How to Tie a Necktie

In the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.” Among the list of skills that every man should know, how to properly tie a necktie is somewhere at the top. While there are many styles and ways to tie a necktie, mastering at least one technique is a skill that will serve a man well throughout his life.

Whether you’re a novice or can tie your necktie with your eyes closed, here’s a guide to some of the most common styles.


CHECKERED SUIT	WHITE SHIRT	BLACK TIE

The Windsor Knot

The Windsor is a bold knot best applied to wider neckties and spread collars. It’s suitable for traditional, well-tailored ensembles and gives a very dignified appearance.

Have the wider, longer end of your necktie on your right side. Depending on your height and neck size, the narrow end should rest somewhere around your belly button.
Cross the wide end on top of the narrow end, going from right to left
Loop the wide end beneath the narrow end, pulling it up, through the loop between your tie and collar, going from the bottom up to the front
With the wide end now fully through the neck loop, bring it back down towards your left side
With the wide end now at your left side, cross the wide end underneath the narrow end, going from left to right
The wide end of your tie will now be back at your right side
Bring the wide end back up and through the neck loop, going from the front down to the back
Pass the wide end fully through the neck loop and pull it back down towards your right side
Cross the wide end over the knot you’ve made, going from right to left
Pass the wide end through the bottom of the neck loop, pulling it up at the left side of the knot, which is now covered by your tie
Pull the wide end down, making it go through the space between the knot and the portion of the necktie covering it
Pull the wide end all the way down, centering and tightening it as needed

The Half Windsor Knot

The half windsor knot is a smaller version of the full Windsor knot and is quicker to do, involving fewer steps. This knot is appropriate to use for formal occasions.

Start with the wider, longer end of your tie on your right side. Depending on your height and neck size, the narrow end should rest somewhere around your belly button.
Cross the wide end on top of the narrow end, going from right to left
Wrap the wide end beneath the narrow end, from left to right
Bring the wide end through the neck loop, going from the front to the back and bringing it back down towards your left side
Cross the wide end over the narrow end, from left to right, covering the knot with the tie
Bring the wide end back through the neck loop, this time going from the bottom up to the front
Pull the wide end down, making it go through the space between the knot and the portion of the necktie covering it
Pull the wide end all the way down, centering and tightening it as needed

Four in Hand

The four in hand is a versatile knot that is narrow but not skinny. It’s one of the simpler knots to create and unsurprisingly, one of the most frequently used.

Start with the wider end of your tie on your right side, making it approximately 10 inches longer than the narrow end
Cross the wide end on top of the narrow end, going from right to left
Loop the wide end beneath the narrow end, from left to right
Cross the wide end on top of the narrow end again, from right to left
Bring the wide end through the neck loop, going from the bottom up to the front
Pull the wide end down, making it go through the space between the knot and the portion of the necktie covering it
Center and tighten your necktie as needed


GREY CHECKERED SUIT	WHITE SHIRT	BURGUNDY TIE

A well-tied necktie is like polished armor, ensuring you look armed and ready for whatever lies ahead. And when the day or night comes to an end, there’s nothing like the relaxed look of a loosened tie around your neck – something that cannot be pulled off by the uninitiated. Sharpen your necktie-tying skills to ensure you have a sharp look for any and all occasions.