How to Tie a Necktie

How to Tie a Necktie: Basics

There are a number of knots used in ties, and which is appropriate at any one time depends upon the collar and lapels. Obviously, these rules are not as stringent as they once were, but those in the know will still recognize the right, or wrong, knot when they see it.

Most of the time, what matters is that you have a nice and proper tie. Never, ever, wear a clip-on! Seriously, you’re better off wearing an open collar than one of those tacky things.

Although it sounds obvious, one of the basic steps in learning how to tie a necktie is buttoning your shirt all the way up first. This will guarantee you hit the knot at the right spot and will help prevent the tie from wrinkling or stretching. If you care about having a beautiful tie, you want to keep it in good condition for years.

Don’t worry about making the ends meet up once the tie is knotted. What matters is where the tie actually hits. Your goal is to have the wide end touch your belt buckle. A little bit of practice will have you getting it right every morning with ease.

Before you start knotting your tie, make sure to measure. The wider end should be twice as long as the narrow end. If the tip of the narrow end is just above your navel, you should be good to go.

Tying a Knot

The common tie knots are: Windsor; Half-Windsor; Four-in-Hand; Prat; Kelvin; St. Andrew; Bowtie; Ascot; and Dimple. Don’t worry – you don’t need to learn how to tie all these knots. Most of the time, you can do well with just one. If you are ambitious, however, or inspired by Mad Men, go ahead and learn them all!

You might start with the Four-in-Hand. It’s good for button-down shirts and straight collars. An elegant knot holds well and lets you make a smart dimple that looks so classy. Draw the wider end of the tie about a foot below the narrow end and cross it over the narrow end, then back underneath and over again. Don’t pull too tight! Pull the wide end up, behind and through the loop. Then, holding the knot loosely, bring it down through the front loop. As you do so, slide your index finger under the knot, tightening gently and squeezing the sides. Then, remove your finger and squeeze the bottom of the knot – this crates the dimple. Gently slide the knot up to your collar and fluff the sides of the tie. Very snazzy!

Guaranteeing a Sharp Look

Don’t rush! Whether you’re off to a business meeting or a date, it’s worth the few extra minutes to pay attention to what you’re doing and do it right. Remember, the place for the knot is on top of the collar button, looser than that and you will look sloppy. If you’re going for a more casual look, then go ahead, but make sure the rest of your look projects that aura so people can see it’s deliberate.

Keep your ties nice by undoing them in reverse, rather than pulling out the knot with a yank. Even the best silk will wear out with poor use.

If you want to learn other techniques for how to tie a necktie, hit the good shops. Any salesman in a better men’s wear section will be happy to show you various techniques for suiting up to perfection.