Double Windsor Tie Knot

There are those who say that the Duke of Windsor invented the double Windsor tie knot, and those who say this is a complete myth, that it was only named after his distinctive knot. Other sources say even this is not true, although they offer no other explanation for the name. Still others say that no such knot exists and the knot being referenced is something else again. However, they are in the minority, and although they may possibly be correct, enough people in the men’s dress arena have accepted the name and the knot to make it standard.

The double Windsor is a large, distinctive knot.

The size of the double Windsor tie knot (which, just to add to the confusion, can also be called a full Windsor) is only appropriate for a shirt with lapels set far apart. Anything else will overwhelm the shirt and look ridiculous.

Begin your double Windsor the way you would most knots, with the tie around the collar and the wider end (A) hanging about 12 inches below the narrow end (B).

1. Cross A over B.
2. Wrap A around once, creating a loop.
3. Guide A over and through the loop, between the collar and the tie, and pull it down towards the front.
4. Curl A behind B, then bring it up and back through the loop again.
5. Pull A down through the loop and around so that it crosses over B.
6. Bring A back up through the loop yet again (this is the last time).
7. Now, gently pull A to tighten the knot and guide it up to the collar.

The knot should be centered and both ends should meet at the bottom.

As you can see, this is a knot that takes some practice to get right. If you are tying a slippery tie, like a real silk tie, it might be even more cumbersome and time-consuming. There are any number of videos on YouTube to teach you how to tie the knot, which might be easier than following written instructions, even when accompanied by pictures. Mostly, however, you master this knot the way you do any other – through regular practice. A man in the 1940s could tie several different knots to suit his shirt, an all-in-one try that took about a minute at most. Even women learned to tie a few knots, that being considered a “wifely duty.” A little patience will get you whipping out the double Windsor tie knot in no time.

For the stylish man who buys clothes at decent menswear shops – or invests in custom dress shirts – it is important that the right knot be worn with the right shirt and that it look crisp and sharp. Sales assistants in the better shops are always more than happy to give you a hands-on lesson in tying a necktie. This is the best way to learn, as they will guide you step-by-step and give you extra advice and tips. Your hands will learn the moves properly so that, even though you'll still need practice, you will have an inherent understanding of how to tie the knot correctly.

If, after you’ve gone home and tried the knot several times and are not quite managing it, don’t feel awkward about returning to the shop and asking for another lesson. They should remember you and be able to help you out, even if you aren’t buying anything on your second trip. If you look good, you are a walking advertisement for their shop, so it’s worth their while to help you get your desired knot exactly right.

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