How to Tie a Tie
The most searched “how to” on the internet. Learn the simplest knot first, then two dressier ones, and get the length right every time.
Before you start
Stand in front of a mirror, button your collar all the way up and turn it up. Every knot starts the same way:
- Drape the tie around your neck with the seam facing in.
- The wide end goes on your right (left if you're left-handed: just mirror every step).
- Let the wide end hang well below the narrow end. The exact amount depends on the knot; you'll adjust after your first try.
The goal: when you're done, the tip of the wide end should just touch the top of your belt buckle. Too short or too long? Untie and move your starting point.
The four-in-hand: start here
The easiest, most common knot. Slightly narrow and a little off-centre, which looks relaxed and suits almost any shirt.
- Drape the tie around your collar, wide end on your right, hanging about 12 inches (30 cm) lower than the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end, to the left.
- Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end, back to the right.
- Cross it over the front again, to the left. This makes the band of the knot.
- Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the front band you made in step 4.
- Hold the narrow end and slide the knot up to your collar. Pinch a small dimple just below the knot.
The half Windsor and full Windsor
Both are more symmetrical and formal. Choose the half Windsor for most business shirts; save the full Windsor for wide, spread collars and formal events.
Half Windsor
- Start with the wide end on your right, hanging about 12 inches lower than the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end, to the left.
- Bring it under the narrow end and up through the neck loop from below.
- Bring it down on the left side.
- Take it across the front, from left to right.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the front band and tighten.
Full Windsor
- Start with the wide end on your right, hanging about 14 inches lower; this knot uses more length.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end, then up through the neck loop from below.
- Bring it down on the left side, then behind the narrow end to the right.
- Bring it up through the neck loop again and down on the right side.
- Take it across the front, from right to left.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the front band and tighten into a wide triangle.
Tip: use the step-by-step guide above and switch to either Windsor to go through it one step at a time.
Which knot, and finishing touches
| Knot | Size | Best with |
|---|---|---|
| Four-in-hand | Small | Narrow or button-down collars, thick ties, everyday |
| Half Windsor | Medium | Standard collars, interviews, most work days |
| Full Windsor | Large | Spread collars, thin ties, formal events |
- Length: the tip should touch your belt buckle. Shorter people may need to start with less of a gap; taller people more.
- The dimple: as you tighten, press your index finger into the fabric just under the knot to form a neat fold.
- Narrow end showing? Tuck it through the loop on the back of the wide end.
- To untie, reverse the steps rather than pulling the narrow end through. It keeps the tie from creasing.