How to tie a tie: Easy-to-follow necktie tips

A tie can help you make a positive impression at an important event. If you have never put one on yourself, the idea can be so intimidating that you may consider skipping it altogether (or asking your dad, wife or other skilled human in your life to tie your necktie for you!).

There are different ways to wear a tie based on your outfit and the occasion. With a little practice, you can learn how to tie a tie that looks polished, professional and totally suave. Learn the steps from start to finish as well as some tips and tricks that will walk you through the process with ease.

Four-in-Hand Knot

The easiest necktie knot to learn, the four-in-hand is best suited for narrow collars.

Start by putting the tie around your neck with the wide end on your left side. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, fold it underneath the narrow end and pass it horizontally over the narrow end once more. Pull the wide end up from behind the narrow end and slide it back down through the loop you have created to make a knot. Tighten it by pulling it to your collar. View an example in this YouTube video.

Pratt Knot

This knot is suitable for any occasion from casual to formal. It is also a bit different to tie than other tie knots.

Start by crossing the wide end under the narrow end with the tie inside out around your neck. Pull the wide end up and over the top of the narrow end. Slide it down through the loop and tighten the knot. Cross the wide end over the narrow end horizontally and then pull the wide end up through the loop. Pull the wide end through the front knot and pull it tight to your collar, as in the following video.

Half Windsor

This is a simpler version of the traditional, formal Windsor knot. Learning how to tie a tie this way will help you go on to learn the Full Windsor.

Cross the wide end over the narrow end and then fold the wide end underneath the narrow end. Pull the wide end up, take it back down through the loop and then move it horizontally over the narrow end. Pull the wide end through the loop and then pull it through the knot in front before tightening it to your collar. Watch this video tutorial for more help.

Full Windsor

Ideal for a wedding or major business presentation, the Windsor knot may be the toughest tie knot to conquer.

Cross the wide end over the narrow end and then take it back through the loop around your neck. Cross the wide end over the narrow end again and then fold it underneath the narrow end. Pull the wide end up and back through the loop in the same direction. Fold the wide end horizontally over the narrow end and then bring it up through the loop again. Pull the wide end through the knot and tighten. This video may help.

Bonus Tips

Some other tie-tying tips that can save you time and frustration:

• Untie your tie by following the steps in the reverse order to keep your tie like new.
• Wrap your tie around your hand so it becomes rolled up before tucking it in a drawer to prevent or remove wrinkles.
• If all else fails, there’s always a clip-on!