3 Different Ways to Tie Your Tie

by Peter White


In men's fashion, there comes a time in most of our lives where we absolutely must wear a tie. Be it for a formal meeting, a wedding, or other important event, some of us will struggle with the usual rigmarole of tying a knot that does not end up looking like a scraggly mess around our necks. Some say a gentleman should be aware of at least four knots for his neck tie, know each by heart, and should be able to pick the most appropriate knot for any occasion. However, for the rest of us, there's always the internet. So, without further ado, here are two main methods you can try, along with a couple of alternatives, starting with the easiest:

Four-in-hand knot

Firstly, face a mirror with your collar turned upwards and your shirt fully buttoned. Place the tie around your neck, with the wider end on the side of your dominant hand (right-handed? Right side). Now, search for a seam on the narrow side; this is where the wide end and narrow end should cross. Once you've crossed them, pull the wide part behind the narrow end, then bring it around so it faces your left. Bring the wider end under the narrow part again, then pull it under the loop you've created around your neck. Now, simply pull it through the knot, and adjust accordingly with the narrow end. Done!

Half-Windsor knot

The Half-Windsor knot tends to look bigger and more distinguished than the Four-in-Hand Knot. It starts the same way as the Four-in-Hand, but the wide side should be about three times longer than the narrow side of your tie. Cross the wide side, then bring it around and go under the narrow end. Now, loop it around your neck, tighten slightly. Bring the wide part over the narrow side, so it is at the front, going right to left. Slide the wide part up through the loop you've made around your neck, then through the knot. Tighten into a triangle.

Other options

Alternatively, you can go for the slightly more formal version of the Half-Windsor; the Traditional Windsor. It's a trend said to have been started by the Duke of Windsor himself, back in 1930. Another common knot is the Pratt Knot, suitable for most types of shirt and occasions.

Contact us

Now that you have mastered the art of the neck tie, perhaps you'd be interested in some bespoke men's tailoring to go with it. If so, we'd love to hear from you and would be happy to help with your enquiries: http://mullenandmullen.co.uk/pages/contact-us

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