The best ways to tie a tie can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. They also help you to show off your personality a little bit more, so it’s always a good idea to learn a few different knots that suit your style and height.
First, drape the tie around your neck with the seams facing down and the wide end longer than the narrow end. You want the wider end to be on your right side, and the skinny end to be on your left. Bring the wider end over and under the narrow end, forming a loop that will be used to hold the tie in place.
Cross the wide end over and under the narrow end again, forming a horizontal band from left to right. Slip your finger under the horizontal band you just created, and tuck the wide end underneath the thick end of the tie to form a knot. Tighten the knot by pulling on the wide end of the tie with your other hand.
Depending on the width of your neck and the size of your tie, you may have to adjust the position of the wide end to get the knot to fit correctly. For example, if your tie is too wide for you to pull it up through the center hole at your neck (so that it hangs over your collar), try lining up the wide end so that it extends about a foot longer than the narrow end.
Another option is to line up the wide end of the tie with the back of your collar button. This can be tricky for some people, so it’s worth practicing in front of a mirror first to make sure that you’re doing it correctly.
Once you’ve got the knot lined up, move the wide end up under the narrow end and to your right, tucking the wide end underneath the tie as you do so. Repeat this step until the wide end is a foot or so longer than the narrow end.
When the wide end is a foot or so long, bring it up through the loop you just made, and then pull it down through the loop on your neck to tighten the knot. This should be done with both hands, and you can use your thumb to hold the knot while you work on adjusting the position of the wide end to ensure that it’s as tight as you need it to be.
If you’re wearing a bow tie, it’s important to ensure that the tip of your tie will graze the top of your belt buckle. If it doesn’t, you may need to purchase a longer tie or switch to the Pratt knot, which uses less fabric than other necktie knots.
Tie bars are one of the easiest ways to add some edge to a tie, but if you’re looking for something that a little more sophisticated, it’s worth trying a dimple knot. This is the perfect way to show off your sartorial skills, and it’s super simple to do as well.