Tying a tie – the guide

By Sir Vincent

Few things in menswear are surrounded by as much tradition as the necktie.

And few things are learned in quite the same way.

Many of us learned to tie a tie from our fathers. They taught us the knot they knew, which they often learned from their fathers before them.

And so traditions continue.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the same knot every day. I know gentlemen who have tied the same Four-in-Hand knot for forty years and looked impeccable doing so.

But style is also about curiosity.

The world of neckwear is far richer than many men realise.

Different knots create different expressions. Some are formal, some relaxed. Some suit wide collars, while others are better for narrow ones.

A well-chosen knot will never make an outfit.

But the wrong knot occasionally can.

Below are five knots every gentleman should know.

Not because you must wear them all.

But because it is always useful to know your options.

The five tie knots every gentleman should know

Half-Windsor – Windsor – Pratt – Four-in-Hand – Bow tie

There are dozens of other knots: Nicky, St Andrew, Kelvin, Victoria, Eldredge and many more.

But these five will cover almost every occasion a gentleman is likely to encounter.

Half-Windsor

Balanced, elegant and versatile.

The Half-Windsor is perhaps the safest choice for most men and most occasions. It creates a symmetrical knot of moderate size and pairs beautifully with many collar styles.

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

The king of tie knots.

Large, symmetrical and unmistakably formal. Best suited to spread collars and occasions where a more commanding look is appropriate.

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

The connoisseur’s choice.

Less common than the classics but remarkably elegant. A versatile knot that works equally well in business and social settings.

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

The old faithful.

Simple, slightly asymmetrical and effortlessly elegant. If you only learn one knot in life, this may well be the one.

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

Yes, you should learn it.

A self-tied bow tie has character. A pre-tied one often has convenience.

Gentlemen have always preferred character.

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