How To Tie A Tie

Everyone needs to know how to tie a tie. There are many occasions where you will need one.

The Windsor Knot

A Windsor Knot, or “Full Windsor,” is a classic tie knot—and one of the most popular. It’s fuller and more symmetrical than others, so tying the Windsor takes practice. In terms of when to wear it, this knot is worn for formal and semi-formal occasions because of its pristine, elegant appearance. Plus, it pairs best with wide spread-collar shirts, which are suited to dressier events.

 

1. Place the wide end on your left and the narrow end on your right.

2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3. Pass the wide end up through the neck loop.

4. Take the wide end down and to the right.

5. Bring the wide end under and to the left.

6. Take the wide end and bring it up and through the neck loop.

7. Cross over the loop to your right to form the knot.

8. Bring it up through the neck loop from below.

9. Pull it through the loosened knot.

10. Tighten and adjust the dimple.

The Half Windsor Knot

This particular knot is suitable for almost all occasions—which is why it’s one of the most popular. Since it is smaller in size, it can be worn with more collars—such as the button-down, forward point or spread collar. It is appropriate for work and weddings—most semi-formal occasions, in fact. Learning how to tie a Half Windsor is relatively easy, too.

1. Place the wide end on your left and the narrow end on your right.

2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3. Pass the wide end under the narrow end.

4. Bring up and through the loop.

5. Take the wide end down and to the right.

6. Bring the wide end up to the center and wrap around to form a knot.

7. Pass the wide end through the loop and bring it down.

8. Pull the pointed end up and then down through the knot.

9. Tighten and adjust the dimple.

The Four-in-Hand Knot

Easy to tie and super versatile, the Four-in-Hand knot is a slightly asymmetrical tie knot. Since it is adaptable to most occasions (except the most formal), it pairs well with casual collars—especially the button-down and forward point. It’s the one most men learn to tie first and therefore the most popular.

1. Lay the wide end on your left and narrow end on your right.

2. Cross left over right.

3. Bring the wide end under and back to the left.

4. Take the wide end back over once more.

5. Pull the wide end up through neck loop.

6. Bring it down through front loop.

7. Tighten the knot and adjust the dimple.

About the Dimple

Perfecting the dimple in your tie knot takes practice, but the confidence that comes from a masterfully-tied tie is worth the effort. To achieve the perfect dimple, pinch the tie with your thumb and middle finger, then use your index finger to keep the dimple in place as you tighten.