Before You Start

Stand in front of a mirror. Drape the tie around your neck under the collar with the wide end on your right, hanging about 30cm lower than the narrow end. The tip of the wide end should reach your belt buckle when finished.

Knot 1: Four-in-Hand (The Everyday Knot)

Slightly asymmetrical, works with any tie and any collar. This is the one to learn first.

  1. 1

    Cross wide end over narrow

    Take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end from right to left.

  2. 2

    Wrap underneath

    Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end, moving from left to right.

  3. 3

    Cross over the front again

    Cross the wide end over the front once more, left to right.

  4. 4

    Push up through the neck loop

    Bring the wide end up through the loop around your neck from underneath.

  5. 5

    Thread through the front loop

    Slide the wide end down through the horizontal loop at the front. Pull down on the wide end while sliding the knot up to your collar to tighten.

Pro TipCreate a dimple just below the knot — pinch the fabric as you tighten to form a centre crease. It looks sharp and shows you know what you're doing.

Knot 2: Half Windsor (Smart Casual to Formal)

More symmetrical and substantial than the Four-in-Hand. Perfect for job interviews and smart events. Works best with medium to wide spread collars.

  1. 1

    Cross wide end over narrow

    Wide end starts on the right. Cross it over the narrow end.

  2. 2

    Up through the neck loop

    Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.

  3. 3

    Back down and to the right

    Bring the wide end back down and around to the right side.

  4. 4

    Across the front to the left

    Cross the wide end across the front of the knot from right to left.

  5. 5

    Up and through both loops

    Push the wide end up through the neck loop again, then down through the horizontal front loop. Tighten carefully, maintaining the symmetrical shape.

Knot 3: Full Windsor (Formal Events)

The largest and most symmetrical knot. Best for wide spread collar shirts and very formal occasions like weddings or black tie events. It uses more tie length, so it suits taller people best.

Follow the Half Windsor steps but add one extra wrap on each side before the final threading. Takes practice but looks exceptional when done right.

Knot 4: Pratt/Shelby (Modern Alternative)

Start with the tie inside-out (seam facing outward). Creates a neat, medium-sized knot and is ideal for shorter ties or taller people since it uses less length.

ImportantAlways untie your tie completely when you take it off — never loosen and pull it over your head. Pulling it over stretches the fabric and permanently damages the knot area.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tip of the wide end should just touch the top of your belt buckle. Not above it, not below it. This is the universal rule regardless of which knot you use.
The Half Windsor. It is confident and neat without being overpowering, and it works with every collar type.
Either hang them loosely on a tie rack or roll them loosely from the narrow end. Avoid storing them knotted or folded as this creates permanent creases.
Match the tie width to your lapel width. Most modern suits have lapels of 7–8cm, so a tie of similar width looks balanced. Very wide or very narrow ties look dated with standard suits.