Which knot to choose
| Knot | Size | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-in-hand | Small, slightly asymmetric | Easiest | Everyday wear, most shirts, thick ties, tall people |
| Half Windsor | Medium, symmetrical | Easy | Interviews, office, weddings, most collars |
| Full Windsor | Large, wide triangle | Moderate | Formal occasions, spread collars, thin ties |
If you learn one knot, learn the half Windsor. If you are in a hurry, the four-in-hand.
Before you start
- Button the shirt fully, including the top button, and turn the collar up.
- Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right (or your dominant side) and hanging lower than the narrow end. How much lower depends on the knot; you will adjust after a first try.
- Use a mirror for the first few attempts.
The four-in-hand knot
The wide end should hang about 30 cm (12 inches) below the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the front of the narrow end.
- Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end, from right to left.
- Bring it across the front again, from left to right.
- Pull it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the loop you just made at the front of the knot.
- Tighten by holding the narrow end and sliding the knot up to the collar.
The half Windsor knot
The wide end should hang about 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) below the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end.
- Bring it up towards your neck, then down through the neck loop. This makes a loop on one side of the knot only, which is what gives the half Windsor its shape.
- Pass it across the front of the knot, from one side to the other.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the front loop.
- Tighten gently and slide the knot up to the collar.
The full Windsor knot
The wide end should hang about 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 inches) below the narrow end, because this knot uses more fabric.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath, and down to the left.
- Pass it behind the narrow end, to the right.
- Bring it up through the neck loop again, and down to the right. The knot now has a loop on each side.
- Pass it across the front, from right to left.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Push it down through the front loop.
- Tighten carefully, keeping the triangle even.
Getting the length right
When tied, the tip of the wide end should reach the middle or top of your belt buckle.
- Too short? Start again with the wide end hanging lower.
- Too long? Start with it higher, or use a larger knot that takes up more fabric.
- Very tall people may need an extra-long tie (about 160 cm or more), especially for a Windsor.
Finishing touches
- The dimple: just before final tightening, press your finger into the fabric under the knot to make a small fold. It looks neater.
- Tuck the narrow end into the keeper loop on the back of the wide end.
- The knot should cover the collar button and sit snugly, with no gap.
- Tie clip: if you wear one, place it between the third and fourth shirt buttons, and no wider than the tie.
Common problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Knot looks lopsided | Normal for a four-in-hand. For symmetry, use a half Windsor |
| Narrow end shows below the wide end | Start with the wide end hanging lower |
| Knot is too bulky | Use a smaller knot, especially with thick fabric |
| Tie twists | Make sure the seam faces inward at every step |
| Wrinkles after untying | Untie by reversing the steps, then hang it or roll it loosely |
Never pull the narrow end through to untie: it stretches the fabric. If a tie gets a mark, our stain removal guide helps, but silk usually needs a dry cleaner.
How to tie a bow tie
- Drape it so the left end hangs about 4 cm (1½ inches) lower than the right.
- Cross the longer end over the shorter one, and bring it up through the neck loop.
- Fold the shorter end into a bow shape across the collar.
- Drop the longer end down over the front of the bow.
- Fold the longer end into a bow shape and push it through the loop behind the front bow.
- Tighten by pulling the folded ends, and adjust until both sides are even.
A bow tie is meant to look a little imperfect. That is the point of tying your own.
Dressing for an interview? See our guide to common job interview questions and answers.
Key takeaways
- Four-in-hand is easiest; half Windsor is the best all-rounder; full Windsor is formal.
- Start with the wide end lower than the narrow end, and adjust after the first try.
- The tip should reach your belt buckle.
- Untie by reversing the steps to keep the tie in good shape.