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The why & how to tie a tie? Maybe the last few years of wardrobe latitude & working from home in a wrinkled dress shirt (& boxers) has you a bit rusty. Or perhaps, like so many of us, tying a solid tie knot has always felt way more complicated than it should be. Like most good things, the casual trend has boundaries & if you want to stand out in a sea of soft cotton joggers, it’s time to up your game, guys.
We’re breaking down tying a tie. It’s not exactly brain surgery—it’s a small matter of muscle memory & more importantly, creating confidence in those everyday occasions you can look polished. There are countless ways of tying a tie depending on personal preference, tie style & the occasion, but we’re counting off the top performers that carry the most bang for the buck. Once you’ve mastered these, feel free to explore the Pratt, the Prince Albert & beyond.
#1 The all-encompassing: FOUR-IN-HAND KNOT
Named for the 19th century Gentlemen’s Club & also known as the Simple Knot, the Four-in-Hand is super versatile & is probably the most popular way of tying a tie simply for its ease. It works well with most materials & stands up for all occasions. Also, this knot method is a bit asymmetrical, so it lends some room for error (not that you’ll need it).
Here’s how to tie a tie:
1. Set the wide side of the tie on your right & smaller end on the left
2. Pull the smaller end so the tip is sitting above your belly button while standing
3. Cross the wide side above the small side across the front
4. Pull the wide side under the smaller end to the right
5. Wrap the wide side across the front again, it helps to keep your thumb on the loop your creating
6. Slip it up & through the neck space & down through the loop
7. Tighten your tie by pulling down on the wide side
8. Gently slide the knot up or down to adjust length & tightness around your neck
#2 The polished pro: HALF-WINDSOR KNOT
This popular knot is a slightly more formal way of tying a tie & the knot sits more symmetrical. Go on, it’s worth mastering.
Here’s how to tie a tie:
1. Start with the wider end on your right again
2. The smaller end will be on your left & needs to stop above the belly button
3. Cross the wide end over the small end & wrap around the backside
4. Then pass the wide end up & into the neck loop from the top
5. Now you will see the backside of the wide end
6. Take the wide end across the front toward your right
7. Slide it up into the neck loop from underneath this time & down through the knot loop that you've just made
8. Tighten down by pulling on the tie & sliding the knot up or down to adjust
#3: Come-on with your classic: THE WINDSOR KNOT
Those British gents know how to tie a tie. The Windsor was inspired by the impeccable style of the Duke of Windsor. This knot is the most formal of the big 3. It’s wider & more triangular which looks great for black ties events & big presentations.
How to tie this tie:
1. Place the wider end of your tie on the right
2. Pull the smaller end so that the tip is resting above your belly button
3. Cross the wide end over the narrow end to your left
4. Pull the wide end up into the neck loop from underneath & then down towards the left
5. Wrap the wide end behind the knot to the right
6. Then up over through the neck loop
7. Now wrap the wide end in front of your knot
8. Then pull the wide end up into the neck loop from underneath
9. Slide it down through the knot loop you've just made & secure by pulling down on the tie
10. Adjusting for comfort by gently pulling the knot up & down
Tie Troubleshooting 101
If your tie length is too short, long, or uneven, simply adjust the starting position of your initial crossover to compensate.
Pull the wide end tighter if the knot is too loose-looking as you guide it through the loop.
If your knot looks wonky, ensure your tie is not crumbled as you tuck through your final loop.
Tie Makers & Breakers
How long should your tie be?
It depends! No, really. Your tie length is dependent on where your pants hit. A golden rule is to ensure the tip of your tie hits mid-belt. There should not be any shirt peeking through under your tie tip.
What the hell is a tie dimple?
It’s the creased detail directly under the knot that makes your tie look taut. Save that loosened tie look for the ride home; wearing a tie is all about precision. The dimple is formed by tying a really tight knot as you pass it through the loop, this doesn’t translate in strangulation, we promise.
To tie a bar or knot?
Contrary to popular belief, the tie bar is meant to attach your tie to your shirt, not the two tie strands. It creates volume & controlled movement. It looks best placed within the third or fourth button placket.
Can you pair patterned shirts & ties?
There is no denying a solid tie looks fresh over a patterned shirt. But men, we are more creative than our predecessors. It’s time to play with patterns in an unexpected way. Mixing the same patterns on differing scales is an easy way to start breaking out of your box.
The time has come to hang up the hoodie & dress the part of a well-groomed man who makes his successes daily. Go forth & enjoy the confidence & polish of a well-tied tie.
Accessorizing with Ties
A tie can be the perfect finishing touch to a stylish outfit, adding sophistication and allowing for personal style expression. Here are some tips on accessorizing with ties.
Matching Ties with Shirts: A well-coordinated ensemble involves matching your tie with your shirt. Consider pairing a solid color tie with a patterned shirt, or vice versa, for a classic look. For more visual interest, match a tie color to a color in your shirt.
Coordinating Tie Patterns: Mixing patterns can create a unique look. Aim for contrasting pattern sizes - if your shirt has a small-scale pattern, choose a tie with a larger-scale pattern. You can also match similar patterns with different color schemes.
Adding Tie Bars or Clips: A tie bar or clip can add sophistication and keep your tie in place. Position it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt and ensure it spans the tie's width. Don't fasten it too tightly as the tie should move naturally.
With these tips, you'll be accessorizing with ties effortlessly, creating a polished look for any occasion.
