Learn How to Tie a Tie

While there are in fact hundreds of ways to tie a necktie, we highlighted all the most important tie knots here. With these “how to tie a tie” instructions you will quickly learn how to tie a tie with a nice dimple, and in a way that best suits your shirt collar.

How many tie knots to know:

It is quite unbelievable, but French author Davide Masconi recorded over 188 tie knots in his book titled “188 Facons de nouer sa cravatte”. Despite having so many different options to tie a necktie, knowing 2 or 3 tie knots is sufficient. Only knowing how to tie one tie knot is not enough. It is important to know at least two different knots. One smaller knot for shirts with a narrow collar spread, and one larger tie knot for a wider spread collar. After all, the perfect tie knot will add the final touch to your professional look.

Differences in necktie knots:

Although there are many different tie knots, they can be divided into two main groups: 

  • Small tie knots:

Smaller tie knots typically have more of a tube-shape. The knots are smaller since they require less wrapping of the tie for the tie knot. Because of this, the smaller tie knots require less of the tie’s length, which makes them popular tie knots for tall men when wearing normal length neckties.  

Smaller tie knots match best with shirts that have a narrower collar spread, as well as the classic British button down collar. Not only the shape of the collar decides what tie knot to tie. The design and the material of the tie should also be considered. Classic British ties, such as regimental ties look best with a smaller, and asymmetric necktie knot. The more formal solid colored ties also look best with such a tie knot and a dimple. The most common, smaller tube-shaped tie knots: 

 

  • Larger tie knots:

Larger necktie knots are best for shirts with a wider collar spread. The larger size of the knot is accomplished by a second (or even third) wrapping in the tie knot. Because of this, more length of the tie’s material is needed which might make it challenging for tall men or men with a wider neck to tie any of these knots to the right length. If this sounds familiar to you, we recommend the 2-inch longer extra long ties. If you are looking for the most symmetric and triangular tie knots, then the double Windsor knot is best. The most common larger tie knots: 

Making a dimple in your tie knot:

In recent years, the dimpled necktie look has become quite popular. Although popular and fashionable, only few men know how to tie a tie with a dimple in the knot. Common places to see a dimpled necktie knot are on TV. TV hosts or politicians have to have the professional and elegant look. Most of the time however, they are not the ones tying the tie, but have people on staff whose job it is to pick a perfect matching attire. This includes tying a perfectly looking tie knot.  

Creating a dimple in your tie knot is done during the final step when tying a tie. Simply create a crevice in the center of the knot by sliding your finger inside of the final loop before tightening. Then, slowly tighten the knot and slide out your finger at the same time. If done right, this will create a prefect dimpled tie knot. Make sure that the crevice goes all the way through the knot. Otherwise the dimple will not stay in place.   

How to tie a bow tie:

Even though the most commonly worn bow tie is a pre-tied clip-on bow tie, some men prefer to tie the bow the old traditional way. 

How to fold a pocket square:

Pocket squares add a nice elegant touch when wearing a tie. Especially bow ties should be accompanied with a nicely folded pocket square. The most common ways to fold a pocket square are: 

How to tie a tie: Easy to follow instructions on different necktie knots from the simple Four in Hand tie knot to the Double Windsor. Learn how to fold a pocket square, how to tie a bow tie, and how to make a perfect dimpled necktie knot.