How to tie a tie?

Whether young or old, many men admit they don’t know how to tie a tie properly or have mastered only one type of knot. Yet, a knot's appearance can significantly impact a man’s image, especially in a professional setting.

At Ernest, the key to achieving a polished result lies in practice. Additionally, choosing the right type of knot for every occasion is essential to avoid missteps. Discover our detailed guide, which covers the basics of a well-tied knot and different tie knots categorized by difficulty level.

The Basics of a Good Tie Knot

First and foremost, no matter which technique you use to achieve the perfect tie knot, keep these fundamental principles in mind:

- Choose the right tie: Opt for a tie that suits your outfit and the occasion. Pay close attention to the fabric, width, and length.

- Principles of a successful knot: Aim for proper proportions, symmetry, and a perfect fit around the collar.

- Mistakes to avoid: Ensure the knot isn’t too tight, asymmetrical, or off-center, as these details can compromise your style.

If you’re unsure about a tie, ask one of our in-store stylists for advice!

SIMPLE & QUICK KNOTS

Ideal for everyday wear and beginners, these knots are easy to master and suitable for casual or professional settings.

Four-in-Hand Knot

Often called the "Four-in-Hand," this is the most commonly used knot. It is easy to tie and works with most and nearly all shirt collars.

1- Drape the tie around your neck, seam side inward.

2- Position it so the narrow end reaches just above your navel.

3- Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

4- Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end.

5- Bring the wide end back over the front of the narrow end.

6- Pass the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.

7- Insert the wide end into the front loop you just created.

8- Pull the wide end to tighten the knot.

9- Slide the knot upward.

10- Adjust for a polished finish.

✅ Four-in-Hand Knot
👉 Occasions: Office, job interviews, smart-casual looks
👉 Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)

Pratt Knot (Shelby)

Also known as the "Shelby," the Pratt knot is a valid symbol of American men’s fashion! Slightly more involved than the Four-in-Hand, it pairs perfectly with spread-collar shirts.

1- Place the tie around your neck, seam side out, with the wide end on the right (about 30 cm lower than the narrow end).

2- Cross the wide end under the narrow end to form an "X" centered under your chin.

3- Bring the wide end over the narrow end.

4- Pull it upward and pass it through the neck loop.

5- Bring it back down, passing it under the narrow end on the left side.

6- Pull it forward so it’s in front again.

7- Pass the wide end over the narrow end.

8- Thread it through the loop you just created in front.

9- Gently adjust the knot’s width.

10- Tighten by pulling the wide end until the knot sits snugly.

11- Adjust the tie to center it and ensure symmetry.

✅ Pratt Knot (Shelby)
👉 Occasions: Business, semi-formal events
👉 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy to Medium)

ELEGANT & SYMMETRICAL KNOTS

The following two tie knots are recommended for occasions where you want to command respect—whether at formal events or in professional settings where a suit is required.

Windsor Knot (Double Windsor)

Sometimes called the "Double Windsor," this vast, triangular, and thick knot requires a reasonably long tie—or wearing a vest. It’s the epitome of British elegance!

1- Place the tie around your collar, wide end on the right and narrow end slightly above your navel.

2- Cross the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.

3- Pass the wide end upward through the neck loop.

4- Pull it to the left.

5- Bring it behind the knot and diagonally to the right.

6- Pull it upward along the neck to the bottom right.

7- Place it horizontally over the front of the knot, toward the left.

8- Pull it upward along the neck.

9- Insert it into the front loop of the tie.

10- Tighten by pulling the wide end downward.

11- Adjust the knot to your desired position.

✅ Windsor Knot (Double Windsor)
👉 Occasions: Weddings, essential meetings, formal events
👉 Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)

Half-Windsor Knot

This knot closely resembles the prestigious Windsor. Less bulky and more manageable to tie, it’s an excellent compromise for looking sharp at a chic event.

1- Drape the tie around your collar, wide end on the right and narrow end slightly above your navel.

2- Cross the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.

3- Pass the wide end horizontally behind the narrow end.

4- Pull it upward.

5- Insert it along the neck and to the left.

6- Cross it over the front to the right.

7- Pull it upward along the neck.

8- Pass it through the front loop of the tie.

9- Tighten by pulling the wide end down while holding the narrow end.

10- Adjust for a flawless finish.

✅ Half Windsor Knot
👉 Occasions: Business casual dress code, upscale dinners
👉 Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy to Medium)

ORIGINAL AND SOPHISTICATED KNOTS

Want to sport a unique and refined style? The following tie knots are not for men who wish to go unnoticed! Choose them if you want to stand out with elegance.

Eldredge Knot

Tying this bold knot is a project, but the effort is worth it! Opt for a solid or subtly patterned tie for a look that catches the eye without being over the top.

1- Place the tie around your neck, with the wide end on the left. The tip should sit at belt level.

2- Cross the narrow end over the wide end to the left.

3- Bring the narrow end under the wide end to the right and up through the neck loop.

4- Pass the narrow end through the neck loop to the left.

5- Bring it back to the front on the right and through the loop from underneath.

6- Place the narrow end downward to the left, then behind the broader end to the right.

7- Pass it to the front on the left and through the loop.

8- Pull the narrow end upward (centered) and tighten.

9- Bring it back down through the neck loop to the left.

10- Place the narrow end back toward the center through the neck loop, then pass it through the loop to the right without tightening.

11- Bring it forward to the left and through the loop created in the previous step.

12- Pull the narrow end to the left to tighten.

13- Tuck the remaining end behind the knot.

✅ Eldredge Knot
👉 Occasions: Elegant evenings, special events
👉 Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (advanced)

Trinity Knot

If you want to turn heads at an important event, sporting a Trinity knot is a winning choice. Pair it with a subtle outfit, as the knot alone will steal the show!

1- Place the tie around your neck so the wide end sits slightly above your belt loop and on your left.

2- Cross the narrow end over the wide end to the left.

3- Pass the narrow end under the neck loop.

4- Bring it forward, then downward to the left.

5- Take the narrow end behind the wide end to the right.

6- Pass it through the neck loop, then to the left.

7- Bring the wide end to the right and under the neck loop.

8- Insert the narrow end into the loop created in the previous step without tightening.

9- Pass it behind the wide end to the right.

10- Bring it forward and into the loop formed in the previous step.

11- Pull the narrow end and tuck the remaining tip behind the neck loop.

12- Adjust the knot as needed.

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✅ Trinity Knot
👉 Occasions: Weddings, cocktails
👉 Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (advanced)

Now, grab your ties and start practicing these knots. Remember—mastering more than one type of knot can be very handy!