How to Tie a Tie
The following is a step by step guide for beginners and Experts alike on how to tie the most popular tie knots for men. As you go through the instructions you will see the easy to follow clear to understand instructions as well as enjoying the well defined pictures that accompany all of the instructions. Please enjoy this information and please share this page with your friends as well.
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How to Tie a Windsor Tie Knot
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How to Tie a Half Windsor Tie Knot
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How to Tie a Four in Hand Tie Knot
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How to Tie a Pratt or Shelby Tie Knot
Double Windsor Tie Knot
The Double Windsor Tie Knot has always been considered the most traditional of all the tie knots. It is regal, symmetrical, larger than life look and is very conventional in its appeal. It is a full bodied tie knot that lets you know you’re wearing it and yet it won’t get you in trouble with anyone.
You would be expected to turn up wearing one of these at a job interview, a business meeting, an important occasion and especially when you’re trying to gain credibility in the “Dog eat dog” world of high finance. Master this Necktie Knot and you’re well on your way to becoming a master of industry.
1. As with most tie knots, we start out with the larger (LG) end over the smaller (SM) end. At this stage you should decide how much of the smaller length you want showing. More – if you have a smaller neck and don’t require as much length to get a good finished product. Less – if you have a larger neck and need to stretch every inch out of your tie to get the final length correct.
Don’t panic! It’s not rocket science, you can always start again, and you probably will, many times, until you get a feel for the right starting length.
2. Now we fold the larger end behind the smaller end and up through the noose. We are going to make a loop around the small end.
3. Once we’ve gotten the larger end through the noose, we bring it back down, across front and tighten that loop we’ve just made around the smaller end. So far, so good. We are going to be doing the same over the other side.
4. Fold the larger end behind everything we’ve done and across to the other side in preparation to make that other loop we need to make.
5. Throw the larger end up over the front, through the loop and down again to make that second loop around the noose.
6. Pull that loop tight. As you can see we have made two almost identical loops around the noose. In some places this tie knot is called a ‘Bison’ knot because it resembles the horns of a Bison.
7. Bring the large end around the front to form the face of the tie knot which covers up all our wonderful handiwork so far.
8. Again we bring the larger end behind and up through the noose for our final approach.
9. Then we bring the larger end down behind our show piece in the front and tighten carefully. It’s at this point we can start to form the fashionable dimple as we carefully pull the knot tighter.
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of your very own Double Windsor Tie Knot. Treat this tie knot with respect young man (anyone under 100) and it will be your constant companion through the most important occasions of your life.
Half Windsor Tie Knot
The little brother to the Double Windsor Tie Knot, the Half Windsor is still just as good. It is almost the same size and generally has the same feel with a little less effort.
It is one of the more traditional Necktie Knots and one you’re sure to need as part of your repertoire.
1. After up-turning your collar and loosely hanging your tie over your neck, adjust the length of each end so that the length of the larger (LG) end is hanging lower than the smaller (SM) end. Now you’re ready to go.
2. Fold the larger end behind the smaller end in preparation for loop we’re going to make over the other side.
3. Throw the larger end, up over the front, through the noose and down again to make a loop around the noose
4. Now we go down through the noose on the inside and start to form a loop around the noose.
5. As we come down, we tighten the loop to form the anchor knot we need to keep this tie together.
6. Bring the large end around the front to form the face of the tie knot that will cover up all of our wonderful handiwork so far.
7. Again we bring the larger end behind and up through the inside noose for our final approach.
8. Then we bring the larger end down behind our show piece in the front and tighten carefully. It’s at this point we can start to form the fashionable dimple as we carefully pull the tie knot tighter.
Congratulations!
You have successfully graduated from the school of Half Windsor’s.
(There’s a joke in there somewhere) Be sure to wear this one with pride… its a beauty.
Four in Hand Tie Knot
The Four in Hand Tie Knot is a fast and effective way to get out of the door… now! It’s a very simple knot that has a bias to one side when finished. It also has a looser feel and a more casual look.
A thinner knot by design, it won’t crowd you at the neck and allows for a shirt collar that is closed in. If you tie this knot right, you can elevate its look to resemble its more respected companions. Still a good looking tie knot in its own right and well worth a try.
1. After lifting your collar up and slinging the tie loosely around your neck, we’re ready to begin. Have the larger (LG) end overlap the smaller (SM) end. Have the larger end hang longer than the shorter end.
Getting these starting lengths right takes a few goes and they will be different for everyone.
2. Fold the larger end neatly behind the smaller end. We’re basically going to wrap the larger end around the smaller one.
3. Now we bring the larger end across the front, wrapping it around the smaller end to form the front face of our knot. We’re half way there.
4. Bring the larger end up and through the main noose from behind. We’re going to come down for our final approach.
5. Then we bring the larger end down behind our show piece in the front and tighten carefully. It’s at this point we can start to form the fashionable dimple as we carefully pull the knot tighter.
Congratulations!
That wasn’t so hard now was it? A nice looking knot… don’t you think? Wear it with a smile as you go out on the town in style.
Pratt / Shelby Tie Knot
The Pratt knot also known as the Shelby Tie Knot, is not as robust as the Double Windsor, but can easily be mistaken for it. It has the same symmetrical look without as much bulk.
It feels lighter around the neck and is one tie knot well worth a try. If you like the traditional look of the Double Knot but like to have a looser feel, this is the one for you.
1. One of the only times you will start with tying a tie knot with the underside facing out. Up turn your collar and loosely sling the tie around your neck and adjust the larger (LG) end to hang longer than the smaller (SM) end. Now you’re ready to go.
2. Take the larger end, up over and through the noose in the front to form a loop around the small end.
3. Tighten this to form your first anchor loop around the small end.
4. Bring the larger end across the front to form the face of the tie knot.
5. Fold the larger end behind and up through the back of the noose near the collar.
6. Now, just drop the larger end down and through the loop that forms the face of our tie knot and
slowly prepare to tighten, forming a nice dimple (if you wish) in the front.
Congratulations!
If you have managed to make your Pratt Necktie Knot look something like this, then you’re a show off to be sure (especially if it’s your first time). Enjoy your new found skill. And all the best.
Please visit our Tie a Tie Widget that has 14 tie knots, how to tie a bow tie and 14 ways to fold a pocket square
