How to Tie a Tie: 7 Necktie Knots for All Occasions

Ties became popular back in the 19th century and were worn by high and low-class men to express their sophistication. You might have spotted the necessary fashion accessory worn by characters in all of the 90s films and documentaries. But now tying a tie may seem like a puzzling challenge in the fashion world. But don’t worry! We’re here to make it as easy as pie. Whether you’re getting ready for a job interview, a wedding, or just want to step up your fashion game, learning how to tie a necktie is a skill that will serve you well.

In this article, we’ll break down the tie-tying process into simple, foolproof steps and add some witty insights to keep things interesting. It’s like your personal guide to stylish neckwear. So, whether you’re a rookie or a repeat offender of sloppy knots, let’s help you to tie a tie like a pro without breaking a sweat.

There are different ways to tie a necktie that have been passed down to this day. Even today, the skill of tie knotting is considered worth learning and adds a touch of elegance to a person’s appearance.

What Does Knotting a Necktie Mean?

The phrase knotting a tie refers to the process of getting dressed for a formal occasion. A minimal piece of cloth in the shape of a downward arrow adds elegance to one’s clothing and makes dressing sophisticated. Most necessary, it is a sign of formal dressing. Different styles of knot tying come with their unique level of difficulty.

Types of Necktie Knots

There are seven professional ways to tie a knot i.e.,

1. Full Windsor Knot:

For people who have a thick neck and wide collar Full Windsor Knot is a good choice. The knot is compatible for special occasions because of its large and formal look.

2. Half Windsor Knot:

Unlike Full Windsor Knot, this category of tie is suitable for thin and narrow necks. If you want to learn how to knot a tie for casual and formal occasions, Half Windsor Knot is the perfect choice with its small and versatile application.

3. Four-in-Hand:

This is the most common necktie knot in the world and is suitable for both types of collar and neck sizes. In addition, it is versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

4. Trinity Knot:

A Trinity knot is perfect for special occasions and surprisingly it is a Celtic symbol that represents three parts of a Christian Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Most suitable for wide and thick neck collars.

5. Pratt Knot:

A Pratt knot is a versatile knot suitable for both formal and casual occasions.it is slightly smaller and less bulky than the Half Windsor Knot making it a perfect choice for small-neck people.

6. Kelvin Knot:

To simply describe its appearance it is slightly larger and more symmetrical than the Four-in-Hand Knot but smaller and less bulky than the Half-Windsor Knot. It is preferable for those who enjoy easy-to-tie and maintain clothing.

7. Eldredge Knot:

The knot was invented by Jeffrey Eldredge in 2007. It is much younger than the previous and is relatively more complex and challenging. But on the other hand, it is the most unique and eye-catching knot available.

How to Tie a Full Windsor Knot

To tie a successful Full Windsor Knot, here are the steps:

1. Use a thicker tie for a fuller knot.

2. Center the tie location under the collar.

3. Don’t overtighten the knot and test for easy breathing.

Follow these steps to tie yourself a perfect Full Windsor Knot.

Step 1

Put the tie over the shoulder in such a way that the wide end of the tie is placed on the right and the small end on the left, slightly above the belly button.

Step 2

Cross the wide end over the small end to the left.

Step 3

Pull the wide end out of the neck loop from underneath.

Step 4

Pull it down to the left and then take it to the right from the back of the small end.

Step 5

Then place it in the center of the neck loop and bring it through the neck loop down to the front.

Step 6

Now hold the wide end with your thumb and forefinger and pull the small end down to tighten the knot.

Step 7

Adjust the tie to the center of the collar.

How to Tie a Half Windsor Knot

Considering the name it is slightly similar to the previous one. To tie a Half Windsor Knot follow the following steps,

Step 1

Place the wide end of the tie to the right and the small tie to the left and rest it slightly above the belly button.

Step 2

Take the wide end to the left of the small. Creating a loop between the collar and the tie. Then bring the wide end through it.

Step 3

Pull the wide one downward and wrap it underneath the small one.

Step 4

Now repeat step 2 but only bring it halfway.

Step 5

Now tighten the knot by pulling the small downward.

Step 6

Lastly adjust the knot to center it around the collar.

How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot

Step 1

Place the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left with the tip of the small end should rest slightly above the belly button.

Step 2

Take the wide end of the tie over the small end creating a loop between the tie and the collar and now bring the tie up through the loop.

Step 3

Now pull it downward and warp it underneath the small end.

Step 4

Repeat the step. Take the wide end upward and pass it through the loop.

Step 5

Finally, hold the wide end with your thumb and forefingers and pull the small end down to tighten the knot.

Step 6

Adjust the necktie to center it under the collar and you’re ready.

How to Tie a Trinity Knot

Step 1

Place the necktie across your collar in a way that the wide end of the tie is on the right and the small end is on the left and is resting above the belly button.

Step 2

Now cross the small end of the wide end and bring it up and around the back of the wide end.

Step 3

Pull the small end down through the loop created.

Step 4

Pull it further to tighten the knot.

Step 5

Repeat step 2 and 4 on the other side and adjust the knot until they are centered to the middle of the collar.

How to Tie a Pratt Knot

Step 1

Put the necktie in a manner that the backside faces the front and the wide end is on the right and the small end is on the left with it placed above the belly button.

Step 2

Take the wide end from under the small end to the left side.

Step 3

Bring it up and over the small end from the front side of the tie.

Step 4

Now take it from the back of the small end to the right creating a loop.

Step 5

Pull the wide end above the loop

Step 6

Now pull it down through the loop created at the front of the tie.

How to Tie a Kelvin Knot

Step 1

Start with the necktie placed upside down with the wide end on the right and narrow on the left. The tip of the narrow end should be above your belly button.

Step 2

Move the wide end from under the narrow end from left to right creating an X-shape under the chin.

Step 3

Bring the wide end back across the front of the knot from right to left again.

Step 4

Now cross the wide end from the back of the narrow end to the left.

Step 5

Pull the wide end upward through the created loop.

Step 6

Then pull it down through the loop at the front of the tie.

Step 7

Slide the knot upward holding the knot to tighten it. Then adjust it to the center.

How to Tie an Eldredge Knot

Step 1

Start by placing the wide end of the necktie to the right and the small end to the left with its tip slightly above the belly button.

Step 2

Cross the small end over the wide end to the right and then to the left from behind the wide end.

Step 3

Pull the small end up the loop and then down to the right.

Step 4

Take the small end across the wide end to the left.

Step 5

Now bring the small end from the back of the wide end to the right and a loop will be created.

Step 6

Pull the small end downward and to the left.

Step 7

Repeat step 4 and 6 until a 3-inch length braid is created.

Step 8

Now bring the small end up through the loop at the base of the knot.

Conclusion

Every technique has its level of difficulty which can be overcome through practice. Following the given steps makes learning how to tie a tie easy. The most crucial part of a tie to focus is the knot. Following through the steps, ensure to clearly read and execute to learn how to tie a knot without much hustle.

FAQs – Tie a Necktie

Q1: What is a Bowline knot?

A fixed loop knot that is easy to tie and untie even after being loaded is called a Bowline knot. It is strong and used for sailing, rescue missions and climbing.

Q2: Which is the best tie knot for beginners?

The four-in-hand knot is a simple and versatile knot that can be worn on any occasion.

Q3: What is the proper length of a tie?

A tie should rest slightly above the belt buckle. This is considered the perfect length for a tie.