How to tie a tie? Easy Step-by-Step Guide

At some point, most of us need to learn how to tie a tie—whether you’re refreshing your skills or learning for the first time to retire your clip-on. Mastering this skill is essential, especially with upcoming events like weddings. Here’s a guide to tying various necktie knots for different occasions.

TL;DR: Quick Guide to Tying a Tie

Short on time? The Windsor Knot is your best bet. It’s straightforward to tie and works well with almost any suit.

Types of Tie Knots

There are numerous tie knots, each varying in style, formality, and difficulty. The best knot often depends on your suit or shirt. Here’s a guide to several popular knots:

1. How to Tie a Full Windsor Knot

• Difficulty: Easy
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on the right, extending 12 inches below the narrow end.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
  3. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop and down.
  4. Pass the wide end underneath and to the right of the narrow end.
  5. Cross the wide end over the narrow end to the left.
  6. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop again and through the front loop.
  7. Slide the knot up to the collar and adjust.

2. How to Tie a Half Windsor Knot

• Difficulty: Easy
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the wide end on the right, about 12 inches below the narrow end.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
  3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and up through the neck loop.
  4. Bring it down to the right side, crossing over the narrow end.
  5. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop again and down through the front loop.
  6. Adjust the knot and lower the collar.

3. How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot

• Difficulty: Easy
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the wide end on the right, extending 12 inches below the narrow end.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
  3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end and back over the top.
  4. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop and then through the front loop.
  5. Adjust and snug the knot.

4. How to Tie a Trinity Knot

• Difficulty: Medium
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the wide end on the right, just above the navel.
  2. Pinch the wide end to form a dimple.
  3. Cross the narrow end over the wide end.
  4. Bring the narrow end up through the neck loop, then down to the right.
  5. Cross it under the wide end and form a heart shape.
  6. Bring it across the heart shape, up through the neck loop, and adjust.

5. How to Tie a Pratt Knot

• Difficulty: Easy
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the wrong side up and the wide end on the right, 12 inches lower than the narrow end.
  2. Cross the wide end under the narrow end.
  3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop and down through the front loop.
  4. Adjust and lower the collar.

6. How to Tie a Kelvin Knot

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the seam out and the thick end on the left.
  2. Cross the thick end under the thin end to create an X.
  3. Wrap the thick end across the front and tuck it under the collar loop.
  4. Pull through the horizontal loop and adjust.

7. How to Tie an Eldredge Knot

• Difficulty: Hard
• Steps:
  1. Drape the tie with the wide end on the right, just below the navel.
  2. Pinch the thick end to create a dimple.
  3. Cross the thin end over and under the thick end.
  4. Bring it up through the neck loop and cross it around the front.
  5. Continue looping and tucking until the knot is complete and adjust.

With these steps, you’ll be able to confidently tie any knot and look sharp for any occasion.