How to tie a Windsor Knot | How to tie a Neck Tie

How To Tie A Tie | Four-In-Hand Knot | Half Windsor Knot | Full Windsor Knot (aka Windsor Knot)

So you’ve bought that tie you had your eyes set on for a while, and are ready to wear it. Maybe you’ve worn it to work, and now you want to put it on casually. Or maybe you’ve worn it to a semi-formal event, but now need to wear it to an all important presentation. In this guide, we’ll discuss the merits of the three different ways to tie a necktie and how to tie them.

Four-In-Hand Knot

The four in hand knot is also known as the simple knot or schoolboy knot due to its simplicity and style. History suggests that the four in hand knot came to be known as a result of members of the four in hand club in London starting to regularly pull this tie off, hence making it fashionable.

The four-in-hand knot makes for a narrow, asymmetrical tie knot. The four in hand knot is best worn with a narrow spread collared shirt, and is suited for men who are trying to accentuate perceived vertical lines i.e look taller. The four in hand knot looks especially good on gentlemen with shorter necks as it serves to elongate their neck.

How to tie a four in hand knot:

1. Start with the wide end of your necktie on your left, extending about 8 inches to a foot below the narrow end of the tie.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end of the tie.
3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end of the tie.
4. Continue bringing the wide end over the narrow end of the tie again.
5. Pull the wide end through the loop.
6. Hold the knot loosely and slip the wide end of the tie through the loop.
7. Remove your finger and tighten the knot. While tightening your knot, create a dimple under your knot by pressing in with your index finger as you pinch the sides of the knot with your thumb and middle finger. This dimple in your necktie will leave you looking extremely dapper!
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Half Windsor Knot

   The Half Windsor Knot produces a singular, neat triangular knot, which is larger than the four in hand knot but smaller than a full windsor knot. Contrary to popular belief, the half windsor knot does not take up half the space of a full windsor knot, but rather about 75%, and so still creates an air of elegance about it.

   The Half Windsor Knot is best worn with a medium or wide spread collar, due to its size and thickness. The Half Windsor Knot is a great knot for semi-formal, formal occasions and work, and because it is easier to tie than a full windsor knot, makes it extremely convenient year round! The Half Windsor Knot would particularly suit slimmer men with longer necks, as it serves to accentuate horizontal lines i.e make you look broader.

   How to tie a half windsor knot:

   1. Begin with the wide end of the tie on the right hand side. Keep the wide end of your tie about eight inches to a foot below the skinny end of your tie.
   2. Cross the large end of the necktie over the slimmer end.
   3. Bring the wide end of the tie under the loop.
   4. Bring the wide end of the tie over and through the loop, allowing the back end of the tie to fall through on your right hand.
   5. Bring the tie over the knot, from right to left, wrapping it over and under the knot
   6. Bring the tie through the loop.
   7. Slide the wide end of the tie through the knot.
   8. Fasten the knot and create a dimple when adjusting the knot. While tightening your knot, create a dimple under your knot by pressing in with your index finger as you pinch the sides of the knot with your thumb and middle finger. This dimple in your necktie will leave you looking extremely dapper!
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

      Full Windsor Knot

      Full Windsor Knot (aka Windsor Knot)

      The Grand Daddy of all knots, the Full Windsor Knot is considered the most elegant of all. The Full Windsor Knot produces a wide, symmetrical triangular knot. The Windsor Knot is a thick, wide and triangular knot that projects confidence. It is therefore a popular knot of choice for presentations, job interviews, important meetings, weddings and other formal occasions.

      How to tie a Full Windsor Knot:

      1. Start with the wide end of the necktie on your left, about 12 inches (a foot) below the skinny end of your tie. More difference in length is needed for a full Windsor knot versus the half Windsor or four in hand, as more fabric is used to tie the necktie. This is important to understand so that you can get the knot right hopefully on the first go around!
      2. Cross the wide end of the tie over the skinny end.
      3. Bring the wide end of the tie under the cross and through the loop
      4. The wide end of your tie should out on the right hand side.
      5. Bring the wide end of the tie underneath the knot (from right to left)
      6. When you have taken the wide end underneath the knot, take the wide end of the tie through the loop from the outside.
      7. The wide end of the tie should now be on your left hand side, with the base of your full Windsor knot firmly formed
      8. Wrap the wide end of the tie over the knot (from left to right).
      9. Bring the wide end of the tie underneath the knot and through the loop.
      10. Slide the wide end of the tie through the knot.
      11. Tighten and adjust the knot. . While tightening your knot, create a dimple under your knot by pressing in with your index finger as you pinch the sides of the knot with your thumb and middle finger. This dimple in your necktie will leave you looking extremely dapper!
          
          
          
          
          
          
          And there you have it. The three most widely used tie knots out there. The four-in-hand knot, half windsor knot and full windsor knot. Please note that Full Windsor Knots are typically difficult for taller men to tie with their neckwear, as most neckwear is offered in one standard size.