Everything You Need To Know About Ties
Tying and styling a tie may seem like a daunting task. However, it is quite simple with just a few tips and a little practice. It can be intimidating thinking of all the different tying styles out there but today, we are just going to focus on the 5 most common and popular tie styles.
The four-in-hand, the Windsor, the half Windsor, the Pratt, and the diagonal. Step by step, you are going to know exactly how to tie a tie. Once you have mastered these styles, it is then just a matter of when to wear a tie and how to style a tie. Let’s get started!
How To Tie The Four-In-Hand Knot
1. Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam facing inward and the thick end on your left, about one foot lower than your waistband.
2. Bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the narrow end, wrapping it once around so it rests above the loop around your collar.
3. Pass the thick end back underneath the narrow end horizontally from right to left, then pull it up and pass it down through the loop over your collar where you first brought it across.
4. Tighten by holding both parts of the knot and pulling gently while smoothing out any bumps with one hand. Finish by adjusting your tie so that both halves are equal in length, if necessary.
How To Tie The Full Windsor Knot
1. Place tie around your collar with front-facing inward and thick end on your left hanging four inches lower than the thin end on your right.
2. Cross thick end over thin.
3. Bring it back underneath so the thick end is again on your left and thin on your right…
4. Wrap it around once more.
5. Pull the thick end up underneath the thin one so it emerges from behind, pulling both ends tightly while leaving a dimple in front of the tie knot.
6. Tighten by holding the bottom of the thick end and sliding back along where you just tied to loosen or tighten as desired for symmetry, then tugging gently at the top of the knot before adjusting dimple into place.
7. Flip over the collar and adjust for a perfect fit.
How To Tie The Half Windsor Knot
1. Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam facing inward and the thick end on your left about one foot lower than your waistband.
2. Bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the narrow end, wrapping it once around so it rests above the loop around your collar.
3. Pass the thick end up behind the loop around your neck and through the hole in the front of your collar, pulling it down so that it rests in front of the loop below it at waist level.
4. Bring the thick end underneath the loop around your neck horizontally from right to left, then pass it up through its loop.
5. Pull both ends gently downward to tighten the knot into place while smoothing out any bumps with one hand. Finish by adjusting your tie so that both halves are equal in length, if necessary.
How To Tie The Pratt Knot
1. Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam facing inward and the thick end on your left about one foot lower than your waistband.
2. Cross the thick end horizontally over the thin end, making an X-shape underneath your chin (or behind your head if you are left-handed).
3. Bring the crossed section up and through the center of your collar loop from behind.
4. And flip it back down, hanging it in front of everything below it, still crossing once more at this point to form another X-shape.
5. Pull both ends gently downward to tighten the knot into place while smoothing out any bumps with one hand. Finish by adjusting your tie so that both halves are equal in length, if necessary.
How To Tie The Diagonal Knot
1. Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam facing inward and the thick end on your left about one foot lower than your waistband.
2. Cross the thick end horizontally over the thin end and bring it up behind and through the loop around your neck from underneath (left).
3. Wrap it forward (from right to left) and back down through its own loop, creating a diagonal figure 8 behind your neck (right).
4. Pull both ends gently downward to tighten the knot into place while smoothing out any bumps with one hand. Finish by adjusting your tie so that both halves are equal in length, if necessary.
How To Choose & Style a Tie
Now that you have mastered tying a tie, the next important question is how to choose or style your tie and when to wear one. You may also be wondering what ties are currently in style, we will cover that as well! There are many instances where you will want or need to wear a tie, whether it is for a job interview or a formal wedding. You will want to follow these simple guidelines so you will be ready for your next tie-wearing event, no matter what it is.
Simple Tips for Choosing a Tie
Follow traditional color guidelines for matching your tie to your shirt, jacket, and/or lapel type.- Use color coordination as an accent to set off certain pieces of clothing, such as using a brighter or more muted tone than usual with sport coats or suits, or pairing it with accessories such as handkerchiefs and pocket squares.
- Coordinate it with other pieces of jewelry such as watches and cuff links, especially those made from complementary materials like gold and silver.
- Incorporate it into a unifying look for an entire outfit, such as pairing a silk tie with a leather belt or dress shoes made of the same material.
- Match the color of your necktie to that of your socks or pocket squares, especially when wearing a dark suit on its own.
- Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your tie by choosing a bold color or unique pattern.
What Kind Of Ties Are Currently In Style?
Traditional men’s neckties are always a classic choice, no matter what the season or trend dictates. Paisley patterns have been making a big comeback in recent years and have been a go-to choice for brand logos, especially those of luxury car brands. Skinny ties have also been steadily rising in popularity especially among younger men and for semi-formal events.
If you would like to express your individuality and creativity by choosing a tie that falls outside of traditional colors and patterns, go for it! Just be sure that it matches any other pieces that you wear along with it and is not too out-there for the event that you’re attending.
If you are looking for something that will stand the test of time as well as make you look like a boss, try one of these new designs on for size:
- Floral
- Polka Dot
- Striped
- Plaid
- Solid Colored Earthy Tones
When Should You Wear A Tie?
- Wear a necktie to any event that requires a formal dress code. Wear a tie with any formal or business casual attire, from suits to sport coats and dress shirts.
- Wear one when socializing at industry events like job interviews and networking functions.
- Pair one with more casual clothing such as polo shirts and khaki pants if you are going out on the town with friends after work, feel free to forgo a jacket in these situations.
- Wear it with t-shirts, polo shirts, or buttoned-down collared shirts if you are attending an event catered to young professionals like a college graduation party or bar mitzvah.
- Wear one during semi-formal events such as team sports games or family gatherings where more stylish attire is expected but not required.
When Should You NOT Wear A Tie
It is good to know the best tips and practices of when to wear a tie. However, it is also just as important to know when you should not wear a tie.
Of course, opt-out of a tie if you are going to a casual social gathering where wearing one would look out of place. Also, make note of what your invitation states if available.
If the invitation states that dressy casual or business casual attire is required but does not specify whether or not a tie is necessary, wear one anyway as it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Do not wear a tie if you are attending a job interview or function where the dress code is explicitly casual, such as a beach wedding or a sports game. Do not wear a tie if the restaurant or venue you are attending is a very casual setting.
If you are unsure whether or not to wear a tie, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and err on the side of caution by wearing one. A necktie can make any outfit look more professional and stylish!
Be sure to check out some of the designs and tying methods that are trending online, from a paisley Windsor knot to a floral Pratt knot. Tie it up and you’re ready for any occasion!
