How to Tie a Tie

Neckties are symbols of honor, nobility, and confidence. Learn three easy ways to tie a tie with step-by-step infographics and instructions.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in January 2019. It’s been freshened up with new pictures and commentary on November 8, 2020.

The Simple Knot

The Simple Knot is also known as the Oriental or Four-in-Hand knot. It’s simple, sleek, popular, and versatile. It’s also the perfect knot for ties that are made of heavier materials due to it’s slim and slightly asymmetrical shape.

Take the following steps to tie The Simple Knot:

1. Pop up your collar and place the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. Then pull the wide end down until the small end is just above your belly button.
2. Pull the wide end across the front of the small end. The wide end of the tie should now be on the left side.
3. Pull the wide end under the small end, going back to the right side. The inside of the wide end should be facing out.
4. Cross the wide end in front of the small end to the left again.
5. Pull the wide end into the neck loop between your neck and the tie.
6. There should now be a loop right beneath your chin. Pull the wide end through the loop.
7. Pull the wide end down until it’s snug and tighten it by holding the know gently with one hand and using your other hand to pull down.
8. Make sure the end of the tie ends right at your belt buckle.

The Half-Windsor Knot

The Half-Windsor knot is extremely versatile. The size is about half to three-quarters of the full Windsor knot. This medium-sized knot almost symmetrical and works well for all occasions.

Take the following steps to tie The Half-Windsor Knot:

1. Pop up your collar and place the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. Then pull the wide end down until the small end is just above your belly button.
2. Pull the wide end across the front of the small end. The wide end of the tie should now be on the left side.
3. Bring the wide end to the right underneath the small end.
4. Wide end up into the neck loop and pull down to the left (the inside of the tie should be facing out).
5. Pull the wide end to the right in front of the small end.
6. Wide end up between your neck and the tie.
7. Bring the wide end down into the loop you’ve created.
8. Pull the wide end down until it’s snug and tighten it by holding the know gently with one hand and using your other hand to pull down.
9. Make sure the end of the tie ends right at your belt buckle.

The Windsor Knot

The Windsor knot is also known as the “Double Windsor”. It has a large, symmetrical, and triangular shape which makes it perfect for a shirt with a spread collar.

Although it’s great for spread collar’s, the Windsor works well for any shirt. This tie knot can be worn to semi-formal and formal events because it’s pristine and elegant.

Take the following steps to tie The Windsor Knot:

1. Pop up your collar and place the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. Then pull the wide end down until the small end is just above your belly button.
2. Pull the wide end across the front of the small end. The wide end of the tie should now be on the left side.
3. Pull the wide end up between the loop and your neck.
4. Pull the wide end to the left.
5. Pull the wide end to the right behind the small end (Inside of tie should be facing out).
6. Wide end up to the neck loop and down to the right.
7. Pull the wide end across the front (covering the knot you’re creating).
8. Bring the wide end up between your neck and the tie.
9. Pull the wide end down between the loop (this creates the tie knot).
10. Pull the wide end down until it’s snug and tighten it by holding the know gently with one hand and using your other hand to pull down.
11. Make sure the end of the tie ends right at your belt buckle.

Tips for buying a tie

The following tips are things to look for when you’re buying a necktie. These tips will ensure you look great and that you choose quality over quantity.

1. Width of 2″ to 3.25″. A tie with a width of 2 inches is considered a slim tie and it’s great if you’re slender. Otherwise, 2.5″ to 3.25″ works well for any body type. Here’s a chart to compare tie widths:

Tie Width	2″	2.5″	3″	3.25″
Your Build	Slim	Average	Athletic	Broad
Lapel	Very Thin	Thin	Classic	Wide

2. The bar tack. Toward the bottom of the tie is a heavy stitch that holds the two sides together, this is called the Bar Tack. Make sure the tie you’re looking at has a Bar Tack because it’ll help keep the shape.

3. Fabric is key. Ties come in different materials and textures. Silk, wool, and cashmere are the best options when it comes to materials.

Out of these three, silk is the number one pick because it’s durable, has a smooth finish, and holds its shape. When you’re buying a silk tie, make sure you pay attention to the quality. A high-quality silk tie will be heavier and tighter than others.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Learning how to tie a tie is a great skill that you should know because it’ll make you look great and feel confident. These 3 are the essential knots to understand because they’re simple, classic, and the most versatile.

More resources:

• How to style grey jeans
• How to wear Chelsea boots
• How to wear chinos

Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.