Learning how to tie a tie is an essential sartorial skill. It’s a mark of sophistication, and it can elevate your professional or formal wardrobe. Line up the two ends of the tie, wider end down toward your waistline, narrower end upward toward your collar button. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
Basic Knots
A well-tied tie speaks to sartorial proficiency. This may be one of the most difficult sartorial tasks to master, but once accomplished, it elevates every aspect of your business and formal attire. It is not uncommon for men to have difficulty with this particular task, but with practice and patience, learning a few basic knots can help you elevate your style and look polished for any occasion.
Start by lining up the two ends of the necktie evenly. Then, cross the longer end over the shorter end. When finished, there should be a loop at the back of the short end, just below the collar button. The wide end should then be inserted through that loop. This creates a basic Windsor knot. Then, pull on the two ends to tighten.
This is a great knot to use for business attire and works well for all shapes and sizes of ties. It is also a good choice for a more casual look, especially when worn with a light-colored shirt or blouse.
The Overhand knot is similar to the Windsor knot, but it uses a more narrow end and is quicker and easier to learn. It is a great knot for a more casual look, and it works well for all shapes and sizes of shirts and ties.
With the shirt collar upturned, line up the two ends of the tie so that the wider end lies close to your waistline and the narrower end near the center of your chest. Loop the wider end around the narrow end and clasp it with your dominant hand a few inches below your shirt’s top button.
Pass the narrow end horizontally behind the thick end from right to left. Flip the narrow end up and underneath the loop of tie at your collar and down through this new horizontal band you’ve just created. Slip your finger under this horizontal band to keep it in place and adjust as needed.
With the narrow end still positioned below your collar button, bring the wide end up to the neck loop and cross it over the narrow end. When completed, insert the wide end down through the front part of this large loop to rest over the narrow end and create a dimple in your shirt’s collar.
Bow Knots
Whether you want to look formal or jaunty, there is nothing that says class and style like a bow tie. While these may be more difficult to tie than a regular necktie, once you have them down they can add an instant touch of elegance to any outfit. They also come in a variety of colors and materials, so you can find the perfect one to match your style. Bow ties are great for elevating your everyday attire or adding something unique to a formal event, such as a wedding.
To tie a bow knot, first start with the wide end of the necktie. Place it on the front of your shirt, with the tip on top of the loop around your collar. Fold the wide end over the narrow end, and then take the thin part under the wider end and up through the loop at the back of your neck.
Once you have pulled the thin part through this horizontal loop, insert it down through the front loop on the right side of your neck. This will create a second horizontal loop that will be the base of your bow knot.
Then, cross the thick part in front of the thinner part, making an X shape. Wrap the thick end behind this X-shape, crossing horizontally from right to left. Tuck this thin end through the vertical loop that you created in Step 3 (not through the smaller horizontal loop). This will form a diagonal band on the front of your shirt.
Finish the bow knot by pulling the thin part up through this loop on the right side of your neck, then letting it fall down to create a heart-shaped bow. Pull the tightened bow over the top of your shirt and adjust the two sides of the fabric to make sure they sit evenly on each other.
You can even get creative with your bow ties by creating a knot that looks more like a belt than a traditional tie. This knot is called a stopper knot, and it’s useful for keeping your tie in place when you need to stand up or move around quickly. It’s also relatively easy to untie, if you need to do so in an emergency.
Three-in-Hand Knots
This necktie knot is a great option for those who want to look more formal. Unlike the Windsor knot, this one is a little more complicated but worth it in the end because it is a beautiful way to finish your outfit. To begin, drape the tie around your collar with the seam facing outward and the thick end on the left, about a half inch lower than where you want it to hang. Then, cross the thin end over the thick end, forming an X. Wrap the thick end across the front of the thin end horizontally from right to left. Repeat this step by looping the thick end through the third horizontal loop that you’ve just created and pulling on it to tighten it.
After doing this, grab the wide end of your tie and bring it up through the hole you’ve just created between the narrow end of the tie and the loop around your collar. Pull on the wide end to tighten the knot. Tuck the thin end under the wider end and up through the front of the knot, making sure it is hidden by the larger piece of fabric.
Once you have the knot tightened, push on the thin end with your index finger to make a dimple in the center of the necktie. This adds a finishing touch that gives off the impression that you’re well put together, even when you’re not actually wearing anything special at all.
If you would like to learn how to tie a necktie in another way, try the Pratt knot. This is a nice, medium-sized knot that suits most collars and builds. To start, drape the tie around your collar with the wide end on the right and the thin end on the left, about a quarter of an inch lower than where you want it to hang. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, forming an X. Loop the thin end up behind and around the back of the wide end, then up through the front of the knot, creating a small loop.
Four-in-Hand Knots
The Four-in-Hand Knot is a good choice if you want your tie to look full and more traditional. This knot also uses the least amount of fabric so it’s a better option for taller men.
Drape the tie around your neck with the seam facing inward and the thick end on your right about a half an inch lower than where you want the knot to hang. Then cross the thin end over the thick end forming an X, then bring the thin end down through this loop you’ve created behind the X. Tighten by grapping the narrow end and pulling gently on it with your other hand. This will give the knot a nice, round shape.
Tighten the knot further by putting your index finger inside the knot and squeezing it as you slide the front knot upward to tighten. Once the knot is tight enough, let it rest over the neck collar and down to your belt buckle. If you have a tie bar, insert it into the loop of the front knot and tighten it to create a neat little dimple.
If you have a tie that’s too long, you can correct it after the knot is done by bringing the wide end down through the knot and to your left side, then slipping it underneath the narrow end in the front of your shirt collar. This will create a second loop and tighten the excess tie fabric.
Once you’re satisfied with the look of your Four-in-Hand knot, flip up your collar and remove the tie from your body. Take the thick end and pull it down through the gap between your unfinished knot and the horizontal band of the collar, coming from underneath it. Snug the knot down and straighten out your tie’s top layer of fabric to finish. Alternatively, you can leave the knot as is and use it to hold your shirt collar up when you wear a jacket. You can also place the knot in between your collar and the third or fourth button to keep your shirt looking clean.
