What are the simplest tie knots that exist?
Benno Büchler, 29.03.2023
Everyone has had to tie a tie.
Few like it and even fewer really want to know how to do it well. But a tie is so much more than a constricting loop that you tie around your neck.
It adds a certain elegance to your outfit and shows that you pay attention to the details. But I know that sometimes it can be hard to choose the right knot.
So what are the easiest tie knots to tie?
Although most people would probably answer this question with the simple Windsor or the Four-in-Hand, the small or the oriental knot is actually the simplest one there is. Both of them consist of just one loop with one end wrapped around the other and pulled through the resulting loop.
Small knot
The small knot impresses, who would have thought it, by its compact size and the fact that it is one of the simplest knots I have ever seen.
Is suitable, because you need very little fabric to shape it, very well for tall men.
- Put the tie around your neck so that the wide end is on the right and hangs down longer than the narrow end.
- Pass the wide end under the narrow end with the seam facing up.
- Then pull it over the narrow end at the front.
- Hold the loop firmly and pass the wide end through the neck loop from behind.
- Pull the wide end down to tighten the knot and adjust it until it looks neat. Of course, with the obligatory "Dimple".
This knot, as the name suggests, is very small and made simple.
Its size entails that the knot looks best when you make it with a thick tie, so that it can be noticed.
When it comes to the collar type, you should go for a collar that is as tight as possible, preferably a button-down.
This knot you wear best in dress code: Semi-Formal, or Business Casual.
Oriental knot
The Oriental knot looks a bit complicated at first sight, because you have to put the tie around your neck with the seam facing outwards. (this is also called an "inside-out knot"). But it is made very quickly and on closer inspection quite simple.
The end result is a thin, slightly asymmetrical knot, but one that has the potential to look very distinguished if you use the right tie for it.
- Place the tie around your neck with the seam facing out.
- Guide the wide end behind the narrow end to the left.
- Drag it across the front to the right.
- Pull the wide end through the neck loop from below.
- Feed the wide end from the top through the small loop you just made.
- Then pull it through downward.
- Adjust the knot by pushing it slightly upwards.
Just like the Small Knot, the oriental knot is particularly well suited for thick ties.
Likewise, it goes best with tight collar styles and it does well on semi-formal occasions.
If you want to make it look a little more distinguished, work with patterns that also blend well with your outfit in terms of color.
Single Windsor
One of the three great classics when it comes to tie knots.
Also known as the small or half Windsor, it is like the little brother of the Double Windsor, which I will also show you.
The knot itself is symmetrical, conical and relatively wide. A classic that you absolutely must master.
- Place the tie around the neck so that the wide end is on the right and hangs down longer than the narrow end.
- Overlap the wide end over the narrow end.
- Pass the wide end up through the neck loop, knocking it forward to form a loop.
- Pass the wide end horizontally behind the narrow end, fold it over and return it in front of the narrow end.
- Pass the wide end up through the neck loop at an angle.
- Hold the narrow end and pull the wide end through the loop formed.
- Align the knot.
Finding the right tie for this knot is not so difficult, because the classic works with virtually all. However, I would advise you to use a thinner one, so that the knot is not too voluminous.
The knot is very suitable for everyday wear, but also makes a good impression on formal occasions.
Four-in-Hand
This classic goes back to the 18th century. When coachmen in London, leading a carriage with four horses, had to hold the reins in one hand while bundling their neckerchief.
Hence the name; four in hand = four reins in one hand.
This slim and long knot also helps to lengthen the neck area.
- Put the tie around your neck so that the wide end is on the right and hangs down longer than the narrow end.
- Hold the narrow end with your left hand and place the wide end over the narrow end with your right hand to the left.
- Bring the wide end around behind the narrow end so that it is on the right.
- Place the wide end over the narrow end again.
- Guide the wide end up through the neck loop.
- With your right hand, feed the wide end through between the outer layer of fabric and the layer underneath.
- Hold the narrow end and slowly tighten the knot.
You can wear this classic anytime you want to trick with your perceived size.
It doesn't fit very wide collars, but otherwise there are no limits.
The knot looks best when you wear it with a wide, or a knit tie.
Double Windsor
The third in the group of indisputable classics. Along with the little brother and the four-in-hand, you absolutely must know the double Windsor.
Predestined for special occasions, this bulbous wide knot takes some practice.
You realize we're slowly reaching a slightly more advanced level with the knots.
- Put the tie around your neck so that the wide end is on the right and hangs down longer than the narrow end.
- Hold the narrow end with your left hand while you place the wide end over the narrow one with your right hand.
- Feed the wide end up through the neck loop under the tie and form a loop.
- Pass the wide end just behind the knot and form another loop by placing it over the neck loop and pulling it down to the right.
- Place the wide end over the knot at the front.
- Feed the wide end diagonally up through the neck loop.
- Hold the narrow end and pull the wide end through the loop created, at the front of the knot.
- Align the knot.
This knot is certainly the most popular, which I will show you. Because it is symmetrical, wide and beautifully cone-shaped.
Due to its large presence, it is a bit too-much depending on the office, for example.
Besides, to wear it really well, you need a shirt with a wide collar, a shark collar works best.
Nicky Knoten
Now it's getting Italian.
The Nicky knot, also known as the Italian knot, is, just like the Oriental, an inside-out tie knot. Nevertheless, it is very simple and can be executed with a few handles.
It looks especially good on tall men, as it doesn't require much fabric and therefore there is still enough left to make the tie long enough.
- Place the tie around your neck with the seam facing outward, with the wide end on the right and hanging down a bit lower.
- Pass the wide end behind the narrow, to the left.
- Go from the front, to the back through the neck loop.
- Pull the tie down through the neck loop to the right.
- Put the wide end around the front
- Feed it through the neck loop from back to front.
- Then pull from the top down through the front loop on the knot.
- Pull the wide end down to tighten and align the knot.
The knot is somewhat narrow at the end and slightly asymmetrical.
It goes with all ties, but I would prefer a narrow one.
All collar shapes are also feasible, but it comes out best with a tight one.
American Shelby
As the name suggests, this knot comes from the USA.
It was invented by U.S. Chamber of Commerce member Jerry Pratt and made famous by Donald Shelby, a television host who then carried it on the air.
The Pratt is the third of the inside-out knots and is also suitable for men over 1.90m because you only need a little length for the knot.
- Place the tie around your neck with the seam facing out.
- Guide the wide end under the narrow one to the left and bring it up to the center.
- Pull the tie through the neck loop down to the left.
- Place the wide end in front of the narrow end to the right and pull it from the bottom up through the neck loop.
- Pull the wide end down through the front loop from the top.
- Pull the wide end down to tighten and align the knot.
For the American Shelby, only particularly thick ties are not the best choice, otherwise the knot quickly looks much too massive.
Conclusion
Every gentleman must know how to tie his tie.
The seven I've presented to you here are all very easy and quick to learn.
Each style has its own characteristics and advantages, and each can be mastered with a little practice. No matter which style you choose, it's important to follow the steps carefully to achieve a neat and professional knot.
If you take the time to practice it, you'll quickly become a tie-tying expert.
Source cover image: Pexels | edited post
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