Different Knots for Ties

Just as there are many suits style and fabrics to choose from, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to choosing the right tie. The choice doesn’t end once the perfect tie is selected. At this point, you must decide which of the many different knot styles to use for your tie!

To simplify the process, we’ve put together three different tie knots and a step-by-step guide on how to tie each of them. Whether you’re looking for something more formal, or a more casual look, there is a style of knot to suit you perfectly.

Full Windsor Knot

The Full Windsor knot, also known as the “Double Windsor”, is a large, well-balanced, and symmetrical knot. It is firmer than other knots with less chance of slippage. The Full Windsor knot provides a very formal look.

How to Tie a Full Windsor Knot

1. 1. 1. Begin by draping the tie around your collar with the wide end hanging on the right about 4-6 inches lower than your waistband.
      2. Cross the wide end horizontally over the front of the slim end, making an “x” shape just below your chin.
      3. Tuck the wide end up and beneath the loop around your neck then come up behind the “x” with the point upward while holding the “x” in place.
      4. Pull the wide end all the way down.
      5. Bring the wide end around behind the knot and pass it through horizontally from right to left.
      6. Flip the tip of the wide up upward and tug it diagonally across the front of the knot.
      7. Loop the wide end over the top of the loop around your collar and bring it back down so it emerges on the left side of the thin end.
      8. Bring the wide end horizontally across the front of the knot, from left to right, and tuck your finger through to hold it in place.
      9. Bring the wide end under the loop, around your collar with the tip pointing upward.
      10. Turn the wide end downward and slide the tip through the horizontal loop.
      11. Pull the wide end all the way down and smooth out any creases or slack in the knot.

Half Windsor Knot

The Half Windsor knot is a more casually variation of the Full Windsor, and results in a medium-sized knot. This look is straight and neat, and requires less tie length than the Full Windsor.

How to Tie a Half Windsor Knot

1. 1. 1. Lay the tie around your neck with the wide end hanging about 12 inches lower than the thin end.
      2. Cross the wide end over the thin end.
      3. Pull the wide end behind the thin end, then pull it through the gap between your collar and your neck.
      4. Wrap the wide end over the thin end and, again, pull it through the gap between your collar and your neck.
      5. Allow for a loop at the top of the knot.
      6. Pull the wide end through the loop and pull it tight to adjust the knot.

Four in Hand Knot

Also known as the “simple knot” or the “schoolboy knot”, the Four in Hand knot is the least formal of these knots, and has a stylish asymmetrical look.

How to Tie a Four in Hand Knot

1. 1. 1. Lay the tie around your neck, with the wide end hanging to the left about 3-4 inches lower than the thin end.
      2. Cross the wide end over the thin end to create an “x”.
      3. Wrap the wide end around and behind the thin end.
      4. Bring the wide end around and across the front of the knot from left to right.
      5. Hold the thin end and pull the wide end upward through the neck loop.
      6. Bring the wide end down through the tie knot.
      7. Pull on the wide end to adjust the knot size.

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Our tailors at Suits by Curtis Eliot know how to design the perfect suit for your unique needs and styles. Not sure where to start? Contact us today to book an appointment to piece together your perfect suit!