How to tie a tie
Quick answer
For the classic four-in-hand: drape the tie with the wide end longer, cross it over the narrow end, wrap it behind, cross over the front again, pull it up through the neck loop, and tuck it down through the front of the knot. Tighten and slide the knot up to your collar.
The four-in-hand knot (easiest)
- Drape the tiePut the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right, hanging about 12 inches (30 cm) lower than the narrow end.
- Cross overCross the wide end over the front of the narrow end.
- Wrap behindBring the wide end around behind the narrow end, back to the right side.
- Cross the front againBring the wide end across the front once more, from right to left. This creates the horizontal band of the knot.
- Up through the neck loopPush the wide end up through the loop around your neck, from underneath.
- Down through the frontTuck the wide end down through the horizontal band you made in step 4. Hold the narrow end and slide the knot up to your collar.
The four-in-hand is the knot most people wear every day. It takes about 20 seconds once you’ve done it a few times, and its slightly lopsided shape suits almost any shirt.
How long should a tie be?
When you’re finished, the tip of the wide end should just touch the top of your belt buckle. Too short and it looks like a bib; too long and it hangs below your waistband. If it’s off, untie it and adjust how far the wide end hangs at the start: lower for longer, higher for shorter.
How to tie a Windsor knot
The full Windsor makes a wide, symmetrical triangle. It suits formal events and shirts with spread collars. Start with the wide end hanging much lower than for a four-in-hand, because this knot uses more fabric.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath, then down on the left side.
- Pass it behind the narrow end to the right.
- Bring it up through the neck loop again and down on the right side.
- Bring the wide end across the front, right to left.
- Pull it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Tuck it down through the front band and tighten.
For something in between, the half Windsor skips step 4. It’s a little smaller and works well with most dress shirts.
Getting a dimple
That small dent just below the knot looks sharp and keeps the tie from lying flat. As you tighten, press your index finger into the center of the fabric just under the knot and pinch the sides around it, then pull the knot up.
Which knot should you pick?
| Knot | Size | Best with |
|---|---|---|
| Four-in-hand | Small, slightly uneven | Most shirts, narrow collars, thick ties |
| Half Windsor | Medium, symmetrical | Standard dress shirts |
| Full Windsor | Large, wide triangle | Spread collars, formal events, thin ties |
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