you'll have a one-of-a-kind look that's sure to impress.

Kelvin Knot

It’s a lesser-known but stylish choice for your tie-tying repertoire. It's named after the famous physicist Lord Kelvin, but the connection between him and the knot is a bit of a mystery. Nonetheless, the Kelvin Knot is a cool option with a sleek, cylindrical shape that's a bit larger than the Four-in-Hand Knot. It works well with most shirt collars and is especially nice with slightly thicker ties.

Here's how to make a Kelvin Knot tie:

1. Stand in front of a mirror, collar up, and drape the tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. Make sure the wide end hangs a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the narrow end over the wide end, forming an X shape below your collar.
3. Take the wide end and tuck it up through the neck loop, then pull it down and to the left.
4. Bring the wide end across the front of the narrow end, moving from left to right. You've started your knot!
5. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop again, this time pulling it down and to the left.
6. Now, wrap the wide end across the front of the knot one more time, going from left to right.
7. Guide the wide end up through the neck loop one last time, then pass it down through the loop you've just formed in the knot.
8. Hold the narrow end with one hand and gently adjust the knot with the other hand by pulling on the wide end. Make the knot as snug or loose as you like.

The Kelvin Knot is a fantastic option when you want something a bit different from the usual necktie knots. Give it a whirl, and you might find yourself with a new go-to style!

Balthus Knot

The Balthus Knot is a real statement-maker in the world of tie knots. It was created by Balthus, a French painter, who wanted a knot as bold and unconventional as his art. This knot is large and wide, making it a head-turner that's perfect for weddings or other special occasions where you want to stand out. It works best with longer ties and looks especially great with wide-collar shirts.

Here's how to put on this tie:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your collar up and the tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. Make sure the wide end hangs much lower than the narrow end since this knot uses a lot of fabric.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, forming an X shape right below your collar.
3. Bring the wide end back under the narrow end, moving from right to left.
4. Pass the wide end over the narrow end again, going from left to right. You're starting to build that big knot!
5. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop from the front, then pull it down and to the left.
6. Now, wrap the wide end across the front of the knot, moving from left to right.
7. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop one more time, pulling it down and to the right.
8. Finally, pass the wide end through the loop you've just created in the knot.
9. Hold the narrow end with one hand and gently adjust the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Get it just the way you like it.

The Balthus Knot is a bold choice for weddings and special events where you want to make an impression.

Grantchester Knot

Here’s another lesser-known but charming tie knot that's perfect for those who love to explore different styles. The origins of the Grantchester Knot are a bit of a mystery, but its name suggests a connection to the English village of Grantchester. This knot is larger and wider than the basic tie knots and works great with thicker ties and wider collar shirts.

Here's how to tie this necktie:

1. Stand in front of a mirror, collar up, and drape the tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. The wide end should hang a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, creating an X shape right below your collar.
3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end, moving from right to left.
4. Pass the wide end over the narrow end again, going from left to right. You're starting to build that knot!
5. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop from the front, then pull it down and to the left.
6. Wrap the wide end across the front of the knot, moving from left to right.
7. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop one more time, pulling it down and to the left.
8. Now, bring the wide end across the front of the knot one last time, moving from left to right.
9. Tuck the wide end through the loop you've just created in the knot.
10. Hold the narrow end with one hand and gently adjust the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Make it snug or loose, however you like it.

The Grantchester Knot is a fun option when you want to mix up your tie knot game. Give it a try, and you might discover a new favorite way to wear your ties!

Hanover Knot

The Hanover Knot is an elegant and sophisticated tie knot that's not as well-known as some others, but definitely worth a try. Its name suggests a connection to the German city of Hanover, but its exact origins remain unclear. The Hanover Knot is larger and more symmetrical than the Four-in-Hand Knot, making it a stylish choice for dressier occasions. It looks particularly good with wide-collar shirts and thicker ties.

Here's the easiest way to tie this tie:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your collar up and your tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. Make sure the wide end hangs quite a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, forming an X shape right below your collar.
3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end, moving from right to left.
4. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop from the front, then pull it down and to the left.
5. Pass the wide end behind the narrow end again, going from left to right. You're building that knot!
6. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop one more time, pulling it down and to the right.
7. Wrap the wide end across the front of the knot, moving from right to left.
8. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop again, then pass it down through the loop you've just created in the knot.
9. Hold the narrow end with one hand and gently adjust the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Make it as snug or loose as you prefer.

This one is a classy option for those times when you want to look extra sharp. Give it a go, and you might just find yourself with a new go-to knot for special occasions!

Victoria Knot

The Victoria Knot is a cool, under-the-radar option for those who like to change things up with their tie knots. Its origins are a bit of a mystery, but the name suggests a connection to the Victorian era. This knot is a bit larger than the Four-in-Hand Knot, with a slightly asymmetrical shape that adds a touch of flair. It works well with most shirt collars and is a nice choice for both casual and formal events.

Here's how to tie a Victoria Knot:

1. Stand in front of a mirror, collar up, and drape the tie around your neck. The wide end should be on your right side and the narrow end on your left. Make sure the wide end hangs a bit lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, creating an X shape right below your collar.
3. Take the wide end and wrap it around the narrow end, moving from right to left.
4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end, moving from left to right. You've started building that knot!
5. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop from the front, then pull it down and to the left.
6. Now, wrap the wide end across the front of the knot, moving from left to right.
7. Tuck the wide end up through the neck loop one last time, then pass it down through the loop you've just created in the knot.
8. Hold the narrow end with one hand and gently adjust the knot with the other by pulling on the wide end. Make it snug or loose, just the way you like it.

The Victoria Knot is a stylish option when you want to show off your tie-tying skills with a less basic tie knot that's a bit different from the usual suspects.

Café Knot

The Café Knot, also known as the Coffee Knot, traces its roots back to the world of baristas and coffee shops. It's said that it was created by baristas who were looking for a stylish and functional way to keep their aprons in place. They wanted something unique and practical, and thus, the Café Knot was born. It's a neat little knot that's not only practical for apron-wearing folks but also adds a touch of flair to everyday life.

Now, let's get to the fun part – here's the best way to tie this tie:

1. Start by taking the two ends of the strap or apron strings you want to tie together.
2. Cross the right end over the left end to create a simple overhand knot, just like you would when starting to tie your shoelaces. Tighten this knot, but not too tight – you'll want some room for the next step.
3. Create a loop with the left end (now on the right side after the first knot) by folding it back on itself. This will be the base of your Café Knot.
4. Take the right end (previously the left one) and pass it through the loop you just created from behind.
5. Now, pull the end through the loop until you have a small loop on the right side. Keep hold of this new loop.
6. Finally, take the left end (the one you initially looped in) and pass it through the new loop you just created on the right side. Pull it tight to complete your Café Knot!

Voilà! You've just tied a Café Knot! It might take a couple of tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, it's such a cool and unique knot to know.

Van Wijk Knot

This knot is a real head-turner, and it's perfect for those times when you want to make a statement with your tie. The Van Wijk Knot was created by an artist and architect named Lisa Van Wijk. She wanted to design a unique and asymmetrical knot that was different from the conventional ones we see everywhere. Lisa was inspired by the Prince Albert Knot (or Double Four-in-Hand), and with a few creative twists, she came up with the Van Wijk Knot. This elongated, cylindrical knot adds an interesting and modern touch to your outfit.

Follow these steps to tie a tie and you'll be a pro in no time:

1. Start with the wide end of your tie on your right side and the narrow end on your left side. Make sure the wide end is a bit longer than you'd usually have it when tying a regular knot.
2. Cross the narrow end over the wide end, creating an X shape.
3. Wrap the narrow end around the wide end and bring it back to the front.
4. Continue wrapping the narrow end around the wide end, but this time, bring it behind and up through the loop around your neck.
5. Pull the narrow end down, and then wrap it around the wide end once more, but this time, keep it a bit looser to create the signature cylindrical shape of the Van Wijk Knot.
6. Now, bring the narrow end up behind the loop around your neck again, and thread it through the loose cylindrical wrap you just made.
7. Pull the narrow end all the way through, and then adjust the knot by gently pulling on the wide end to make it snug around your neck.

And there you have it – the Van Wijk Knot! It's a bit more involved than some other knots, but with some practice, you'll have it down in no time.

Christensen Knot

Also known as the Cross Knot, it's an elegant and refined knot that's perfect for those special occasions when you want to look extra polished. It’s named after Amanda Christensen, a Swedish tie-maker who started her business in the late 19th century. The knot gained popularity in the early 20th century when it was featured in the New York Times, and it has been a classic choice for gentlemen ever since. With its symmetrical and medium-sized shape, the Christensen Knot adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit.

Ready to learn how to tie the Christensen Knot? Here’s how to tie a tie easily step by step:

1. Begin with the wide end of your tie on the right side and the narrow end on the left. The wide end should hang about 12 inches lower than the narrow end.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, forming an X shape. You'll now have the wide end on the left side.
3. Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end, bringing it back to the right side.
4. Now, bring the wide end up and over the loop around your neck, pulling it through from behind.
5. Thread the wide end down through the opening you just created by crossing the ends in step 2.
6. Carefully tighten the knot by holding the narrow end and sliding the knot up towards your neck. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the knot is symmetrical and snug.

The next time you want to add an extra touch of sophistication to your ensemble, give the Christensen Knot a try. You'll definitely impress those around you with your refined style. Enjoy, and happy tying!