TIE KNOTS – HOW TO TIE A TIE
Maybe you’re standing there right now trying to tie your tie before heading off to an important party, or perhaps you’re on the hunt for some suit outfit inspiration? Relax, we’ll help you. Here we’ll show you tie knots that are handy to know, with simple step-by-step instructions, along with professional advice from stylist Lalle Johnson!
HOW TO TIE A TIE AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIE KNOT FOR THE OCCASION
A tie is an easy way to make your look more dressy and a perfectly tied tie gives your outfit that little something extra. But which knots are essential to know and what’s the easiest way to tie a tie? Well, it’s much easier than you might think!
FOUR-IN-HAND, THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE
The four-in-hand tie knot is the most common tie knot. It’s long and narrow and suits most tie sizes. Because the four-in-hand doesn’t take up much space, it works well with both narrow and slightly wider shirt collars. This knot becomes slightly asymmetrical which adds attitude to your outfit.
THE WINDSOR KNOT
The Windsor is a true classic among tie knots, and is also known as a Full Windsor or Double Windsor, as it’s wider than a Half Windsor knot. This knot is also slightly wider than the four-in-hand, with a rectangular and symmetrical shape. Since the knot is a bit wider, you should consider wearing a thinner tie, such as a silk one, so the tie knot doesn’t look too thick. The Windsor knot works well with shirts that have a wide-spread collar.
HALF WINDSOR KNOT, A SLIGHTLY THINNER OPTION
As the name says, the Half Windsor tie knot is a narrower version of the Windsor knot. The Half Windsor knot is tied by skipping one loop in a classic Windsor knot. The result is a slightly thinner knot that is still symmetrical. The half Windsor knot is a safe choice that suits most ties and occasions.
THE ORIENTAL – THE EASIEST TIE KNOT
The easiest tie knot to learn is sometimes called the Oriental tie knot, and can be done in just a few simple steps. It’s a simple knot which is smaller in size and also suited to slightly thicker ties. Although an Oriental is easy to tie, the end result is always nice, so knowing how to tie this knot is a safe bet!
THE STYLIST ON TIES
Style expert Lalle Johnson is one of Sweden’s most prominent stylists, having worked with big fashion magazines and well-known clients for many years. We asked him to share some of his best style tips when it comes to choosing and styling ties.
WHY ARE TIES IMPORTANT IN A MAN’S WARDROBE?
A tie is the most classic accessory, or more precisely, the most classic garment, a man has. The tie has been around the 17th century and has been produced in an infinite number of varieties in terms of material, colour and type.
WHICH KNOT AND WHICH TIE SUIT THE OCCASION?
I think four-in-hand is the only tie knot you need – it works with modern ties that vary from thicker wool to thinner silk. Ties are like clothing: thicker varieties like wool and cashmere work well in autumn, and lighter models in silk and linen are best suited to spring. If you’re looking for a tie to wear during the day, then choose one with more colour or a pattern such as chequered or striped. I like darker tones in solid colours for evening – preferably in silk, which gives the tie a bit more shine. Generally speaking, it’s better to choose a classic tie than to end up looking like an emergency vehicle by being too colourful.
WHEN DO YOU WEAR A BOW TIE INSTEAD OF A NECKTIE?
Personally, I only wear a bow tie with a dinner jacket and find that bow ties have too much of a old-fashioned feel, like something the headmaster wore back when I was in playschool...
CAN A TIE BE WORN IN A MORE CASUAL SETTING? WHAT TYPE OF TIE WORKS BEST WITH A CASUAL APPEARANCE?
Go for a matte tie, preferably in wool, that blends well with the colour tones you wear.
WHICH ACCESSORIES CAN BE WORN WITH A TIE?
A pocket square (handkerchief) in the breast pocket will do, anything else can seem like it’s too much.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TIE TRENDS?
Right now, it’s about letting the tie be free and not tucking the narrow end behind the wider end.
It’s about the tie not being perfect, it should hang a big nonchalantly like a knotted scarf. This requires a slightly wider tie and a nice looking knot, and the narrow end, that is the smaller end of the tie, to be a bit longer. This isn’t something that’s liked by everyone – it’s just a little extra thing to add if you dare.
