How to Assist Someone in Tying a Necktie

Buzz

Content

Easy Four-in-Hand Knot

Adaptable Pratt Knot

Elegant Half-Windsor Knot

Sophisticated Windsor Knot

Even the most dapper individuals needed a guiding hand at some point. Master a couple of knots, and you'll be ready to aid your son in gearing up for his inaugural job interview, rescue your pal from a fashion faux pas, or simply enhance your own image.

If you're helping someone else with their tie, check out this article for guidance tailored to your situation.

Instructions

Easy Four-in-Hand Knot

Position the tie over the other person's shoulders. When facing them, ensure that the wider end of the tie hangs to your left and the narrower end to your right. Adjust the tie until the tip of the wider end is approximately 12 inches (30 cm) below the narrow end.

Overlap the wide end over the narrow one. Now, the wide end should be positioned to your right (or the wearer's left side).

Guide the wide end back underneath. Let the wide end pass underneath the narrow one and then back over to your left.

Overlap once more. Repeat the process of crossing the wide end over the narrow end as previously done.

Draw it up through the neck loop. Fold the wide tip underneath itself and draw it up through the loop situated at the wearer's collar.

Pass it down through the loop in the front. At this point, the wearer should have a horizontal loop formed at the front of the tie. Insert the wide end through this loop and pull it through.

Form the dimple. Crafting a dimple with the four-in-hand knot is a simple yet effective way to enhance the tie's appearance. Here's how to do it:

Pinch the sides of the tie just below the front knot. The sides should curl upwards, creating a dimple in the center.
Draw the wide end to tighten the tie.
Give the knot a final pinch to secure the dimple in place.

Adaptable Pratt Knot

Commence with the seam side facing up. Place the tie around the wearer's collar, ensuring that the underside of the tie is visible to you. Let the wide end hang on the left side (from your viewpoint), with the narrow end on your right. The wide end should extend approximately 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) below the wearer's belt buckle, or around 12 inches (30 cm) below the tip of the narrow end.

Pass the wide end under the narrow end. Guide the wide end of the tie towards your right side (the wearer's left side).

Guide the wide end upwards and through the neck loop. Lift the wide end towards the loop at the wearer's collar. Insert the tip from above and pull it through completely. Ensure the wide end remains on the same side, without crossing over the narrow end.

Overlap the wide end over the narrow end. Now, the wide end should be positioned in front of your left hand, with the smooth front side facing you.

Thread the wide end through the neck loop from underneath. Fold the tip underneath itself and pull it through the neck loop.

Draw through the loop at the front. Loosen the horizontal loop at the front of the tie using your finger. Pass the wide end through this loop and pull it through. The wide end should reach approximately the top of the wearer's belt buckle, completely covering the narrow end beneath it.

Adjust the tie for snugness. Pull down on the wide end and slide the knot upwards to achieve the desired appearance.

Elegant Half-Windsor Knot

Arrange the tie. Stand in front of the individual and place the tie around their neck, ensuring the fabric's front side is facing you. Position the wide end to your left (the wearer's right), with a distance of approximately 12 inches (30 cm) below the tip of the narrow end on your right.

The wearer may require a spread or wide spread collar to accommodate this knot, particularly if using a tie with thick fabric.

Cross the wide end over and under the narrow end. First, overlap the wide end over the narrow end, then pass it back underneath. The wide end should return to your left side, with the seam side facing upwards.

Guide the wide end through the neck loop from above. Pull downwards through the loop at an angle, crossing beneath the narrow end.

Overlap the wide end across the narrow one. Once more, the wide end should be positioned to your left side.

Thread through the neck loop from below. Lift the wide end up through the center of the neck loop.

Finalize within the frontal loop. Loosen the horizontal knot at the front and thread the wide end through it. Pull downwards to secure and glide the front knot up close to your collar.

Sophisticated Windsor Knot

Place the wide end low on your left side. Stand before the individual who will wear the tie. Lay the tie over the wearer's neck with the wide end positioned to your left (the wearer's right). Adjust the tie so that the wide end hangs 14 inches (36 cm) lower than the narrow end.

This highly formal knot is also one of the largest commonly used. Ensure the wearer pairs it with a spread or wide spread collar, and that the tie is sufficiently long to accommodate the increased number of folds.

Cross the wide end over the narrow end. Extend the wide end across the wearer's chest so it rests on your right side.

Thread the wide end through the neck loop from below. Fold the wide end upward through the neck loop from beneath. Loop it around and pull downwards over the front of the neck loop. Keep it positioned to your right as you perform this step.

Tuck the wide end beneath the narrow one. Bring the wide end back towards your left side.

Wrap around the neck loop from above. Raise the wide tip to the front of the neck loop and insert it from above. Pull through so that the wide end returns to your left, with the seam side facing you.

Overlap the ends for the final time. Fold the wide end over the narrow one, ensuring the front side is visible once more.

Thread through the neck loop from below. Guide the wide end back up to the neck loop. Insert it from below and pull through.

Secure the ends using the frontal loop. Insert the wide end back into the frontal loop near the top of the tie. Pinch the lower corners of the frontal knot and slide upwards while gently pulling on the wide end.

Pointers

If the narrow end peeks out from under the front of the tie, consider using a tie bar to keep both ends in place.
The aforementioned techniques are also applicable for tying a knit tie.
It might be simpler to first tie the tie on yourself and then adjust it for the other person.

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic steps to tie a Four-in-Hand knot for someone else?

To tie a Four-in-Hand knot for someone else, position the tie over their shoulders with the wide end on your left and the narrow end on your right. Adjust the tie so the wide end hangs about 12 inches lower. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, guide it underneath, and repeat this crossing. Then, draw the wide end through the neck loop, pass it down through the front loop, and finally, create a dimple by pinching the sides before tightening.

How do you adjust the tie after tying a Pratt knot for someone else?

To adjust a Pratt knot after tying it for someone, ensure the wide end hangs about 12 inches below the narrow end. Pull down gently on the wide end while sliding the knot upwards to snug it against the collar. This ensures the tie sits properly without being too tight. Always check that the narrow end is completely covered and that the tie looks symmetrical and neat.

What are the unique features of the Elegant Half-Windsor knot compared to other knots?

The Elegant Half-Windsor knot is known for its balance and symmetry, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions. It requires a bit more fabric than simpler knots like the Four-in-Hand, as the wide end needs to hang approximately 12 inches lower than the narrow end. This knot also creates a distinctive triangular shape that works best with spread or wide spread collars.

What is the proper way to position the tie before tying a Sophisticated Windsor knot?

Before tying a Sophisticated Windsor knot, position the tie with the wide end hanging low on your left side, about 14 inches below the narrow end. Make sure the front side of the fabric is facing you. This positioning is crucial as it accommodates the multiple folds needed for this large and formal knot, ensuring it sits correctly under the collar.