How to Tie a Necktie

a yellow necktie with a perfect knot
Once you know the basics, your tie will always look sharp!

Style never really goes out of fashion, and knowing how to tie a necktie is a useful skill for both men and women. Whether it's just adding a touch of class to jeans or trying to put your best self forward for an interview, use these tutorials to make sure your tie looks fantastic.

The Basic Ties

There are a number of knots used in ties. Technically, choosing which is appropriate depends upon the collar and lapels of the clothes you wear it with. Since few people actually know these rules, the actual rule of thumb to follow is first, whatever style you like, and second, whatever style is easiest for you to tie. The one absolute rule: clip-on ties are never appropriate. It's better to go without.

The three most common tie knots are the Windsor, the Half-Windsor, and the Four-in-Hand. There are others, such as the Prat, the Kelvin, the St. Andrew, and then all the variations of the Bow tie and Ascot. Don't worry - you don't need to learn how to tie all these knots. Just learn the ones you like the best, and leave the rest for the Mad Men fans.

How to Tie the Top Three

The Four-in-Hand:

This knot is good for button-down shirts and straight collars, and is the most common way that men are taught to tie their first necktie.

  1. Draw the wider end of the tie about a foot below the narrow end and cross it over the narrow end
  2. Bring it back underneath and pass it over again. Don't pull too tight!
  3. Pull the wide end up, behind and through the loop.
  4. Holding the knot loosely, bring it down through the front loop. As you pull, slide your index finger under the knot, tightening gently and squeezing the sides.
  5. Remove your finger and squeeze the bottom of the knot to create the "dimple".
  6. Gently slide the knot up to your collar and fluff the sides of the tie.

Confused? Try following along with one of the many online videos such as this one:

The Full Windsor:

This knot is more traditional and is best used with thicker fabric ties. It causes a wide, symmetrical triangle that lends an air of confidence to the wearer.

  1. Cross the wider end over the narrow end, and pass it up under both pieces of fabric, pulling it all the way through.
  2. Pull the wide end down to the opposite side of the narrow strip, and pass it underneath.
  3. This time pull the wide end up and *over* the narrow neckband and down through the loop.
  4. Finish off much like the Four-in-Hand, wrapping the wide end across the top of the knot, back up under the loop, and down through the triangular loop.
  5. Tighten gently to make the knot more secure and aesthetically appealing.

Again, it may be easier to follow along with someone tying it with you through video.

The Half-Windsor:

This tie is quicker and produces a thinner knot than the full Windsor, but as such it does not convey quite as much style. It is tied exactly the same as the Full Windsor above, with the exception that you skip step three - after passing the wide end underneath the first time, just wrap around and come up through the loop. You can easily see the difference in the Men's Style video on VideoJug.

Other Tips for Ties

Here are a few more tips for the correct wearing of a tie:

  • Ties should always be kept under the collar, which should be turned down unless you are attending an 80's retro party.
  • For a casual look you can loosen the tie and unbutton the top button, but be aware it's easy to slip from "casual" to "sloppy".
  • The proper length of the final knotted tie should have the wider end just barely past the top of your belt, and completely covering the narrow end.
  • 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.There are many other techniques for tying a necktie which you can learn on YouTube or right here on the LoveToKnow Men's Fashion channel. Pick out the necktie you like, and then just tie it and wear it with confidence!