Need to look the part for your new job or take your outfit to the next level ahead of a friend’s wedding? Then, knowing how to tie a tie will be an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. Mrs Bow Tie will show you how by teaching you five different knots to leave you looking dapper on every occasion.
Selecting The Right Tie
The history of ties actually dates back to at least the 17th century while the modern neckties we all know and love have existed for a century too. While their function of keeping shirts tied may no longer be as relevant as in previous generations, their aesthetic benefits are greater than ever.
Ties can be worn by men, women, and children to achieve a smart appearance while they can also bring a burst of personality to your attire. This pink and mulberry floral sketch tie, for example, will provide a perfect contrast to a range of suit jacket colours.
All ties provide the same function, but choosing a quality design is essential if you want to unlock the full rewards. Ask yourself the following questions and you won’t go wrong;
Does the material type work with the rest of my outfit?
Is the material of high quality?
Does the design and colour scheme suit the occasion and outfit?
Selecting the right tie will instantly give you a better shot at perfecting your look, but how you wear it will have a telling influence too.
How To Tie A Tie: Five Of The Best Knots
When looking to wear your tie in style, choosing the right type of knot is a vital decision. While many people wrongly assume that all knots are basically the same, the truth is that it can transform the overall look.
Here are five of the best knots that you need to know.
The Four In Hand
A Four In Hand knot is often referred to as a schoolboy knot and is one that millions of schoolchildren complete each day. Despite being one of the simplest knots, it remains a great choice for a variety of traditional settings where a dress-down buttoned shirt will be worn.
It works well with fabric ties and can be completed with these tips;
Wrap the tie under your shirt collar and around your neck with the wider end (right side) dangling around one foot lower than the left side.
Wrap the wide part over the front of the narrow part and then around the back of the narrow part.
Continue to wrap the wider part back around the front but then pull it through the large loop you’ve created at your neck.
Pull the wide part of the tie down through the loop you’ve created at the front of the tie. You can then adjust the knot to be loose (big) or tight (small).
You can tuck the narrow part of the tie into the back of the wider side for a neat look.
The Full Windsor
The Full Windsor is arguably the best-known knot of all and is characterised by a wide appearance and versatility that makes it suitable for many occasions. It can take a little practice to master, but will soon become your "go-to" for a range of settings, including job interviews and social events alike.
If you want to know how to tie a tie using the Full Windsor, try the following steps:
Wrap the tie around your neck, under your shirt collar, with the wider end (right side) dangling around one foot lower than the left side.
Cross the right side over the left and pull it up through the gap that has been created under your neck.
Wrap the wide part around the back of the tie and then around the front (towards the top) before pulling it back through the opening created at the neck.
Pull the wide end back through the loop you’ve created at the front of the tie and then slowly slide the knot toward the collar until it is the right position.
In addition to the Full Windsor, half and double variations can be used.
The Shelby Knot
The Shelby Knott, also referred to as the Pratt Knot, may look a little strange to a first-time user as it is characterised as being inside out throughout the process. However, when you know how to tie a tie using this method, you’ll have the perfect solution for light ties and summer outfits.
To complete the Shelby Knot, follow this quick guide;
Turn your tie inside out and wrap it around your neck under your collar with the thick end on the right side, hanging slightly lower than the narrow end.
Pull the wide part under the back of the narrow part and then wrap it around and bring it through the loop created at the neck.
Wrap the wide end (now facing the right side out) back around the front of the narrow end and pull it back through the neck opening.
Pull it back through the knot loop and adjust it to your desired length and tightness.
The neck part that is under your collar will be inside out, but the knot and dangling tie will face outwards as expected.
The Trinity Knot
The Trinity knot is designed based on the look of the trinity symbol. It is a more complicated knot to achieve, but will deliver a sophisticated appearance. It is great for weddings, graduations, and other special occasions.
If you want to know how to tie a tie in this way, check out these steps;
Wrap the tie around your neck, under the collar, with the narrow (left side) hanging lower. Then pinch the wide side just below the collar to create a dimple.
Cross the narrow part over the front of the wide part and then bring it back up through the loop you’ve created around your neck.
Ring it down to the right, then cross the narrow part under the back of the wide part but with the narrow end being reversed to see the back end.
Bring the narrow end back up and thread it through the neck opening and right. A heart shape should appear.
Move the narrow end across the heart shape and up through the neck opening before pulling it back through the knot with a loose knot.
Cross the narrow part under the back of the thick end and lift it back through the loose loop. Adjust the knot for comfort and style.
Many people will pair this type of knot with a tie clip to maintain a stylish appearance.
The Hanover Knot
Finally, the Hanover Knot is another somewhat complicated solution that isn’t used very often. However, it can be the perfect choice if you are a taller person, especially in a professional environment.
To complete this type of knot in style, simply;
Wrap the tie around your neck, inside out, with the thick end draped over your right shoulder.
Bring the thick end around the back of the narrow end, and then around the front of the tie, with the thick end now facing forwards.
Bring the thick end up through the loop created near your neck and then over to the right side of the loop.
Pull the thick end back around the back end of the loop and then up (facing forward) to the left side of the loop and through the neck loop.
Bring the thick end back down from the collar loop, then pull it across to the left loop, thus creating a horizontal band.
Bring the thick end back through the neck loop, going behind the tie and then pull it down through the horizontal loop.
It actually gives a simple-looking knot but will stay in place and make good use of the tie’s length. Perfect.
The Final Word
Knowing how to tie a tie will help you unlock the full potential of your smart and smart casual attire, allowing you to strut your stuff with confidence. When supported by a collection of premium quality ties or personalised ties, the results are simply phenomenal.
