How To Tie A Tie

Whether it’s the tie you actually took the time to pick out for dad on Father’s Day, the clip-on you rocked at your junior high prom, the necktie you learned to knot for your first job interview or the bow tie you convinced yourself to wear to the wedding party, ties mark significant moments in your life.

Ten years ago, I was a recent college graduate starting my dream job in New York City. I remember my first day. Vintage Lacoste cardigan, slim-fit chinos, semi pointed-toe oxfords, striped button-down and printed tie. Killing it.

For weeks, I had this business casual thing on smash. Until about three weeks in, when my boss leaned over my shoulder and said, “Chris, you’ve already got the job, no need for the ties .”
He was wrong then. He is wrong now. Ties may not always be necessary, but they are never out of place or out of style. It's always about how you rock it — that’s what can elevate your game to the top floor.

"Unless you work in a formal setting or are attending a semi-formal or formal event, ties are often excluded from your daily style," said menswear blogger Denny Balmaceda."While I understand they have a more formal association, I rock ties with a button-down and jeans just to hang socially and I think it can be a great look and doesn't need to be designated for formal or serious settings."

You hear that? Ties aren't just for special occasions. They are for pop. They are a conversation piece. They can be a statement or accessory that gives detail. It's really your choice. Now, a rise in casual office style may have muted the importance of flexing your tie muscles, but it’s now time to rectify that. Just because you're seeing more tie-free crewneck shirts doesn't mean you are to pack away your neckties. Actually, you could even think about slipping on a tie as a way to break the rules. Yes, you can be a rebel in a Windsor knot.
"Ties definitely have an important place in today's menswear landscape," said Megan Collins, founder of the Style Girlfriend. "As office dress codes continue to get more and more lax, the notion of dressing in a suit and tie can almost feel like a way to break the rules. And trust me, women love a guy who knows the power of wearing a suit for no reason."

It’s a sad fact that so many guys have learned just a single way to fashion a tie knot when there are so many possibilities for greatness. But these are practical skills, ones that every man should learn, and we can assure you, gentlemen, one knot does not fit all.
Instead of ditching the ties, we’ll instead work on variety and occasion. Here’s the ultimate guide to tying all types of tie knots, the top knots to know, and the silhouettes to rock for every occasion.

Tie Knots Archive
1.1 Old Faithful: Full Windsor
1.2 The Crowd Favorite: Half-Windsor
1.3 Tried-And-True: Four-In-Hand Knot
1.4 The Underdog: Pratt
1.6 The Grown Gentleman: Bow Tie
1.7 The Wild Card: Eldredge Knot
2 How To Achieve A Dimpled Tie
3 Accessories
4 Tie Dos
5 Tie Don’ts

Tie Knots
Each knot symbolizes a different history, a different look and, often, a sophistication. While there are tons of tie knots in the marketplace, let's focus on the ones that matter.

Old Faithful: Full Windsor
Much like many things in menswear, this knot was inspired by the style of English men. In the 1930s, the Duke of Windsor visited the U.S. and forever changed the menswear landscape. Although he never wore the Windsor knot (his was more of a four-in-hand, which we will review later), the Windsor knot was inspired by his style.
"I love to Windsor knot every day," said Kells Barnett, co-owner of Harlem Haberdashery in New York City and 5001 Flavors designer. "It's the perfect mix of classic tradition and overall dapperness. All other knots look like a fad to me. All forced and too trendy."

Popularity Level: A-
The windsor knot is one of the most popular knots for your tie. It’s one of the oldest and most versatile.
What kind of shirt should I wear it with: This knot is made to be worn with a wide or spread collar. Due to the size of the knot, shirts made with point collar or club collars will have you looking out of place like tacos at a Thai restaurant.
Where should I wear it: This knot is perfect for wearing to a job interview or something a little more business formal (being the plus one at a wedding, beating those charges in court, seeing your goddaughter get baptized, etc.) One should note that sometimes this knot doesn’t look as good with super-slim suiting.

Silhouette : Medium to wide
Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Cross the wide part of the tie over the narrow end, around the second button on your shirt.
2. Pull the thick end up through the hole between both ends.
3. Pull the wide end down towards the front.
4. Loop the wide end behind the thin end and pull the thick side down through the loop again.
5. Wrap the wide end, from left to right, aroun the knot you created.
6. Pull the thick end up behind the neck loop and then pull it down through the loop in th front.
7. Pull down on the thick end to tighten and adjust accordingly.

The Crowd Favorite: Half-Windsor
If the Windsor knot is the original, the half-Windsor is the remix. Measuring about three quarters of the Windsor knot, this knot is medium-sized and works best on medium-weight to heavyweight fabrics. This is probably one of the most widely used ties, and it is perfect for everything — from brunch with bae to meeting the parents. It’s also fairly easy to tie.

Popularity Level: A-
The half-Windsor knot is preferred for folks who love a wider knot but don’t want to be overpowered. Remember, there’s a fine line between cool and clown.

What kind of shirt should I wear it with: Much like its cousin, the half-Windsor knot looks good with spread-collar shirts. Stay away from point-collars with this knot.
Where should I wear it : This knot is perfect for wearing to a job interview or occasions that call for business formal attire.
What kind of shirt can I wear it with : This can be worn with all medium-wide width ties and any type of fabric or color. If you have a designer tie — think Tom Ford or any high-quality tie, this is the knot for it.
Fabrics : All fabrics tend to work with this knot, but preferably wool and silk.

Silhouette : Medium to wide
Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Start with the thick end of the tie on the right and the thin end on the left, keeping the tie of the thin end resting just above your belly button. Cross the thick end over the small end. Then, pull the wide end up through the loop created.
2. Pull the wide end down and to the left.
3. Wrap the thick end across the front.
4. Pull the wide end up through the loop between your tie and your shirt again. Allow for a loop on the top of the knot.
5. Pull the wide end through the loop at the top of the knot.
6. Pull tight and adjust the knot accordingly.

Tried-And-True: Four-In-Hand Knot
This is probably the easiest knot to do. If you’re new to this tie game, this is where you start. Named after the 19th century gentleman’s club, this four-in-hand knot is one of the best knots for slim ties. Consider this knot for chill evening events like dinner parties and vacation nights.

Popularity Level: A
A go-to that looks great with almost every tie.
What kind of shirt should I wear it with: Button-down collar shirts and point-collar shirts. Since the knot is small to medium-sized, it will look less polished with a spread collar.
Where should I wear it: Consider this your casual tie knot. This is the one, for example, that you wear to a party or to brunch with bae. Any time you’re thinking about rocking a tie with jeans, employ this knot.
Fabrics : All kinds, from cashmere to cotton.

Silhouette : Slim to medium
Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Start with the wide end slightly above your belly button and about a foot below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Loop the wide end around the narrow end t create a loop.
3. Wrap the wide end behind the knot and up through loop between your tie and collar.
4. Pull the wide end through the loop in front of the knot. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end and adjust the knot as needed.

The Underdog: Pratt
The Pratt knot — named after Jeremy Pratt, an employee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — is a fairly new knot. Elegant and gentleman-like, this knot is wide, but not as wide as the Windsor knot. Popularized by a newscaster by the name of Don Shelby in the late '80s, the knot is also known as the Shelby knot. This knot is a nice update and good for semi-formal events like power lunches and galas.
"Classic, easy and uncomplicated," is how Balmaceda described his favorite knot. "It does the job and nothing more."

Popularity Level: B
This tie is an '80s baby, so it's not as widely known or used.
What kind of shirt should I wear it with: This knot is made to be worn with a spread or semi-spread collar. The Pratt knot, or Shelby knot, is fairly close to the Windsor, but it is smaller and just as symmetrical.
Where should I wear it : A job interview or any business formal setting. Unlike the Windsor knot, this knot looks good with the slim-cut suits.

Fabrics: Wool and silk ties work great with this knot.

Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Start with the seams of your tie facing outwards. The wide end should be your left hand and the thin end on your right. The tip of the thin end should rest just above your belly button.
2. Cross the slim end over the wide end.
3. Pull the wide end up and down through the loop between your shirt collar and tie. Mak sure the knot is snug.
4. Wrap the wide end around to the left. Pull the wide end again underneath and up through the loop.
5. Pull the wide end down through the front knot you created and adjust accordingly.

The Grown Gentleman: Bow Tie
The bow tie was originally created as a replacement for the cravat. Mostly worn in formal-wear, the bow tie is an elevated look that is generally accepted everywhere except in business settings. Then, it might be distracting. It’s a fashion statement. Bow tie enthusiasts generally frown upon folks rocking pre-tied ones, so tying it yourself is key to pulling off the look. You’ll want to wear it with a pointed collar.

According to Balmaceda, bow ties get a bad rap, unfairly latched to a part-prep, part-grudge hipster style when they should be thought of as fashion forward. "I feel as though bow ties are often used to convey a very twee or even hipster look and that isn't necessarily the case. I do wish men would stay away from bow ties at weddings or for formal-wear. There's a difference between classic and played-out."

Popularity Level: B+
Bow ties experienced a huge resurgence a few years back. They are special because they are suitable to black tie events, but playing with fabrics and patterns can turn them into a statement piece, and going classic can give you a James Bond swag.
What kind of shirt should I wear it with: A spread collar is going to work best for bow ties. A narrow collar can work with slim bow ties. A wing-tip collar, the kind you’d see on a tuxedo shirt, is your pairing for formal events. You can rock your bow tie with a button-down collar, but that’s the least preferred option.
Where should I wear it : Anything formal. Black tie occasions and weddings are perfect. But casual bow ties work on any occasion, whether you’re going for a high-low look in the office or adding some spice to your weekend brunch attire.

Fabrics : Velvet and silk bow ties look great for formal events. A mix of cotton, silk and wool works great for casual settings.

Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Adjust the bow tie to the width of your neck
2. Place the bow tie around your neck, with th larger end hanging an inch longer than the smaller end.
3. Cross the long end over the short end and underneath. Then pull it tight.
4. Throw the long end over your shoulder. Then fold the smaller end to form a bow. B sure to keep it close to your neck.
5. Bring the larger end over the bow to form a T shape.
6. Pull it away from your neck to create a loop
7. Fold the larger end into a bow and then tuc the bow into the loop.
8. Tighten and adjust accordingly.

The Wild Card: Eldredge Knot
Popularity Level: C
The newest and most complicated tie knot, the Eldridge stands out. And it’s a lot of work. Consider it a conversation starter and an attention grabber. Also, memorize the steps because you’ll almost certainly have to explain how you tied it. Invented by Jeffrey Elredge in 2007, its popularity surged when images went viral on social media. Settle in. This one takes some practice.

What color should I use: Because this is knot is complicated, you have to be very careful about the tie you chose to wear it with. Choosing plain but bold colors like gold, red, green, blue will help emphasize the uniqueness of the knot without overpowering the rest of the look.
What kind of shirt should I wear it with: Spread collar. Due to the nature of the width of the knot, a spread collar shirt is the best option. Feel free to wear any color or print on the shirt though.
Where should I wear it: At events where you are really trying to make a statement.
Fabric/Prints : Stay away from checkered, striped and patterned ties that are too busy and distract from the look. You want to go with silk. It tends to be thinner, which is preferable. Ties made out of cotton, wool or cashmere are thicker and make it harder to achieve the knot. Remember, you want a look that is gentlemanly — not gaudy. Mixing up fabrics or going with a fun print like polka-dot or stripes can add some flare to your vibe when you're going for a casual look.

Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Start with the wide end of the tie resting at your belt line. The small side will be the active end.
2. Pinch the wide end and create a dimple.
3. Cross the small end under the wide end.
4. Bring the small end up and then down through the loop from the front and pull it t the other side.
5. Cross the small end across the front and then through the neckloop underneath.
6. Cross the small end behind the knot and to the other side.
7. Tuck the end of the small end through the front loop of the knot and pull it tight.
8. Drop the small end down through the loop between the knot and your collar, keeping it on the same side.
9. Bring the small end up and then down the loop between your collar and the tie knot, pulling down on the opposite side.
10. Pull the small end through the front loop of the knot and through the other side.
11. Tuck the remaining fabric under your shirt collar.
12. Adjust your tie knot accordingly.

How To Achieve A Dimpled Tie
OK, so your knot is on point, you've expertly chosen the perfect shirt and your tie bar is impeccable. But one of the things that's really going to set your tie apart is the dimple. Simply pinch your tie near the knot to create a dip before tightening it. Use your fingers to create the dimple before pulling the knot tight. Pinch the knot again after the tie is tightened to keep the dimple in place.

Accessories
If you're looking to accessorize, tie bars, chains and pins are all options. But your best bet is to pick up a solid tie bar. Stick to tie bars that are gold or silver. They will be more versatile and likely to match if you decide to wear cufflinks or custom buttons. But don't forget that tie bars are just as acceptable with casual attire. Clip your tie bar between the second and third button on your shirt. The bar should extend about halfway to three-quarters of the width of your tie. You can wear a tie bar that extends the full width of your tie but never, ever, ever, slip on a tie bar that extends beyond your tie length or there will be people following you and chanting, "Shame! Shame! Shame!" like you're the nun in Game of Thrones.

Tie Dos
Perfect the tie dimple.
Tie bars: Purchase a few tie bars.
Pay attention to where the tip of your tie falls. In general, it should hit the top of your belt.
Don't be afraid to mix textures with your shirt and tie

Tie Don’ts
Don’t buy the tie that comes with a shirt already.
Don’t buy pre-tied ties.
Don’t tie your tie so short you look like Dilbert.
Don’t tie the tie so it’s longer than your belt buckle.
Don’t tuck your tie in your shirt, unless you'r a waiter or you’re eating.
Don’t wear the loosened tie, unless you’ve actually been working all day.
Don’t over-accessorize your tie. If you're going to do a tie bar, then that’s it. You don’t need a tie chain and a pin as well.
Don’t wear ties that are ridiculous, have crazy prints or that are holiday-themed, unless they are a gift from your children.