Knowing how to tie a tie is essential for all men today. The following are instructions on how to tie a tie.

Overview: Tying a Tie

Before putting on your tie you should have your shirt buttoned up all the way to the top button and have the collar up. Starting the tying process with the wide end of the tie on the left or right side is just a matter of convention, so if you are more comfortable starting with the wide end on the left side then start from the left. Keep the knot of the tie tight throughout the tying process.

When you are finished tying your tie put your collar down, the knot should be in the middle of your collar and the wide end of your tie should end around the middle of your belt buckle. If you don't get it right the first time simply unknot your tie and try again, tying a perfect knot on your necktie takes practice.

The Dimple
A good knot should always have a dimple. The dimple is the little indentation right below the knot of your tie. A good dimple is made before you tighten the knot. You start by putting your index finger in the fabric directly under the knot while lightly squeezing the side of the fabric as you tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end of the tie. The dimple should be centered in the middle of your knot.

Tying a Necktie: Four-in-Hand Knot

Tying a Necktie: The Four-in-Hand Knot is the most popular type of necktie knot and easiest to learn, probably over 80% of tie wearers knot their ties with this. The knot is long and straight but slightly lopsided.



1. Begin with the wide end on your right and extending about a foot below the narrow end of your tie. (Pictures are mirror images, in other words images are what you would see if you were looking in a mirror.)
2. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow (right side to left side).
3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end (left side to right side).
4. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow again (right side to left side).
5. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (left side to center).
6. Hold the front of the knot loose with your index finger; pass the wide end down through the loop (created in step 4) in front.
7. Remove your finger and tighten the knot.
8. Hold the narrow end of the tie and slide the knot up to the collar.

Tie a Necktie: Half-Windsor Knot

Tie a Necktie: The Half-Windsor knot is a medium triangular knot that is considered more formal than the four-in-hand.



1. Begin with the wide end on your right and extending about a foot below the narrow end of your tie. (Pictures are mirror images, in other words images are what you would see if you were looking in a mirror.)
2. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow (right side to left side).
3. Bring the wide end back underneath (left side to right side).
4. Bring the wide end of the tie through the middle of the loop (right side to left side).
5. Bring the wide end around the front (left side to right side).
6. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (right side to center).
7. Hold the front of the knot loose with your index finger; pass the wide end down through loop (created in step 5) in the front.
8. Remove your finger and tighten the knot
9. Hold the narrow end of the tie and slide the knot up to the collar.

Necktie Knots: Windsor Knot

Necktie Knots: The windsor knot is a wide triangular knot that is usually worn for formal occasions, this type of knot should be worn with wide spread collar shirts.



1. Begin with the wide end on your right and extending real low leaving the narrow end quite short. (Pictures are mirror images, in other words images are what you would see if you were looking in a mirror.)
2. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow (right side to left side).
3. Bring the wide end up through the middle of the loop and to the left (left side to left side).
4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end (left side to right side)
5. Bring the wide end of the tie through the middle of the loop (right side to left side).
6. Bring the wide end around the front (left side to right side).
7. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (right side to center).
8. Hold the front of the knot loose with your index finger; pass the wide end down through the loop (created in step 6) in front.
9. Remove your finger and tighten the knot
10. Hold the narrow end and slide the knot up to the collar.

Tying Ties: Pratt Knot-Shelby Knot

Tying Ties: The Pratt/Shelby knot is Semi-wide knot, when beginning to tie this knot the tie is turned outward.



1. Begin with the inside of your tie facing outward and the wide end on your right and extending about a foot below the narrow end of your tie. (Pictures are mirror images, in other words images are what you would see if you were looking in a mirror.)
2. Bring the wide end of the tie under the narrow (right side to left side).
3. Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow end and through the loop (left side to left side).
4. Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (left side to center).
5. Hold the front of the knot loose with your index finger; pass the wide end down through the loop (created in step 3) in front.
6. Remove your finger and tighten the knot.
7. Hold the narrow end and slide the knot up to the collar.