There are several ways to tie a tie. We have covered the two most important methods below - the half-Windsor knot, and the Windsor.


The half-Windsor knot
The half-Windsor knot is a relativey wide triangular knot that looks a lot better than the hackneyed 'four-in-hand', but is not overly wide.

1. Start with the wider end of the tie on your right, and extending about 12 inches / 30cm below the narrow end of your tie.

2. Bring the wider end of the tie over the narrow end i.e. from the right side to the left side.

3. Bring the wide end back underneath, this time going from the left side to the right side.

4. Bring the wide end of the tie through the middle of the loop you just created (you will be going from the right side to the left side).

5. Bring the wide end around to the front (this time, from left to right).

6. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (right side to the middle).

7. Hold the front of the knot loosely with your first finger, and then pass the wide end downwards through the loop (created in step 5) at the front.

8. Remove your finger and tighten the knot moderately firmly.

9. Hold the narrow end of the tie and slide the knot up to sit snugly beneath the collar.

You're done!



The Windsor knot
The Windsor knot is a wide triangular knot often worn for formal occasions. The extra few seconds to tie a Windsor knot are well worthwhile!

1. Begin with the wide end of the tie to your right and extending very low, so that the narrow end is only 3-4 inches long (this depends on the tie, and you will soon come to know how much to cross over).

2. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow end, going from the right side to the left side.

3. Bring the wide end of the tie up through the middle of the loop and to the left. You will be going from left side to left side.

4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end (that is, from left to right).

5. Bring the wide end of the tie down through the middle of the loop (right side to left side).

6. Bring the wide end around the front, going from left to right.

7. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop, going from the right side to the centre.

8. Hold the front of the knot loosely with your first finger, and then pass the wide end of the tie down through the front of the loop created in step 6.

9. Remove your finger and tighten the knot moderately firmly.

10. Hold the narrow end and carefully slide the knot up to the collar.

You're done, and looking sharp!