There is something uniquely manly and classy about a necktie. Whether worn formally or casually, a tie makes all the difference.
We take a closer look at how to tie a tie, with clear instructions for the different knots
Today we’re gonna start with a little background and history of the origins of ties. Most people don’t have the first clue where ties originated, who invented them or how many different styles of necktie exist.
Neckties can be traced all the way back through the centuries to Roman times when they were worn as a status symbol or to identify oneself with a particular group. The modern necktie, that we are more familiar with, dates back to circa 1618 and was worn then by croatian mercenaries. The necktie then spread to France where it was first worn by King Louis XIV in 1646 and soon became a fashion status symbol among French nobility.
What’s the difference between a half-windsor, a windsor, and a four in the hand tie knot?
There are a variety of different knots you can choose for your necktie. Depending on the look, feel, and statement you want to make with your tie. Some knots are slim and more suitable for button down shirts. Other knots are wide and large. making a bolder statement and suit spread collar shirts better. We’re going to focus on four of the most popular knots and learn exactly how to tie them.
1. The Half-Windsor Tie Knot
The first of today’s knots is the classic half-windsor, a variation of the full windsor. This knot works well with all types of dress shirt no matter what the collar. It produces a larger knot than other techniques which is like a perfectly symmetrical triangle.
2. The Windsor Tie Knot
The second knot today is the windsor knot, also known as the double-windsor. It is a wide, thick triangular knot that is thought to be possibly the most bold of all the knot tying techniques. It’s the type of knot you would want to wear for a job interview or to impress. The windsor works best with a spread collar shirt but can also be used with shirtss that do not have a spread collar.
3. The Four In Hand Knot
The four in hand knot is the simplest of all the knots and is also known as the schoolboy knot for this reason. It is narrow in character and is slightly asymmetrical making it best suited for all button-down dress shirts. The knot works best with wider ties made from heavier fabrics.
4. The Pratt Knot
The last of today’s four popular knots is the Pratt, also referred to as the Shelby knot. This is a very tidy knot sporting a wide triangle. Best suited to medium fabrics it is a very unique knot for your necktie. Many people are unfamiliar with the least popular of today’s four knots so pay close attention to the directions for tying the Pratt knot carefully.
