How to Tie a Tie: Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Tie a Tie: Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Four-in-Hand Knot — The Everyday Classic
Best for: everyday wear, thicker ties (wool, knitted), button-down collars.
Style: slightly asymmetric, slim, effortlessly stylish.
Steps:
1. Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right and the narrow end on your left. The wide end should hang lower — roughly at belt level when finished.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end from right to left.
3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end from left to right.
4. Bring the wide end across the front from right to left again. You’ll now have a loop around the narrow end.
5. Pass the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.
6. Feed the wide end down through the small horizontal loop you created in step 4.
7. Tighten gently by holding the narrow end and sliding the knot up to the collar. Form a small dimple under the knot by pinching the sides as you tighten.
Quick tip: If your tie is thick, start with the wide end shorter than you think so the finished length lands at the belt.
2) Half Windsor Knot — Polished and Versatile
Best for: business wear, weddings, medium collars.
Style: symmetrical, neat, moderate bulk.
Steps:
1. Drape tie around your neck with the wide end on your right, narrow on your left. Let the wide end hang lower.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end (right to left).
3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath and pull it down to the left.
4. Wrap the wide end around the back of the narrow end from left to right.
5. Bring the wide end up again through the neck loop from underneath.
6. Feed the wide end down through the loop you formed in front of the knot.
7. Tighten while centering the knot, and form a defined dimple beneath the knot by pinching as you slide it up.
Quick tip: The Half Windsor balances symmetry with a moderate size, so it pairs well with most dress shirt collars.
3) Full Windsor Knot — The Power Knot
Best for: formal events, spread or cutaway collars, lighter silk ties.
Style: large, triangular, very symmetrical.
Steps:
1. Place tie around your neck with the wide end on your right and narrow on your left. The wide end starts much lower than for other knots.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end from right to left.
3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath and pull it down to the left.
4. Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end from left to right.
5. Bring the wide end up and through the neck loop from underneath once more, then pull it down to the right.
6. Cross the wide end across the front from right to left, creating a horizontal band.
7. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath for the last time.
8. Feed the wide end down through the horizontal band you just made at the front.
9. Tighten the knot carefully, centering it and creating a clean triangular shape. Make a dimple by pinching just under the knot as you snug it to the collar.
Quick tip: The Full Windsor uses a lot of fabric. Start with the wide end much lower than you expect, and avoid very thick ties to prevent an overly bulky knot.
Finishing Touches — Make It Look Intentional
• Length: Tip of the tie should reach your belt buckle.
• Dimple: A single, neat dimple beneath the knot adds professional polish. Pinch the sides while sliding the knot up to form it.
• Knot size vs collar: Narrow collars = slimmer knots. Spread/cutaway collars = wider knots.
• Smoothing: Keep the tie flat and pattern aligned; avoid twists.
• Tie bar: If you use one, clip it between the 3rd and 4th shirt buttons and keep it low enough not to obscure the knot.
Common Mistakes & Quick Fixes
• Too short or too long: Untie and start with the wide end adjusted a few inches.
• Bulky knot with thick tie: Switch to Four-in-Hand or use a silk ties with a lighter weave.
• Lopsided knot: Loosen and re-tie; ensure the wide end crosses cleanly and consistently in each step.
• No dimple: Pinch and gently pull the narrow end while tightening the knot.