How to Tie a Military Bow

There is no room for error when it comes to knotting a military tie.

When it comes to a military uniform, there is little room for error -- everything must be clean, crisp and in line. One detail that can not be overlooked is the regulation knotting of the military dress-uniform necktie: the four-in-hand knot style is the only knot allowed. Make sure that the necktie is the correct color to make the uniform complete and up to military standards.

Things You'll Need

• Necktie (the color should match the uniform)

Instructions

1. Smooth a standard-sized necktie, so the edges are crisp and the body is flat. Button the top button of your dress shirt and turn the collar up.

2. Wrap the neck tie around your neck so that the two ends hang in front. The wide end should hang about 12 inches longer than the narrow end.

3. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, pulling it around the back and overlapping the narrow end a second time.

4. Pull the wide end through the "V" hole located right below your chin. Make sure you pull the wide end from the back to the front, so that the wide end is on top of the narrow end.

5. Place your index finger through the loop that the double wrapping has created on the front of the tie. Push the wide end through the loop and remove your index finger.

6. Tighten the neck tie by holding onto the narrow end and pushing the knot upward. Make the knot as tight as desired while keeping a slanted edge at the top of the knot.

7. Pull your collar down and straighten the tie, so that everything is even and clean without any creases or bends.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice makes perfect. Do not be discouraged if the knot is not perfect the first time. Give yourself time to get it right for the final uniform look.

References

• Tie-a-Tie: Four in Hand Knot