How to Tie a Tie – Tips for Tying a Tie, Tying a Necktie

Ties are integral parts of all formal ensembles for men particularly in the corporate world. In fact, many a times, ties are said to reflect a person’s individuality and personal style. Hence, it is very important to know exactly how to tie a tie. For many, this seems to be a very tricky and almost impossible task as they are unable to figure out the exact process of tying a tie. To get the perfect knot, all you need to do is follow certain basic steps or processes. In all, there are four widely used tie knots that are normally opted. This includes the “Four in Hand”, “Windsor Knot”, “Half Windsor Knot” and the “Pratt Knot”.  Basically, the techniques adopted for all these tying methods are quite similar to one another. The different shapes of the knots are used to match the shirt style selected for a particular occasion and also the individual’s body pattern. Read on to find step-by-step instructions on how to tie a tie easy.

Tips for Tying a Tie

Four in Hand

1. This is one of the most popular methods of a tying a necktie resulting in a small asymmetrical knot of medium thickness.
2. Start by placing the tie across your collar with the narrow end towards the left and the wide end on the right side of your neck. Ensure that the wide end is around 10- 12 inches below on the right side.
3. Now, bring the wide edge across the other end so as to make a cross over the narrow side.
4. Pass the wide end of the tie once again to the back of the left side and towards the right side. Continue passing the wide side of the tie towards the left in front of the narrow side.
5. Once the wide end is passed again to the left side, insert it through the loop in the upward direction. Finally, tighten the knot by holding the narrow end slightly and then sliding the knot up.

Windsor Knot

1. As compared to the “Four in Hand” method, the Windsor knot is comparatively bigger than the other form of tie knots and is mostly used for shirts with thin fabrics or spread collars. This style is mostly used for professional events as it presents a very confident look.
2. Start tying the knot the same way as the earlier knot with the wide end approximately 10-12 inches below on the right side of the collar.
3. Cross the wide side once again over the narrow end. However, instead of bringing the wide end underneath the narrow end and crossing over completely, pass it upwards below the loop of the neck. Following this, bring the wide end downwards towards the left side.
4. Next, cross the wide end underneath and across to the right side and then pass it upwards above the loop of the neck and bring it backwards. Bring the wide end across to the left side and finally pass it inside the loop that was created in the last step. Complete the knot by tightening it around your collar.

Half Windsor Knot

1. This is a semi-version of the Windsor knot that is perfect for narrow collar shirts. The knot is thicker than the Pratt or Four in Hand knot but thinner than the Windsor knot.
2. Start in the same process by bringing the wider end of the tie from the right towards the left side and turning it behind the narrow side on the left towards the right side again.
3. Next, bring the wide end upwards around the neck loop and then turn it across the narrow end of the tie towards the left side.
4. Then, slowly pass it upwards and then inside the tie loop that was created during the earlier step. The Half Windsor knot is thus completed by tightening it around the neck.

Pratt Knot

1. The Pratt knot is also called the Shelby knot and has medium thickness. In this tying style, bring the wide end of the tie behind the narrow end on the left side of the collar.
2. Following this, make a neck loop with the wide end by first bringing it upwards, around the neck and then pulling it inside downwards.
3. Next, make a circle with the wide end across the narrow end towards the right and then finally, insert it in the loop made in the earlier step.