How to Tie a Tie?

Yes, you read it right! There are some people who don’t know how to tie a tie. If you are one of these people, this article is for you as well. Suppose if you have a big interview, you may prefer going shopping for a clip-on. Even if a man does know about tying a tie, his knowledge is usually limited to just one simple necktie knot.

However, there are many different ways to tie a tie. Some necktie knots should be used with specific shirt collars. The tie fabric stuffs should also go with your shirt in order to get the best results for your looks. Below, we are suggesting you four classic necktie knots that every man should know.

Ways to Tie a Tie

1.) The Pratt Knot

The Pratt knot tie is also popular as the Shelby Knot. It is tidy and quite wide, yet it is not as wide as the Windsor Knot (you will know about it later). It can be suited well with any dress shirt. For this, you can use a wider necktie that is made from light to medium fabrics.

To tie a tie for the Pratt Knot, first select a necktie of your preference and stand in front of a dressing mirror. Then simply follow the steps below:

  1. Firstly, begin with the necktie inside out, with the wide part (“A”) on your right, extending around 12 inches below the narrow part (“B”) on your left.
  2. Secondly, cross the wide part under the narrow end of the tie.
  3. Thirdly, take the wide part over and under the narrow part of the tie.
  4. Now, pull the loop down and tighten it.
  5. After that, take the wide part over to the right. 4) Pull the loop down and tighten.
  6. Pull the wide part up, behind the loop.
  7. At last, pull the wide part through the knot and tighten it gently.
  8. Congrats, now you know how to tie a tie with The Pratt Knot.

2.) The Four in Hand Knot

Another way to tie a tie is by making a four in hand knot. This knot makes for a narrow, much discreet and little unsymmetrical knot. It is ideally suited with a standard button-down dress shirt. This knot works perfectly with wide neckties made using heavy fabrics. Although anyone can wear it, but look better on men with shorter necks.


To tie a tie with Four in Hand Knot, chose a necktie of your preference and stand in front of your mirror. Then simply follow the instructions:

  1. Begin with the wide part (“A”) of the necktie on your right, extending around 12 inches below the narrow part (“B”) on your left.
  2. Secondly, cross the wide part over the narrow portion.
  3. Now, turn the wide part back underneath the narrow portion.
  4. Continue this by bringing the wide part of the tie back over in front of the narrow part again.
  5. Then, bring the wide side up and through the loop around your neck.
  6. Then, hold front of the knot loosely using index finger and pull the wide part down through the front loop.
  7. Finally, remove your index finger and squeeze the knot carefully to the collar by holding the narrow side and shifting the knot up.
  8. That’s it! Now you know how to tie a tie with the Four in Hand Knot.

3.) The Windsor Knot

This knot is a thick, triangular and wide tie knot which projects confidence. It is best suited for job interviews, presentations, courtroom appearances etc. for best result, tie it on spread collar shirts and it’s quite easy to do.


To tie a tie with the Windsor Knot, choose a necktie of your preference and stand in front of a mirror. Then just follow the steps mentioned below:

  1. Start by the wide part (“A”) of the necktie on your right. Make sure it is extending around 12 inches below the narrow side (“B”) on your left.
  2. Now, cross the wide part over the narrow portion.
  3. Then, pass the wide part up through the loop between the collar and the tie.
  4. After that, move the wide part back down.
  5. Now, pull the wide part underneath the narrow portion and to right side, back through the loop and to right side again so that the wide part is inside out.
  6. Move the wide portion across the front from your right to left.
  7. Pull the wide part up through the loop once more.
  8. Pass the wide part down through the knot in the front.
  9. Finally, using your both hands, tighten the knot and bring it up to the collar.
  10. Congratulations, you have learned how to tie a tie with Windsor knot.

4.) The Half Windsor Knot

This knot is a simple version of the Windsor knot. It is a symmetrical and triangular tie knot which you can use with any type of dress shirt. It works awesome with wider neckties made up of light to medium fabrics. Here are the instructions.

Steps:

  1. Begin with the wide part (“A”) of the necktie on your right. Ensure it is extending about 12 inches below the narrow part (“B”) on your left.
  2. Now, cross the wide portion over the narrow part.
  3. Draw the wide portion around and behind the narrow part.
  4. Then move the wide portion up.
  5. Now, pull the wide portion through the loop and to your right.
  6. Then, bring the wide portion around the front, over the narrow portion from right to left.
  7. Once more, bring the wide part up and through the loop.
  8. After that, move the wide portion down through the knot in the front.
  9. Finally, with both hands,  tighten the knot cautiously and bring it up to your collar.
  10. And there you are! Practice it a few times to learn tying a tie with half Windsor knot.