How to Tie a Necktie-‐ Four in Hand and Windsor Knots

How to tie a necktie- Four in Hand and Windsor knots By XXX English 202 C

Introduction Neckties trace their origins to as far back as 1618, where Croatian mercenaries in the French army wore “neckerchiefs” as part of their uniforms. These garments around the neck caught the eyes of the fashionably aware French and thus the style of neckties came to be. Today neckties are an integral part of society: many companies require neckties as part of the formal attire, uniforms for school children (even girls) normally incorporate ties, and military institutions use ties to give a uniform appearance. Ties are usually mandatory for formal events and for dining in high end eateries.

As you can see neckties are integral parts of modern fashion, and ultimately you will likely have to wear a tie at some point in your life. Currently a variety of neckties exist: the common necktie, bow ties, bolo ties, ascots and even clip on ties. The task of tying a tie might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t fret, tying a tie is fairly straightforward. With the help of this guide and a few minutes you will learn how to tie two common and simple knots: Four in Hand and Windsor knots and soon you will be on your way to an important job or a fancy dinner.

Note: Be wary of your tie as it is prone to flailing. For example at a party be aware of your tie so that it does not accidentally fall into your food.

Materials • Tie

• Dress Shirt

• Large Mirror

Tying a Four in Hand knot

The Four in Hand knot also called the simple or school boy knot is probably one of the easiest ways of tying a necktie. Due to its simplicity, this knot is among the most popular neck tie knots and is worn at all occasions. This knot is self releasing and results in a narrow asymmetric knot.

1. Start off by standing in front of a large mirror with your collars popped up.

Select a tie that matches your shirt. General rule is that you want to have similar colors and/or similar patterns on the shirt and tie.

2. Wrap the tie around your neck as shown.

You want the wide end of the tie to be dangling roughly 12 inches (taller people might want this distance to be longer- around 16 to 18 inches) below the narrow end, so that the final length of the tie is correct.

3. Now cross the wide end of the tie over the narrow end.

4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end. Keeping your index finger on top of the wide end, loop the wide end of the tie around the narrow end and your index finger.

Keeping your finger in place will make step 6 easier. However, this maneuver is tricky and if you cannot keep your index finger in place just loop the wide end around the narrow end and proceed to the next step.

5. Still keeping your index finger in place, pull the wide end of the tie through the loop around your neck.

6. If you held your finger in place, you will see a second loop to pull the wide end down through. Once the wide end has gone through the loop, slowly pull the wide end to tighten the knot.

If you did not hold your finger in place, you can use your index finger to loosen the loop around the narrow end and then pull the wide end through. Once the wide end has gone through the loop, slowly pull the wide end to tighten the knot.

7. Now tighten the knot up to the collar by holding the narrow end right below the knot and sliding the knot up.

Warning: Do not tighten the tie too much.

Do not forget to center your tie as well by sliding the neck loop to the right or left.

8. To release the knot: pop up the collar and hold the top of the knot and slowly tug on the loop around the neck.

Try tugging on both sides of the neck loop; only one side will loosen the knot. Once the tie is undone the knot should self release (come undone) otherwise the knot was tied incorrectly.

Tying a Windsor knot

The Windsor knot also called the full or double Windsor (there exists a half Windsor knot) is symmetric, fairly wide triangular knot. This knot is usually worn for formal occasions and is self releasing.

1. Start off by standing in front of a large mirror with your collars popped up.

Select a tie that matches your shirt. The general rule is that you want to have similar colors and/or similar patterns on the shirt and tie.

2. Wrap the tie around your neck as shown.

3. Now cross the wide end of the tie over the narrow end as shown.

4. Bring the wide end up through the loop between the collar and your tie and then back over.

5. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end. Keeping your index finger on top of the wide end, loop the wide end of the tie around the narrow end and your index finger.

Keeping your finger in place will make step 7 easier. However, this maneuver is tricky and if you cannot keep your index finger in place just loop the wide end around the narrow end and proceed to the next step.

6. Still keeping your finger in place, pull the wide end of the tie through the loop around your neck.

7. If you held your finger in place, you will see a second loop to pull the wide end down through. Once the wide end has gone through the loop, slowly pull the wide end to tighten the knot.

8. Now tighten the knot up to the collar by holding the narrow end right below the knot and sliding the knot up.

Warning: Do not tighten the tie too much.

Do not forget to center your tie as well by sliding the neck loop to the right or left.

9. To release the knot: pop up the collar and hold the top of the knot and slowly tug on the loop around the neck.

Try tugging on both sides of the neck loop; only one side will loosen the knot. Once the tie is undone the knot should self release (come undone) otherwise the knot was tied incorrectly.

Conclusion Congratulations! Now you know how to tie a necktie in the Four in Hand and Windsor knots. With practice you will soon be able to tie these knots without this guide and eventually you can venture into tying other knot styles and maybe even other types of ties.