Buzz
A tie dimple, that small indentation near the top of the knot, adds personality and sophistication to your attire. While it's often associated with specific knot styles like the Eldridge, Capsule, and Nicky knots, you can incorporate a dimple into any tie knot. To create the dimple, follow your usual tying method but pause just before tightening the knot. Then, you can shape the dimple either from the top or bottom of the knot.
Steps
Tying Your Necktie
Pick your necktie and adjust its length before tying the knot. Choose a tie that complements your outfit and adjust its length by aligning the blade and tail over your shoulders. Then, proceed with knotting. Remember, you can incorporate a dimple into any knot style.
- The blade is the wider end of the tie that hangs in front, while the tail is the narrower end behind it.
Pro Tip: While you can add a dimple to any knot, it's easiest with simpler ones like the Windsor, Half-Windsor, and Four-in-Hand. The Eldridge, Capsule, and Nicky knots often naturally create a dimple, so you might not need to add one.
Pause tying your tie just before securing the knot. When you reach the point where you pull the blade down to tighten the tie, stop. Insert the blade about 3/4 of the way through the knot and allow the tie to hang loosely. Leave a gap of at least 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) between the looped blade and the top of the knot.
- Maintain enough slack in the blade and knot to access the space between the front part of the knot and the blade.
Check the length and alignment of your tie before creating the dimple. Ensure that the knot is well-formed and the blade length is correct. The bottom of the blade should reach your belt buckle, leaving about 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of space between the blade and the knot top.
- Once you tighten the tie, you can't add a dimple, and adjusting the knot afterward will affect the dimple's appearance.
- If you need to redo the knot or adjust the length, follow these steps again to create a new knot.
Creating the Dimple from Above
Insert your thumbs under the loop above the knot. Slide your thumbs beneath the loosely hanging portion of the blade at the top of the knot. Keep your palms facing upward and ensure symmetrical hand placement for a consistent dimple.
- Creating the dimple from above is slightly easier but offers less control over its size compared to adding it from below.
Squeeze the fabric inward using both index fingers. Place your index fingers over your thumbs and gently pinch them inward to create a fold in the loop. Shift your grip on the loop to your non-dominant hand to hold it in place.
- You don't need to apply excessive pressure to maintain the dimple.
Guide the blade downward through the knot. Grip the blade just below the knot with your dominant hand while keeping the dimple intact with your non-dominant hand. Slowly pull the blade downward to tighten the knot.
Lock the dimple by threading it through the back of the knot. As you pull the blade down to tighten it, keep the dimple steady with your non-dominant hand. Thread the dimple through the front of the knot so that it emerges beneath it. Continue pulling the blade to tighten the tie and secure the dimple.
- The dimple should sit centrally on your tie. If not, you can adjust its position by shifting the indentation slightly to the left or right.
Creating the Dimple from Beneath
Press the center of the blade just beneath the knot using your index finger. Grip the edges of the blade just below the loose knot and apply pressure to the center of the fabric to form the dimple. Maintain the dimple with your thumb and middle finger while using the index finger to secure the fabric in place.
- Some individuals prefer using their dominant hand for this task, while others find it more comfortable with their non-dominant hand. Choose the method that feels most natural to you.
- Creating the dimple from below requires a bit more skill, but it offers greater control over the dimple's position and size.
Hold the sides of the knot gently with your opposite hand. Use your other hand to grasp the edges of the knot near the bottom of the fabric. Avoid squeezing or pulling the knot tightly—simply aim to stabilize it while you adjust your tie.
- Many people tend to exert pressure on the knot while tying their tie. Resist this urge to ensure there's enough space inside the knot for the dimple to form.
Lower the blade by 1–2 inches (25–51 mm). Begin pulling the blade downward to tighten your tie, using the hand holding the dimple. As you lower the blade by 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm), move your index finger upward towards the knot to raise the dimple.
Tip: For a more pronounced dimple, slide your index finger of the hand holding the knot downward between the front of the knot and the blade. This technique secures the dimple from both sides of the knot, resulting in a larger indentation when combined with pulling the blade down from below.
Gradually tighten your tie while shifting the dimple up the blade. Use your other hand to support the knot and maintain your tie's shape. Continue pulling the blade down and moving the dimple up until your tie is snug.
- If the angle of the dimple appears uneven, gently adjust the fabric beneath your knot to refine its shape.
Recommendations
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Deciding whether to place your dimple above or below the knot is purely a matter of personal preference. Experiment with both methods to discover which one suits you best.
