Tying a tie isn't really that complicated. Here are 3 most used knots and step by step instructions on how to tie a tie.
1. Four in hand knot
If you wish to only learn one knot, make it the four in hand.
And why?
Four in hand knot is asymmetrical, it has narrow shape which makes it more interesting. It is really simple to tie it and it goes well with most shirt collar types. The only exception is wide cut collar. In that case you should stick with wider knots that fill the collar.
This knot is also popular in situations where men struggle with necktie length and the tie is too short for them (tall men, long torso, big belly) because with four in hand only small part of the tie is used for the knot.
How to tie a Four in hand knot
1. Start with wider end of the tie longer. The ideal position is different for everyone. It will take you couple of tries to figure it out so the tie will have optimal lenght after tying.
2. Cross wide end over narrow end.
3. Cross wide end behind narrow end.
4.-5. Cross once more in the front.
6. Bring wide end up and through the loop around the neck.
7. Continue down through the front loop.
8. Tighten the knot and you are done!
Quick tip: Bring the knot as close to collar as possible to get a clean and neat look.
2. Half Windsor knot
Half windsor knot is another commonly used knot. It is wider, symmetrical and versatile.
How to tie a Half Windsor knot
1. Start again with the wider end longer.
2. Cross wide end over narrow end and then back from behind.
3.-4. Bring the wide end up and through the loop down.
5. Continue crossing wide end in the front to other side.
6. Bring it up through the loop around the neck.
7. Continue down through the front loop.
8. Tighten the knot and adjust.
Tip: After tying the tie the tip of the wide end should be at the level of belt buckle. If it's too long or too short you need to tie it again and adjust the position of the wide and narrow ends in the first step.
3. Windsor knot
Windsor knot is wide, full, symmetrical knot and it is considered as a most formal option. If you usually wear shirts with wide spread collars, this is your ideal choice.
How to tie a Windsor knot
1. Start with wider end of the tie longer.
2. Cross wide end over narrow end and bring it up through the behind of the neck loop.
3. Then back down.
4. Cross behind narrow end.
5. Bring it up.
6. Down inside the loop.
7. Across the front to the other side.
8. Pull wide end through the loop up again.
9. Bring wide end down through the front loop.
10. Tighten the knot and adjust.
Mistakes to avoid when tying the tie
Tie is too long
How long should a tie be? The wider end of the tie should be at the level of belt buckle or the button of your pants. If the tie is much longer than that, you need to adjust it. This could happen for couple of reasons. If you are shorter, try to tie a knot that "uses" more length of the tie. Instead of Four in hand knot use Windsor or Half Windsor knot. Same problem could have men who have longer legs and shorter torso.
We have a quick tip for men who need to tie more complex knot but are not fans of Windsor type knots. Tie a regular Four in hand knot but instead of going around once, go for two rounds and you will end up with "Double Four in hand knot" You will get the nice asymmetrical knot and you will use enough length of the tie so it won't be too long anymore.
Necktie is too short
You already learned how to tie a tie from our videos.
So why is the necktie still too short?
It is basically opposite problem as the one we discussed above. Choose simple knot so there is enough of the tie's length left for the wider end of the tie.
Necktie knot is too loose
Loosely tied necktie knot is cool and you can go with it with your casual outfits. However in most situations it should be as tight as possible so it looks neat and stylish. Especially during formal weddings or important business meetings.
Make sure there is no gap between necktie knot and shirt collar and you are good to go.
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