Not all knots are created equal. Size, symmetry and shape can vary greatly from knot to knot and all should be taken into consideration. Thick ties often necessitate the use of smaller knots like the Four-in-Hand or the Simple knot. Thin ties generally benefit from larger knots like the Pratt or Windsor. Every knot has a distinct character and there are many more knots than the three we will be talking about. Check them all out at ties.com.

Keep in mind ties take extra care to keep them looking good. Check out our article on “How to Care For Your Ties” to find out how to properly maintain your ties.

Knot 1: Four-In-Hand

Named after a 19th Century Gentleman’s Club of the same name, the Four-in-Hand is the reigning champion of necktie knots. Its popularity stems from its simplicity and versatility. It is easy to tie, slender, tapered, mildly asymmetrical and self-releasing. If you only learn one knot, make it the Four-in-Hand.

  1. Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. Begin with the small end slightly above your belly-button (will vary depending on your height and the length & thickness of your tie). Only move the active (wide) end.
  2. Wide end over the small end to the left
  3. Under the small end and to the right
  4. Across the front and to the left
  5. Up into the neck loop from underneath
  6. Down through the loop you’ve just made in the front
  7. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end. Slide the knot up & adjust.
Four-in-hand tie knot diagram

Knot 2: The Windsor Knot

Although the Duke of Windsor never specifically used the Windsor knot, he did favor a wide triangular knot. In actuality, the Duke achieved his trendsetting look by tying a Four-in-Hand with specially made wide and extra thick ties. The Windsor knot was invented by the public as a way to imitate the Duke’s knot style. There are several derivatives of the Windsor that are all referred to by the same name. The Windsor delivers a symmetrical and solid triangular knot that works best with a spread collar.

  1. 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 (this will vary depending on your height and the length & thickness of your tie). Only move the active (wide) end.
  2. Wide end over the small end to the left.
  3. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
  4. Down to the left.
  5. Around the back of the small end to the right.
  6. Up to the center, towards neck loop.
  7. Through the neck loop and down to the right.
  8. Across the front to the left.
  9. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
  10. Down through the loop you’ve just created in the front.
  11. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end. Slide the knot up & adjust.
The Windsor Knot Diagram

Knot 3: Half-Windsor Knot

The Half Windsor knot is an extremely versatile knot. Unlike what the name suggests, the Half Windsor knot is actually closer to three-quarters the size of the Windsor knot. The Half Windsor is medium in size, nearly symmetrical and, when tied correctly, it produces a deep and substantial dimple. Best used with neckties of a medium to light thickness.

  1. 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 (this will vary depending on your height and the length & thickness of your tie). Only move the active (wide) end.
  2. Wide end over the small end to the left.
  3. Under the small end and to the right.
  4. Up to the center, towards neck loop.
  5. Through the neck loop and to the left.
  6. Across the front, over to the right.
  7. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
  8. Down through the loop you’ve just created in the front.
  9. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end. Slide the knot up & adjust.
The Half-Windsor Knot Diagram

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