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How to Tie a Tie Using 3 Different Knots

Published August 19, 2024

Updated October 9, 2024

By Ryan Afflitto

Tying a tie is an essential skill for every gentleman, and knowing the right knot for the right occasion can make all the difference in your appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top three tie knots every man should master: the Prince Albert knot, the Four in Hand knot, and the Double Windsor knot.

Each of these knots has its unique charm and versatility, making them indispensable for various formal and casual settings.

We'll provide clear, step-by-step instructions for each knot, along with tips on when and how to wear them.

Whether you're preparing for a business meeting, a wedding, or a casual day out, understanding these essential tie knots will ensure you always look your best.

Let's dive into the art of tying a tie and ensure you always look your best.

How To Tie A Prince Albert Knot

Prince Albert Knot Steps

Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right and the extending about a foot below the thin end.
Cross the wide end over the thin end to your left side.
Cross the wide end over the thin end twice.
Bring the wide end behind and through the neck loop from underneath.
Continue bringing the wide end through the neck loop.
Pull the thin end to tighten the knot up to your collar.
Use two fingers to bring your knot into shape.
Let the thin end hang loose or hide it behind the front. To keep it hidden, thread it through the keeper loop on the back.

When To Tie A Prince Albert Knot?

The Prince Albert knot, also known as the double knot, is a stylish and versatile tie knot perfect for various occasions. It strikes a balance between formal and casual, making it ideal for smart casual events such as office wear, business casual gatherings, and upscale social occasions. Its slightly asymmetrical and relaxed look gives it a laid-back vibe, distinguishing it from more formal knots like the Windsor.

The Prince Albert knot is also recommended for date nights and evening outings, offering a refined yet stylish appearance. For weddings and semi-formal events, this knot adds a touch of personality, especially when paired with patterned ties. Its medium size, slightly asymmetric shape, and elegant yet relaxed aesthetic make it dressier than basic knots like the Four-in-Hand, without being as bold as a full Windsor.

How To Tie A Four In Hand Knot

Four In Hand Knot Steps

Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right side, hanging about a foot below the thin end on your left.
Cross the wide end over the thin end to your left side.
Bring the wide end under the thin end towards your right side.
Create a hole with one or two fingers.
Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.
Pass the wide end down through the front loop hole.
Pull the thin end to tighten the knot up to your collar.
Use two fingers to bring your knot into shape.
Let the thin end hang loose or hide it behind the front. To keep hidden, thread it through the keeper loop on the back.

When To Tie A Four In Hand Knot?

The Four-in-Hand knot is a versatile and widely recommended choice for various occasions. The knot's compact, understated look is appropriate for both casual and moderately dressy affairs, requiring less tie length than larger knots like the Windsor, making it ideal for taller men.

However, it is generally not recommended for very formal events, such as black-tie affairs or with formal attire like tuxedos and suits with wide lapels. For daily business wear, smart casual events, and casual weekend outings, the Four-in-Hand's simple, all-purpose style remains a staple in men's fashion.

Ideal for casual and business casual settings, the Four-in-Hand knot is a "go-to" option due to its simplicity and ease of tying. It pairs well with button-down, point, and semi-spread collars on dress shirts, fitting neatly under sweaters or jackets with slim lapels. This knot is particularly well-suited for skinnier, lightweight ties made of materials like cotton, linen, or knit silk, as its small, slightly asymmetric shape complements these styles without appearing bulky.

However, it may appear too small for very wide spread or cutaway collars, where larger knots like the Half Windsor or Windsor are more suitable.

How To Tie A Double Windsor Knot

Double Windsor Knot Steps

Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right and extend about a foot below the thin end.
Cross the wide portion over the thin end to the left side.
Bring the wide end up and push it up through the loop behind the thin end.
Hold that loop with your index finger and bring the wide end down across the front.
Flip the wide side again through the neck loop.
Hold that loop with your index finger and turn it around to the other side of the knot.
Bring the wide end up and behind through the loop again.
Bring the wide end through the hole that you have created.
Pull the thin end to tighten the knot up to your collar.
Use two fingers to bring your knot into shape.
Bring the thin end through the keeper loop on the back of the wide end.

When To Tie A Double Windsor Knot?

The Double Windsor knot, also known as the Full Windsor, is the epitome of formality and authority among tie knots. Its large, symmetrical, and triangular shape exudes confidence and power, making it ideal for very formal occasions such as black-tie weddings, galas, and upscale events where you aim to look your sharpest and most sophisticated.

It pairs perfectly with formal attire like tuxedos or suits with wide lapels. In professional settings, many businessmen and professionals favor the Double Windsor for important meetings, presentations, or interviews, as it projects an air of authority and gravitas while staying firmly in place throughout the day.

This knot is best suited for spread or cutaway collars, which accommodate its size without appearing unbalanced. Thinner, longer ties, particularly those made of silk, are ideal for creating a polished Double Windsor without excessive bulk.

While it makes a strong, confident impression, style experts advise against wearing the Double Windsor too frequently, as it can seem overly bold or showy. For daily business casual wear, the Half Windsor or Four-in-Hand knots are typically more appropriate. Overall, the Double Windsor is reserved for formal events and professional settings where a strong, confident appearance is essential.