How to Tie a Necktie

When it comes to tying a necktie, practice makes perfect. At first it might seem intimidating, but tying a necktie is easy. Get to know these easy step-by-step guides to learn how to tie a tie and achieve our favorite tie knots.

Four-in-Hand Knot

Our go-to knot for weddings, the office, and casual tie-wearing is the Four-in-Hand Knot. This is the easiest knot and usually the first to learn when you first start wearing a tie. 

Here are the steps:

1. The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end. 
   
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
   
3. Bring the wide end around and behind the narrow end.
   
4. Continue by bringing the wide end back over in front of the narrow end again.
   
5. Pull the wide end up and through the loop around your neck.
   
6. Hold the front of the knot loosely with your index finger and bring the wide end down through the front loop. Tighten carefully by sliding the knot up while pulling the narrow end.

Windsor Knot

Using a Windsor Knot signals formality while also creating a wider knot that fills out a semi or full spread collar.

Here are the steps:

1. The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end. 
   
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
   
3. Bring the wide end up through the loop between the collar and tie.
   
4. Bring the wide end back out and over to the right.
   
5. Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end to the left.
   
6. Bring the wide end across the front from left to right.
   
7. Pull the wide end up through the loop between the collar and tie again.
   
8. Bring the wide end down through the knot in front and tighten the knot carefully. 

Half Windsor Knot

The Half Windsor Knot is a versatile, symmetrical knot best for light to medium weight fabrics. Like the full Windsor, it signals more formality than the Four-in-Hand.

Here are the steps:

1. The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end. 
   
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
   
3. Bring the wide end around and behind the narrow end.
   
4. Bring the wide end up and through the loop between the collar and tie.
   
5. Bring the wide end around the front, over the narrow end from left to right.
   
6. Again, bring the wide end up and through the loop between the collar and tie.
   
7. Bring the wide end down through the knot in front and tighten the knot carefully. 

SHOP NECKTIES