How to tie a tie

Tying a tie – the guide

It might be that you, just as I, learnt how to tie a tie from your father. We are many that learnt how to tie a tie from our fathers. They taught us one knot, the one they knew, and perhaps had learnt from their father, uncle or friend. So, we follow it like zombies. It’s got to be the best knot in the world. It just feels so safe, comforting and normal to use it. Yes, I agree it does. But instead of getting all amateur psychologist on you and your childhood, let me just humbly suggest that there might be other tie knots as well. Out there in the world, waiting for you to discover them. Why not try a new knot tomorrow? Here are the five most common and used knots.

The five tie knots every man should know:

Half-Windsor knot – Windsor knot – Prat knot – Four in hand – Bow tie

There are very many other knots to try if you like; Nicky, Kelvin, Oriental, St Andrew, Balthus, Hanover, Plattsburg, Grantchester, Victoria, Café, Eldredge, Trinity, Christensen and many more

However, these five are the are ones I think you should know. Here are the manuals.

Half-Windsor knot

The common, very even knot. Very popular and perfect for the medium vide tie. And super if you are tall. Simpler than the full Windsor knot.

1. Bring long end across short end
2. Pass the long end behind the short end
3. Pass long end around front
4. Bring up and down through the loop
5. Tighten with a centre dimple

Windsor knot

Some call it Double Windsor or Full Windsor. Very symmetric and quite large shape. Perfect if you got a large neck or if you wear a shirt with wide spread collar. Don’t choose this one with a short tie.

1. Bring long end across short end
2. Bring long end up through centre
3. Pass the long end behind the short end
4. Bring long end over and down
5. Bring long end across the front
6. Bring long end up and over
7. Tighten with a centre dimple

Pratt knot

Simple and convenient, easy to make and used for formal or semi-formal events

1. Start with the tie inside out
2. Bring long end across short end
3. Pass the long end behind the short end
4. Pass long end around front
5. Bring up and down through the loop
6. Tighten with a centre dimple

Four in hand knot

The oldie. Very easy to learn. Looks great with button down shirts and has quite a small, longish shape.

1. Bring long end across short end
2. Pass the long end behind the short end
3. Bring long end across the front
4. Bring long end up through centre loop
5. Pull long end down through loop
6. Tighten with a centre dimple

Bow tie

It’s easy! I promise. Please avoid the pre-tied or clip on.

1. Cross end A over end B
2. Bring end A up through the back of end B
3. Fold end B to the left making a bow tie shape
4. Bring end A over the middle of end B
5. Fold end A and pass it through the loop behind end B
6. Tighten your knot
7. Adjust until both sides are even