HOW TO TIE A TIE - QUICK AND EASY STEP BY STEP

It’s a wildly simple thing tying a tie. Hell, it’s right there in the name. But getting it right? It matters. Pairing the right knot with the right occasion – and shirt collar – is crucial for a well-executed finishing touch. No, a fist-sized power knot won’t pair with your slim-cut shirt and blazer.

A man of style has more than a single go-to knot. Luckily, the three knots below can handle almost any sartorial situation.

 

THE HOLY TRINITY OF TIE KNOTS

THE SLIM KNOTTHE HALF WINDSORTHE FULL WINDSOR

 

THE SLIM KNOT

AKA the schoolboy knot - it’s most likely the first knot you were taught. This four-in-hand knot might be the simplest way to tie a tie but it’s undoubtedly versatile and more than does the job. It pairs especially well with slim collars, shirts with a slightly playful edge (hello floral) and for outfits that toe the line between smart and casual. 

 

Slim Knot Step 1

01

Place the tie around the neck. Make sure the wide end is about 1/3 longer than the narrow end.

Slim Knot Step 2

02

Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

Slim Knot Step 3

03

Loop the wide end back underneath the narrow end.

Slim Knot Step 4

04

Bring the wide end over the narrow end once more.

Slim Knot Step 5

05

You'll have to loop now to knot the tie with. Hold the front of the loop you've created with your index finger and thumb, and bring the wide end up behind through the neck loop.

Slim Knot Step 6

06

Pass the wide end down through the loop in front. To tighten, pull the wide end of the tie downwards and slide the knot up towards your neck.

 

THE HALF WINDSOR

Think of the Half Windsor knot as your Monday to Friday go-to. It’s classic triangular shape pairs with a semi-spread collar in perfect proportion. It’s also a clever option for taller, lankier guys since it uses a little less fabric to knot letting your tie hang longer. 

 

Half Windsor Knot Step 1

01

Place the tie around the neck and make sure the wide end is 1/3 longer than the narrow end.

Half Windsor Knot Step 2

02

Cross the wide end over the narrow end and back around from behind.

Half Windsor Knot Step 3

03

Lift the wide end up and feed it down through the neck loop.

Half Windsor Knot Step 4

04

Pull the wide end to the right so that it's inside out.

Half Windsor Knot Step 5

05

Cross the wide end over to the other side and up thrrough the neck loop.

Half Windsor Knot Step 6

06

Feed down through the loop you've just created in the front. To tighten, pull down on the wide end and slide the knot up with your other hand.

 

THE FULL WINDSOR

You want the power option? Here it is. The Full Windsor is one of the trickiest knots to learn, but it makes the most impact. Best paired with a wide, spread collar shirt and a suit jacket with a slightly thicker lapel. Also, the Full Windsor is a smart weapon for the gent with a thicker neck to keep everything in proportion.

 

Full Windsor Knot Step 1

01

Place the tie around the neck and make sure the wide end is 1/3 longer than the narrow end.

Full Windsor Knot Step 2

02

Cross the wide end over the narrow end and pass up through the neck from underneath.

Full Windsor Knot Step 3

03

Pull down to the left.

Full Windsor Knot Step 4

04

Cross over to the right from behind.

Full Windsor Knot Step 5

05

Pull up towards the neck loop.

Full Windsor Knot Step 6

06

Feed through the neck and pull down to the right.

Full Windsor Knot Step 7

07

Cross over to the front to the left and back up through the neck.

Full Windsor Knot Step 8

08

Feed through the front loop that you've just created at the front. Tighten by pulling down on the wide end and sliding the knot with your other hand to adjust.

 

STYLE TIP

Looking to elevate your tie game and already have a tie bar? Try adding a dimple to your knot for a subtle finishing touch. It’s dead simple. Put your index finger just below your loosely tied knot then tighten up as usual. Boom – next level tie style. 

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