How to Tie a Tie [Easy Step-by-Step Guide]

Ever found yourself in an outfit dilemma, desperately googling “how to tie a tie” just minutes before a big event? 

We’ve all been there, grappling with the thick end of the tie, confused by the nitty-gritty of tie knots, and, worst, resorting to the dreaded clip-on tie.

Don’t worry, our style-savvy friends! In this easy-to-follow guide, we’re unknotting the secrets to your tie troubles to get you ready for your next big event in effortlessly stylish necktie fashion.

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Types of Necktie Knots and How to Tie Each

Knowing how to tie a tie opens up a world of fashion possibilities, and mastering the art of tying different tie knots is like having a versatile toolkit at your disposal. So, let’s unlock your neckwear’s full potential.

Four-in-Hand Knot

The Four-in-Hand tie knot is the go-to knot for many, and it’s known for its simplicity and understated charm. Named after the four-horse carriage, the Four-in-Hand knot’s reputation is as solid as its history.

The Four-in-Hand knot creates a slightly asymmetrical, narrow knot and works best with standard-width or thick ties. This necktie knot is perfect for everyday wear, adding a touch of style without being too flashy—but go on and experiment with different fabrics and patterns to express your style.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin with the wide end of the tie on your right side and the narrow end on your left-hand side.
• Cross the wide end over the narrow end of the tie.
• Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end, moving from right to left.
• Bring the wide end up and through the loop from underneath.
• Pass the wide end down through the front loop.
• Hold the narrow end with one hand and slide the knot up with the other.
• Adjust the tie knot by holding the narrow end of the tie and sliding it gently up or down.

Half Windsor Knot

A Half Windsor knot offers a balance between simplicity and elegance. It’s a versatile choice, suitable for both professional settings and semi-formal occasions.

The Half Windsor knot creates a medium-sized, triangular tie knot that works well with a wide-spread collar and standard-width or wider ties. It’s a step up from the Four-in-Hand knot in terms of symmetry and formality.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Start with the wide tip on your right and the narrow tip on your left.
• Cross the wide tip over the narrow one, forming an X-shape.
• Bring the wide tip behind the narrow tip, moving from right to left.
• Pass the wide tip up and through the neck loop from underneath.
• Now, bring the wide tip over the front of the knot, moving from left to right.
• Finally, pass the wide tip down through the front loop.
• Tighten the knot gently by pulling the wide tip while holding the narrow tip.

Full Windsor Knot

When it comes to making a fashion statement, the Full Windsor knot is unparalleled. Named after the Duke of Windsor, it’s a tie knot that exudes confidence and sophistication.

Also known as the Double Windsor Knot or simply Windsor Knot, the Full Windsor knot creates a large, symmetrical triangular knot that demands attention. Best suited for a wide-spread collar, it’s the tie knot of choice for formal events and special occasions. 

Tying this tie knot requires patience, as it may take a bit of finesse to get it just right.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin with the wide end on your right and the narrow end on your left.
• Cross the wide end over the narrow end, forming an X.
• Bring the wide end up and through the neck loop from underneath.
• Wrap the wide end around the narrow end, moving from right to left.
• Pass the wide end up through the loop again.
• Bring the wide end down over the front of the knot, from top to bottom.
• Carefully pass the wide end through the front loop.
• Tighten the knot by holding the narrow end of the tie and sliding it up.

Simple Knot

The Simple Knot, also known as the Oriental Knot or the Small Knot, is one of the easiest and most straightforward knots to tie, next to the Four-in-Hand. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for beginners and for when you want a clean, understated look.

The Simple knot creates a small, triangular knot that is well-suited for narrow ties and dress shirts with a closer-fitting collar. It’s ideal for a classic and minimalist look.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin with the wide tip on your right and the narrow tip on your left.
• Cross the wide tip over the narrow tip.
• Wrap the wide tip behind the narrow tip, moving from right to left.
• Pass the wide tip up through the loop from underneath.
• Bring the wide tip down over the front of the knot, from top to bottom.
• Carefully pass the wide tip through the front loop.
• Tighten the simple knot while holding the narrow tip, adjusting it to your desired tightness.

Pratt Knot

Popularised by anchorman Don Shelby, the Pratt Knot or Shelby Knot is a versatile option with a reputation for being easy to tie, making it a great choice for everyday wear and for those looking for an easy knot to master.

One of the classic necktie knots, the Pratt tie knot creates a symmetrical, medium-sized tie knot that complements most shirt collars and works well with most tie widths. It strikes a balance between formality and simplicity.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin with the necktie turned inside out, positioning the wide tip on the right, extending approximately 12 inches below the narrow tip on the left. 
• Next, pass the wide tip of the tie underneath the narrow end of the tie.
• Proceed by guiding the wide tip over the narrow tip and then underneath it. Pull the resulting loop downwards and cinch it snugly.
• Then, move the wide tip to the right.
• Pull the wide end upward, threading it behind the loop.
• Take the wide tip of the tie and thread it downward through the loop positioned in front of the tie.
• Gradually tighten the knot while gently compressing both sides; this action forms the dimple atop the finished tie.

Kelvin Knot

The Kelvin Knot, named after Lord Kelvin, is a lesser-known tie knot that offers a unique and stylish twist. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of individuality to your look.

This necktie knot creates a small, slightly asymmetrical knot with a distinctive horizontal band. It pairs well with modern, slim ties and unique shirt collars. If you’re one who appreciates unconventional style, then this tie knot is for you. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Begin by draping the tie around your neck, ensuring that the seam faces outward. The thick or wide end should be on your left side, hanging two to three inches lower than your desired finishing position.
• Cross the thick end underneath the thin end, moving from left to right, creating an X-shape under your chin.
• Bring the thick end back across the front of the knot, this time from right to left. Continue wrapping it around the thin end, and pass it back from left to right behind the knot.
• Now, bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the knot from right to left once more. Slip an index finger underneath the band created horizontally.
• Tuck the thick end upward underneath the loop around your collar.
• Lower the tip of the thick end down through the loop.
• Pull the wide end all the way through the loop, snugly securing the knot in place.
• For a polished finish, tighten the tie by grasping the knot with one hand and gently making a pull tight on the narrow end with the other.

Prince Albert Knot

The Prince Albert tie knot is also among the classic necktie knots with a charming history. It’s named after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who was known for his impeccable style.

This necktie knot creates a small, symmetrical tie knot that’s perfect for adding a subtle touch of elegance to your attire. It pairs well with slim ties and standard shirt collars. Use this tie knot when you want to add a touch of class without drawing too much attention.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. The tip of the small end should rest slightly above your belly button. Focus on moving the wide end only.
• Cut across the wide end over the small end, directing it to the left.
• Pass the wide end of the tie beneath the small end, moving it to the right.
• Continue by bringing the wide end across the front and to the left.
• Once more, pass the wide end underneath the small end, this time to the right.
• Repeat the process by bringing the wide end across the front and to the left.
• Now, guide the wide end up into the neck loop from underneath.
• Carefully slide the wide end down through both loops in the front.
• Tighten the knot or pull the wide end of the tie, adjusting it as needed. Ensure that the first loop is slightly visible beneath the second loop.

Trinity Knot

The Trinity Knot is steeped in symbolism. It’s a necktie knot that represents unity and balance, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate deeper meaning in their style.

This necktie knot creates a triangular, three-way symmetrical design that is as visually captivating as it is unique. It works best with solid colour ties or subtle patterns, but take your time to achieve the intricate folds of this tie knot. It’s simply a conversation starter and a great knot to make you stand out.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Start with the wide tip of the tie on your right and the small top on your left. Adjust the length so that the tip of the small end rests slightly above your belt buckle.
• Cross the wide tip over the small end to the left.
• Bring the wide tip around the small end and up behind the necktie, creating a loop on the right side.
• Now, pass the wide tip over the front of the knot from right to left.
• Bring the wide tip around the knot once more, this time from the left side, creating another loop on the left.
• Tuck the wide tip up and behind the knot, passing it through the loop on the right side.
• Once the wide tip is through the loop on the right side, tuck it down and behind the knot.
• Carefully pull the wide tip through the loop on the left.
• Adjust the knot by pulling gently on both the wide and small ends. Make sure the knot is snug but not too tight.

Eldredge Knot

The Eldredge Knot is a relatively recent addition to the world of tie knots, and it’s named after its creator, Jeffrey Eldredge. It’s a knot that exudes complexity and intrigue.

The necktie knot creates a striking, decorative knot with a diagonal band across the centre. Due to its complexity, practice is essential for mastering this tie knot. And, the Eldredge Knot is a statement piece itself so keep the rest of your outfit understated.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Start with the wide end of the tie on your right and the small end on your left. Adjust the length so that the wide end is longer.
• Cross the wide end over the small end to the left, making a basic knot.
• Wrap the wide end around the knot, going behind and to the right.
• Bring the wide end up and across the front of the knot to the left.
• Pass the wide end behind the knot, going to the right.
• Bring the wide end up again, this time passing it down through the loop around your neck.
• Guide the wide end up through the small loop created in Step 4.
• Now, pass the wide end horizontally behind the knot from right to left.
• Bring the wide end up and tuck it down through the loop in Step 2.
• Tighten the knot by pulling the wide end gently while holding the small end.

Balthus Knot

The Balthus Knot, named after the artist Balthus, is a tie knot characterised by its asymmetric and bulky appearance, making it a bold choice for the adventurous dresser.

This necktie knot creates a non-symmetrical knot with a distinctive horizontal loop. Because of its unique appearance, it’s not a knot for everyone, but it can be a conversation starter. You can even experiment with different tie textures and colours to emphasise its distinctive look.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Drape a long tie around your neck with the backside of your tie facing forward. Position the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left, ensuring the wide end is longer.
• Take the wide end and pass it under the small end to the left, forming a basic knot.
• Bring the wide end up towards the centre, aiming for the neck loop.
• Thread the wide end through the loop and then bring it down to the right side.
• Again, guide the wide end up towards the centre, heading for the neck loop.
• Thread the wide end through the loop and bring it down to the left.
• Once more, move the wide end up towards the centre, targeting the neck loop.
• Pass the wide end through the loop and bring it down to the right side.
• Now, take the wide end and stretch it across the front of the small end to the left.
• Glide the wide end up into the neck loop from underneath.
• Slide the wide end down through the loop in the front knot.
• Finally, pull the wide end to tighten the knot, and adjust its position by sliding it up or down as needed or use a tie bar to get the length right.

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What Is the Quickest Way to Tie a Tie Knot?

The quickest way to tie is by using the Four-in-Hand knot. The Four-in-Hand knot is a popular choice due to its simplicity and speed, making it a great option for getting your tie on quickly when you’re in a hurry. It’s not as formal as the Full Windsor or Half Windsor, but it gets the job done efficiently.

Or why not opt for a bow tie that offers a unique and distinctive look? The Butterfly bow tie creates a classic bow tie appearance, while the Batwing bow tie results in a thinner, more streamlined look.

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Final Note

Classic necktie knots, including the Four-in-Hand, Full Windsor, and Half Windsor, are the foundation of tie-wearing expertise. Mastering them allows you to confidently navigate any occasion, whether it’s business meetings, more formal settings, or simply looking sharp on a daily basis.

The more advanced knots, such as the Trinity, Eldredge, and Balthus, on the other hand, allow you to get creative and unique in a way that’s bound to turn heads and leave a lasting impression. 

Either way, take your time to hone your knot-tying skills and express your style with confidence. Practice makes perfect!