How to tie a tie

There are a lot of knowledge to take in consideration when choosing what tie knot to opt for. Each tie knot makes way for a different expression. At John Henric, we are great advocates for personal expression, but also for elegance. The tie have a central part in a man’s way of expression. Do bear in mind though, that the tie need to harmonize with both shirt collar and blazer - and make sure to tighten the tie knot. It makes the whole impression more aesthetically appealing. By tightening the tie knot, you make your outfit look more proper.

Every man should know how to tie a tie but in many cases tying your tie becomes way to complex. The fact is, tying your tie shouldn’t have to be harder than tying your shoes. Therefore, we’ve put together our five favorite tie knots. Without further ado, here are the tie knots we believe every man ought to know:

Our favorite is the four-in-hand. What the origin of the four-in-hand knot is, is controversial. Some say the horse-and-carriage chauffeurs, back in the days, used to tie their leashes with this knot. Others argue it was the same chauffeurs who used to tie their scarves with this knot, in order to prevent cold from finding its way in behind their coats. More likely is perhaps that it was the members of the Four-in-hand club in London, that began wearing the tie this way. And by doing so made it fashionable. Regardless of how this tie knot began life, it is our absolute favorite. Simply because it is so multifaceted, and a bit asymmetric. The asymmetry makes it look a bit careless, which we believe is sophisticated. The four-in-hand knot works equally good to all shirt collars.

Half-Windsor, or single Windsor, is a much-appreciated tie knot that shapes a neat, triangular shape. The half-Windsor is a tad larger than the four-in-hand but at the same time smaller than the full-Windsor. This tie knot suits them who wish to appear more formal than if one ought to use the four-in-hand, but still want to leave space for playfulness. A single Windsor reminds of a full-Windsor in appearance. The only difference is that a single Windsor is pulled through the loop only on one side. Not on both, as you do with a Windsor.

The Prince Albert knot gives slightly more volume than a simple four-in-hand does. Thanks to the increased volume, the tie looks less discrete. Which results in a more formal, sharp look than the four-in-hand. Thus the Prince Albert knot suits a suit well. We strongly recommend using neater silk ties when tying a Prince Albert knot. Because silk quality is easier to fold.

The simple knot, the oriental, is one of the easiest and lightest tie knots a man can tie. It is usually the very first tie knot a man is taught and suits shirts with smaller collars. A smaller collar demands a smaller tie knot. It creates balance. An oriental tie knot is, according to us, the tie knot that works best to sturdier materials. Such as flannel. Because a thick flannel tie doesn’t need a thick tie knot.

When a man wishes to dress proper, sharp and formal - the Windsor knot is the go-to-knot. It is all American presidents’ favorite tie knot, and have for that reason become known as the Presidential knot. It is a tie knot that goes well with a suit. The name of the tie knot has, paradoxically, nothing to do with the duke of Windsor. In fact, Edward VIII has always preferred the four-in-hand prior to the Windsor. He had his ties made with extra width and length, to make them triangular and symmetrical. Thanks to this optical illusion the Windsor knot got its name.

Because of the tie knot’s symmetrical, triangular shape it is best paired with shirt collars that have a wider spread. For instance, the cutaway collar. We prefer Windsor knots tightened quite hard, and with formal materials. Such as silk, or perhaps a thin wool quality. A tie in a thicker material becomes too massive in a Windsor knot.