Most men spend what feels like a lifetime tying the same knots in their ties as they learned in their childhood or early (or maybe late) adulthood. Perhaps it is because some have no idea that there is more than one way to tie a knot.
So, if you’re familiar with only a single knot, chances are that it would be the Four-in-Hand knot (yes, there is a name for this classic way to tie a tie). The reason most boys and men learn this way of tying is because it is really easy to perfect and is a universal knot. But if you’re tired of wearing the same style tie knot every day, here is some good news for you. Did you know there are over a dozen ways to tie a tie that give a different look to your ties every time you wear them.
If you’re looking for the most popular and basic techniques of tying your ties then these four main types of knots; as well as, how to create them:
- Four-in-Hand Knot
- Pratt Knot
- Windsor Knot
- Half-Windsor Knot
Four-in-Hand Knot
This is the most simple and easy-to-learn knot. This is why it has a common popularity in the world of ties. It can accommodate all neckties and with minimal effort for formal and informal events, work, conferences, or any other place you choose to put on a tie.
How to create this knot:
- Drape the tie carefully around your neck.
- Place the wide end at your left and keep it longer.
- Cross it to the right side by passing it over the narrow end.
- Bring it back to the left by turning it back underneath.
- Take it back to the right side (same as the third step).
- Pass it into the neck loop.
- Push it into the loop you’ve created in the fifth step.
- Pull the wide end to tighten the knot.
- Adjust the narrow end to fit the knot.
Pratt Knot
The Pratt knot, also called the Shelby knot, is a clean and tidy knot. It is a versatile knot that is more symmetric than the Four-in-Hand tie. Though it is not as hard to learn, it requires some practice to get it just right.
How to create this knot:
- Drape the tie carefully around your neck, such that it is upside down.
- Place the wide end at your left and keep it longer.
- Cross it to the right side by passing it underneath the narrow end.
- Take it up and pass it into the space between the tie and the collar.
- Bring it back to the left side by revolving it in front of the narrow end.
- Pass it into the neck loop.
- Push it into the loop you’ve created in the fifth step.
- Pull the wide end to tighten the knot.
- Adjust the narrow end to fit the knot.
Windsor Knot
The Windsor knot gives you a wide triangular knot at your nape of neck and that is what distinguishes it from the others. This is why it is only restricted to heavy ties and wider collars. It is also not chosen to wear on casual occasions, as who wants to have something heavy and wide around their neck when the purpose is to relax..
How to create this knot:
- Drape the tie carefully around your neck.
- Place the wide end on the left side and keep it longer.
- Cross it to the right side by passing it over the narrow end.
- Take it out from the neck loop.
- Again, cross it to the right.
- Bring it to the left side from behind the narrow end.
- Take the wide end up and repeat the fourth step.
- Take it out from the left.
- Cross it again to the right from the front of the knot.
- Pass it again through the neck loop and then insert it into the space created by the previous step.
- Pull the wide end to tighten the knot.
- Adjust the narrow end to fit the knot.
Trinity Knot
If you are looking for sophistication, the Trinity Knot is your go to knot for your tie. While it is not the hardest, it is not the easiest to learn. It is called the trinity knot because the knot takes the shape of a trinity. Unlike the Four-In-Hand knot, this knot is often chosen for formal events because of its fancy design.
How to create this knot:
- Drape the tie around the neck with the wide edge hanging on the right side.
- Pinch the wide side of the tie long ways to form a dimple in the fabric.
- Take the thin part and cross it over the thick part.
- Bring the thinner end up through the opening of the neck and then pull it down toward the right side.
- Cross it under the thick part of the tie to the other side, wrong side up and then pull the narrow end up.
- Pull it through the neck opening toward the right to form a heart shape.
- Move it across the heart shape and bring it up through the neck loop.
- Pull it through the knot, keeping the top loop of the knot loose and move it behind the thick portion to the other side.
- Pull the short end up and through the loose loop.
- Adjust the knot for tightness and symmetry and tuck the end at the nape of your neck.
After learning a few of these different knots for ties it is safe to say you can add a little diversity to how you wear your tie. This way, you can make the same ties work for you again and again, without feeling like you are wearing the same style all of the time.
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