It might sound like a follow-up song to Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” but 17 Different Ways to Tie a Necktie is actually an indispensable guide that guarantees you won’t be the oddball at the next business meeting. You might think that rocking the no-tie look is a mark of personal expression, but the truth is that everyone in the room knows you have no clue how to tie a necktie. If you’re planning on going with a clip-on, make sure it’s a good one because clip-on ties are kind of like wigs, they only get the job done when no one can tell. Unfortunately, most of the time, people can tell. Impress your team at the next meeting with a new design or blend in with a classic; this list of the 17 different ways to tie a necktie does it all.
Table of contents
17 Ways to Tie a Necktie
1. Four In Hand Knot
Popularity: Common
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Small
Structure: Uneven
2. Half Windsor Knot
Popularity: Common
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
3. Full Windsor Knot
Popularity: Common
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Large
Structure: Even
4. Bow Tie Knot
Popularity: Common
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
6. Nicky Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Medium
Structure: Uneven
7. Kelvin Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
8. Pratt Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Medium
Structure: Uneven
9. Saint Andrew Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
10. Balthus Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Large
Structure: Even
11. Hanover Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Large
Structure: Even
12. Grantchester Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Large
Structure: Even
13. Victoria Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Small
Structure: Uneven
14. Cafe Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Difficult
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
15. Eldredge Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Difficult
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
16. Trinity Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Difficult
Size: Medium
Structure: Even
17. Christensen Knot
Popularity: Uncommon
Difficulty: Easy/ Medium
Size: Large
Structure: Even
For the beginners out there (i.e. those who don’t know how to tie a necktie), we’d say stick with the full windsor or half windsor knots. These two classic approaches will never fail you once you’ve learned them. Needless to say, no one argues with a classic look or a classic method alike. In other words: no one is judging you or presuming that you don’t know how to tie a necktie.
However, for those of you who scoff at the windsor as mere child’s play, saying it’s basically the kindergarten equivalent of knot tying, by all means step up your game. That’s right, you go right ahead and tackle one of the more difficult or lesser-known methods to prove just how far you’ve come along. If there are any other necktie ninjas at the next business meeting, trust us they’ll notice and respect that you are a master of your necktie domain.
For the beginners out there (i.e. those who don’t know how to tie a necktie), we’d say stick with the full windsor or half windsor knots. These two classic approaches will never fail you once you’ve learned them.
The trinity knot is up there with one of the hardest ties to tie.
We’d stick with large knots such as the the full windsor or balthus knot, however, it depends on what collar your suit shirt has.
You’ll also like:
How to Wear White Shoes with Black Jeans
Blue Suits for Men: Types, Brands, How to Wear
10 Best Sneakers to Wear with a Suit
