How To Tie A Tie

The necktie is one of the most basic and essential accessories in a man’s wardrobe. Knowing how to correctly tie a tie will give you a more polished, attractive and professional appearance. The four most popular types of necktie knots are the Windsor knot, the Half Windsor knot, the Four in Hand knot, and the Pratt knot. Each one is appropriate for different types of ties.

The Windsor knot is a thick, wide and triangular tie knot. It is the easiest knot to tie, and is best suited for spread collar shirts. This knot looks especially well on men with longer necks. The steps for tying the Windsor knot are as follows:

1)The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

2)Bring the wide end up through the loop between the collar and your tie; then back down.

3)Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end and to the right, back through the loop and to the right again so that the wide end is inside out.

4)Bring the wide end across the front from right to left.

5)Pull the wide end up through the loop again.

6)Bring the wide end down through the knot in front.

7)Using both hands, tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.

The Half Windsor knot is a symmetrical and triangular knot that can be used with any dress shirt. It works best with wider ties made from light to medium fabric. To tie the Half Windsor knot:

1)The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

2)Bring the wide end around and behind the narrow end.

3)Bring the wide end up.

4)Pull the wide end through the loop.

5)Bring the wide end around front, over the narrow end from right to left.

6)Again, bring the wide end up and through the loop.

7)Bring the wide end down through the knot in front.

8)Using both hands, tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.

The third type of knot, the Four in Hand knot, is narrow, more discreet and slightly asymmetrical. It is best for standard button down dress shirts and works well with wide ties made from heavy fabric. It looks especially well on men with shorter necks.

The fourth and final type of necktie knot is the Pratt knot. It is a fairly wide knot, but not as wide as the Windsor knot. It works well with any dress shirt and somewhat wider ties made from light to medium fabrics.

Learning how to tie a tie with different style knots can be useful depending on what type of shirt and necktie you will be wearing.