Tying a tie

You own a tie, but now it still needs to be knotted. Knowing that there are 85 different necktie knots, we understand that you could use some help. Our mission is to help you find your way in tie knotting; with our easy-to-understand guide, we provide you with a manual to help you choose the most suitable knot for your outfit, posture, and occasion.

Choosing the right knot

Are you a beginner? The most well-known knots are the Four in Hand and the Double Windsor. We recommend starting with these two. The Four in Hand gives a nice narrow, modern knot, suitable for almost all ties. The Double Windsor is a knot with a bit more body, ideal for your narrow ties.

Material of the tie

The material of the tie is also important when choosing a knot. For example, thicker ties made of linen or wool require a smaller knot. The Four in Hand or Oriental knot are very suitable in this case. With thinner ties, for example ties made of silk or polyester with a thin lining, it is instead recommended to choose a larger knot such as a Double Windsor or a Pratt knot.

Rules of thumb for knotting

• For the occasional tie wearer, the wide end of the tie comes down to the waistband or belt.
• The narrow end of the tie should never be longer than the wide end and may be pulled through the loop at the back of a tie (passantino).
• Before tying the tie, make sure the top button of your shirt is closed and the collar is up.
• Tip: wash your hands and cut your nails before tying, silk in particular is a sensitive fabric.

Tie a tie

Are you a beginner? Tying a tie takes some practice at first. But once you have mastered the first two knots, you will understand the idea and you will see that you will master the next knots faster and faster. In any case, don't start practicing 2 minutes before leaving for your party, but take your time. Stand quietly in front of the mirror with our knot instructions or watch our videos. Tying a tie has never been easier!

The Top 8 Tie Knots

1. Double Windsor (double knot)

• More info and a clear film: Double Windsor
• Result: Provides a bold, full knot.
• Suitable for: normal to thin ties and the best choice for the biggest range. Choose this knot on occasions where you want to stand your ground, it gives your tie a solid, confident look.
• Difficulty: ***

2. Half Windsor (single knot)

• More info and a clear film: Half Windsor
• Result: A beautiful, elegant, almost symmetrical knot. In terms of volume, it is in between the Four in Hand and the Windsor.
• Suitable for: The Half Windsor is a super versatile knot and therefore an essential skill for any tie wearer. It can be worn on any occasion. It creates a modest knot with a thin tie and a full-bodied knot with a sturdy tie.
• Difficulty: ** (The name says it all, it is half as difficult as the full Windsor. By the way, don't be fooled by its name. In terms of volume it is about three quarters of the double Windsor.)

3. Four in Hand

• More info and a clear film: Four in Hand
• Result: a fairly narrow knot that is slightly asymmetrical.
• Suitable for: We would not recommend a thin tie with this thin knot. So, opt for a slightly thicker and wider tie. The Four in Hand is also the perfect choice for knitted and woolen ties. Do you have a short neck? This knot optically lengthens your neck due to its slim shape.
• Difficulty: * (Ideal for beginners)

4. Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot)

• More info and a clear film: Pratt Knot (Shelby knot)
• Result: A beautiful, distinguished knot with a charming symmetrical shape. Slightly wider than the Four in Hand and somewhat narrower than the Windsor. This knot, when done well, has a smart, flush finish.
• Suitable for: almost any tie except the extreme breaths -avoid the thinnest and the thickest. Wear it to the office as a variation on the (half) Windsor or Four in Hand and stand out from the crowd.
• Difficulty: ***

5. Oriental Knot (Simple Knot)

• More info and a clear film: Oriental Knot
• Result: A functional basic knot, elegant and refined.
• Suitable for: Normal to thick ties. Wear it on everyday occasions.
• Difficulty: * (This knot requires the least steps of all)

6. St Andrew’s Knot

• More info and a clear film: St Andrews Knot
• Result: A typical knot with an average volume and a somewhat asymmetrical shape.
• Suitable for: Virtually all ties but avoid the thicker variants.
• Difficulty: **

7. Victoria Knot (Prince Albert Knot)

• More info and a clear film: Victoria Knot
• Result: Charismatic knot with asymmetrical shape. It has an average volume, comparable to the Half Windsor.
• Suitable for: Virtually all ties but avoid the thicker variants. Wear it on formal occasions or to a serious meeting.
• Difficulty: ***

8. Nicky Knot

• More info and a clear film: Nicky Knot
• Result: Of medium size and with an apparently symmetrical shape.
• Suitable for: A very nice knot for all your narrow ties. Wear it to the office or out to dinner.
• Difficulty: **