How to tie a tie? How to tie a tie in a way that matches the occasion and the rest of your look? This is a question we get from our customers all the time, and there are almost as many knots to choose from, as there are tie materials. To us it’s important that tying a tie should be easy, and the idea is that it should be impossible for an observer to tell whether you are wearing a tie for the first time or wear one daily. If you can manage to learn the two basic knots you will be able to look great in every situation. The first knot to master and perhaps the most popular and versatile is the Four-in-Hand. This favorite will always look perfect and fits all types of shirts and occasions. The other knot is the wider and more symmetrical Windsor knot.

With our guide below, you can learn how to tie a tie step by step but first we met up with our friend Gui Bo; French style icon and expert when it comes to how to tie a tie. Whatever the occasion, Monsieur Gui always uses a four-in-hand, although he makes it a double. See Gui tie a tie using his favorite knot here: Double four-in-hand.

How to tie a Four-in-Hand

The simple four-in-hand knot is the most stylistically attractive and versatile knot to wear. Mostly because the long shape of the knot lengthens the look of the throat area and its slightly diagonal line gives an interestingly asymmetric effect between the two ends of the necktie. However thick or thin the necktie, the four-in-hand it will give a good result.

How to tie a half Windsor Knot

The half Windsor knot is a combination between the Windsor and the four in hand. It is a symmetrical knot but not as big as the Windsor knot. This knot is viewed as an all-round knot that works with most shirts and collars. It’s also suitable for both thick and thin ties with different materials.

1. Place the tie around your neck with the broader end on your right side. It should hang lower than the narrower end.
2. Hold the broad end in your hand and cross it over the small end to the left.
3. Pass the broad end under the small end and to the right.
4. Up to the center, towards neck loop.
5. Through the neck loop and to the left.
6. Across the front, over to the right.
7. 1. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
8. Down through the loop you've just created in the front.
9. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end. Slide the knot up & adjust.

How to tie a Windsor knot

The Windsor knot is more symmetric and thicker than the four-in-hand. Therefore, it´s perfect for wider collars like the “cut-away”. When you tie a tie with a Windsor knot we recommend a thin tie in silk so the knot won’t look too thick.

1. Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the small end on the left. The tip of the small end should rest slightly above your belly-button (this will vary depending on your height and the length & thickness of your tie). Only move the active (wide) end.
2. Wide end over the small end to the left.
3. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
4. Down to the left.
5. Around the back of the small end to the right.
6. 1. Up to the center, towards neck loop.
7. 1. Through the neck loop and down to the right.
8. Across the front to the left.
9. Up into the neck loop from underneath.
10. Down through the loop you've just created in the front.
11. 1. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end. Slide the knot up & adjust.

Take care of your ties

The question how to tie a tie is now a finished chapter we hope? In order to store the tie in the best possible way, we recommend that the tie is either rolled together, which smoothens any wrinkles, or kept straight hanging. When removing the tie, open the knot and carefully and pull the wide end of the tie to minimize the strain on the fabric. If you get any stains on your tie, don’t wash it. Use our "Silk and clean" available to order here. Feel free to share your experiences and teach your family and friends how to tie a tie and learn how to master the most given male accessory.

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