Necktie Tying Methods

There are different ways to tie a necktie. Whether you are going to your office or attending a formal function such as a wedding or worship service, a necktie is one of the best accessories you can wear with your shirt and suit. It is tough to tie a necktie for the first time, but with practice, you can wear different styles in no time.

Four-in-Hand

The four-in-hand knot is the easiest to learn among the necktie knots. It's a good choice for anyone tying a necktie for the first time. This type of knot is asymmetric and makes use of a small tie that is suitable for shirts with narrow collar openings. Wear this type of knot on most occasions.

Place the tie over your shoulder close to your collar. Place the wide end on your right and extend it about 12 inches below the narrow end of your tie. Move the right side to the left side by placing the wide end of the tie over the narrow end. Bring the left side to the right by placing the wide end of the tie under the narrow end to create a loop. Move to the center by placing the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop. Hold the front of the knot loose using your finger, and then pass the wide end down through the loop. Remove your finger and tighten the knot. Pull the knot up to your neck.

Prince Albert

The Prince Albert knot is similar to the four-in-hand, but the knot is a bit more voluminous because of the second wrap-around. Use the Prince Albert knot when wearing high and widespread collars or when using long neckties. Use this during formal or business occasions.

Place the tie over your shoulder close to your collar. Pass the wide end over the narrow end and then back behind it. Pass the wide end back over the narrow end for the second time, and then wrap the wide end around the narrow end. Bring the wide end back over the narrow end again to create the second wrap-around. Pass the wide end behind the knot through the loop, and then pull the wide end underneath the outer layer of the knot. Make sure to pull the tie closer to your neck and check that the tie's ends are even. Undo the tie and repeat the steps if it is not even.

Half-Windsor

Compared with the four-in-hand knot, the half-Windsor is symmetrical and more appropriate for business attire. It is also a bit more difficult to tie.

Place the tie on your shoulder close to your collar. Bring the wide end of the tie on your right and extend it about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, and then turn back underneath. Bring up and turn down the wide end through the loop. Pass the wide end around from your left side to your right. Place the wide end up through the loop down through the knot in front. Finally, pull up close to your neck or collar, and then tighten carefully.

References

• The Prince Albert Knot
• Tie Guide
• Tie a Necktie

Resources

• Assorted Ties