Men's ties just make up a little part of the whole look, right? As you would imagine...
In actuality, nothing speaks more to a man's character than a suitably knotted, carefully chosen tie.
The perfect tie can significantly alter how you feel and seem. Sure, your overall appearance will be influenced by your shoes, belt, and other suit accessories.
Without a tie, though, your suit lacks that "something" that distinguishes you as the dapper gentlemen that you are or had always wished to be.
These queries and many more will be addressed in this comprehensive reference to men's ties. When you purchase and don a tie, it will make you feel more knowledgeable and self-assured.
Starting with the fundamentals, we'll go into a subject that has perplexed many young men since neckties first appeared on the scene. Which knot is the best, and how exactly do you tie a tie?
How to Tie a Tie: A Guide
There are various ways to tie a tie (necktie), however, we'll focus on the most common and often used ones here:
The Easy Knot
The Oriental Knot is another name for this simple knot. While it's uncommon in the West, it's fashionable in places like China.
The Oriental technique requires the fewest steps and, because it keeps the knot small, is perfect for a slender tie. When it comes to taller men who need length to balance their appearance, it is also useful.
How to Make a Basic Knot
- Start by placing the wide end of the tie on your right side and the narrow end on your left.
- Place the little end's tip directly above your belly button.
- Wind the wider section under the narrow end in a leftward direction, then cross it back in a rightward direction.
- Take the wide tip and raise it toward the neck, then lower it through the loop that has been developed at the front.
- Pulling downward on the broader end while simultaneously sliding the knot upward will tighten the knot. You are now ready to go.
This knot's drawbacks include the possibility of difficulty in untying it and the asymmetrical outcome. The knot sags to one side as a result.
In light of that, this knot is perfect for you if you enjoy time-saving minimalism or wearing a narrow tie.
Fourth-in-Hand Knot
This truly is a classic. It is frequently referred to as the schoolboy knot and was given its name after a well-known Gentleman's Club in London.
For a variety of valid reasons, it is arguably the most widely used knot in the West. It is self-releasing, easy to tie, varied to wear, barely asymmetrical, and best of all, easy to tie.
Whether you're a busy business executive or a busy schoolboy, the Four-in-Hand knot is your go-to, everyday knot.
How to Tie a Four in One knot
- Place around the neck, crossing the wide end of the tie over the front of the narrow end.
- To cross horizontally at the front, wrap behind the narrow portion and bring forward on the opposing side.
- Once again fold beneath the narrow portion, then raise your hand over the knot from behind.
- Pull to tighten the knot as you tuck the wide tip behind the horizontal pass.
- As it approaches the neck, raise the knot until it is snug but not uncomfortable
Full Windsor Knot
The Duke of Windsor inspired the name of this traditional knot.
It's amusing to note that the Grand Duke never wore this knot. He favored the Four-in-Hand with extremely wide neckties instead.
Despite this, society admired his appearance, and soon men from all social classes copied his look. They finally developed what is now known as the Full Windsor using normal width ties.
With spread-collar shirts, in particular, it produces a tidy, symmetrical triangle knot. The less formal variation of this now timeless classic is the well-known Half Windsor.
The Full Windsor is undoubtedly one of the more sophisticated knots. But don't worry; with effort, you too may appear regal!
How to Make a Full Windsor Knot
- Cross the broader end over the narrower end and wear it around the neck.
- Push the broad end up and through the loop by positioning it behind the narrow end.
- After the knot, wrap the broad end.
- Pull the broad end back and over the knot's top from the front.
- Wrap once more around the knot.
- Across the knot, bring the wide end up from behind.
- After that, tuck the tip within the loop.
- Pull snugly around the neck and iron out any creases.
The length of the wide or narrow parts can be changed if it doesn't look good, undone, and then started again. Also, keep in mind that practice is the only way to get a flawless Windsor knot!
Balthus' Knot
This tie is for you if you want to stand out rather than simply blend in. The Balthus is an arty, large, and self-assured piece.
Balthasar Klossowski, a Polish-French artist, made headlines when he first wore it in the 1930s. Its size results from several wraps of the wide end around the narrow end.
The result is that the tie is quite brief. If you wear it, people will undoubtedly take notice of you.
How to Tie the Balthus Knot
- Around the neck, place the tie with the back facing front and the broad end on the right.
- Push the wide end under the narrow end to the left.
- Pull up the middle in the direction of the loop.
- Back down to the right and push into the loop.
- Pull the broad tip back up to the center and in the direction of the loop.
- This time, push through the loop to the left.
- Returning to the loop's center, raise yourself.
- Pull down to the right side after inserting the wide tip inside the loop.
- Fold it across the front of the narrow part to the left.
- Return to the top inside the loop.
- In the loop, pull back up.
- In the loop that forms at the front, pass it back down.
- Slide up and down to tighten and fit comfortably around the neck.
It takes some skill to tie a Balthus knot, so congrats if you did it correctly the first time!
Last Thoughts on Ties
Whether you're searching for a tie to give as a Father's Day, Christmas, or best friend's birthday gift... Check out our collection if you need something to express yourself and show off your sense of style. We offer a large selection, so you can find the tie your neck has been missing and the knot, which keeps it in place.