How to tie a tie: 7 knots explained step by step
From the simplicity of the Simple Knot to the elegance of the Eldredge — every knot illustrated with photos, infographics and detailed instructions. A guide by Lorenzi Como, silk manufacturer since 1895.
Knowing how to tie a tie is a gesture every well-dressed man should master. Whether it is a job interview, a wedding or a day at the office, the right knot completes the silhouette and communicates attention to detail.
In this guide we present 7 tie knots — from the simplest to the most theatrical — each with a photo of the finished knot, a step-by-step infographic and numbered instructions. Every knot is paired with the fabrics of our handcrafted silk ties, woven and sewn entirely in Como.
1. Simple Knot
The Simple Knot is the most elementary and immediate of all knots. It produces a small, slightly asymmetric knot — perfect for those who want a relaxed yet polished look. Ideal with heavy silk ties or thick fabrics such as our five-fold and seven-fold ties, where a larger knot would look excessive.
- Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end (A) on your right, about 15 cm longer than the narrow end (B).
- Bring the wide end (A) under the narrow end (B), from right to left.
- Bring the wide end back over the narrow end, from left to right, creating a horizontal loop.
- Thread the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Pass the wide end down through the horizontal loop you just created and pull down to tighten. Slide the knot up to the collar.
2. Four-in-Hand Knot
The Four-in-Hand is arguably the most popular knot in the world. Named after a 19th-century London gentlemen's club whose members used it to tie their neckties one-handed, it produces a medium, slightly asymmetric and elongated knot — a trait that lends character without excessive formality. Less structured than the Half Windsor, but more versatile. Works with virtually any tie and collar combination, and looks particularly elegant on three-fold silk ties.
- Drape the tie with the wide end (A) on your right, about 15 cm lower than the narrow end (B).
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end, from right to left.
- Pass the wide end under the narrow end, from left to right.
- Bring the wide end back over the narrow end, from right to left, forming a front loop.
- Thread the wide end up through the neck loop, then down through the front loop. Tighten gently and slide the knot upward.
3. Half Windsor Knot
The Half Windsor strikes the perfect balance between volume and practicality. The result is a triangular, symmetric knot of medium size — more structured than the Four-in-Hand but less bulky than a full Windsor. It is the quintessential office knot, suited to classic or semi-spread collar shirts. It pairs beautifully with our three-fold ties and five-fold ties.
- Drape the tie with the wide end (A) on your right, about 20 cm longer than the narrow end (B). Cross A over B.
- Bring A under B to the right, then up and through the neck loop, letting it fall to the left.
- Bring A horizontally from left to right across the front of the knot, creating a front loop.
- Thread A up through the neck loop and down through the front loop.
- Tighten gently and centre the knot. Create a dimple by pressing lightly under the knot with your index finger as you pull.
4. Windsor Knot
The Windsor is the king of knots: wide, triangular and perfectly symmetric. Legend attributes the name to the Duke of Windsor, who actually preferred thick fabrics to achieve volume rather than this specific knot. It requires more fabric and some practice compared to the Half Windsor, but the result is imposing. Ideal with spread or cutaway collars and lightweight silk ties such as our three-fold ties.
- Drape the tie with the wide end (A) on your right, about 25 cm longer than the narrow end (B). Cross A over B.
- Bring A up and through the neck loop, letting it fall to the left.
- Bring A under B to the right, then up and through the neck loop on the other side, letting it fall to the right.
- Bring A horizontally across the front of the knot from right to left, creating a wide front loop.
- Thread A up through the neck loop and gently down through the front loop.
- Adjust by slowly tightening both ends. Centre the triangle and create a dimple by pressing below the knot.
5. Pratt Knot
The Pratt is an elegant and relatively unknown knot outside America, invented by Jerry Pratt and popularised by newscaster Don Shelby in the 1980s. It stands out for one peculiarity: you begin with the tie inside out (seam facing outward). The result is a medium, symmetric and slightly flat knot that uses less fabric than a Windsor. Perfect with our five-fold ties that have a fuller hand.
- Drape the tie inside out around your neck (seam facing outward), with the wide end (A) on your left and about 15 cm longer.
- Cross the wide end (A) under the narrow end (B), from left to right.
- Bring A up and through the neck loop, letting it fall to the left.
- Bring A horizontally from left to right across the front of the knot, creating a front loop.
- Thread A up through the neck loop and down through the front loop. Tighten, centre the knot and adjust the dimple.
6. Oriental Knot
The Oriental Knot is the simplest of all — it requires just one more movement than leaving the tie open — even more minimal than the Simple Knot. It produces a very small, compact knot with a slight asymmetry. Uncommon in Europe, it is popular in Asia where stiffer fabrics keep it stable. With soft silks it requires care as it can slip; we recommend using it with grenadine ties or tightly woven fabrics.
- Drape the tie with the wide end (A) on your left and the seam facing outward. A should be about 10 cm longer than B.
- Cross the narrow end (B) over the wide end (A).
- Bring A over B from right to left, forming a front loop.
- Thread A up through the neck loop and down through the front loop. Tighten and slide the knot up to the collar.
7. Eldredge Knot
The Eldredge is a complex, show-stopping knot created in 2007 by Jeffrey Eldredge. Unlike every other knot, it is worked with the narrow end rather than the wide end, producing a braided interlocking pattern that immediately draws the eye. Reserve it for special occasions or when you want a bold touch of personality. Best on solid-colour or subtle-textured silk ties so the geometry of the knot takes centre stage.
- Drape the tie with the wide end (A) on your left at the desired final length (the tip should reach your belt). You will work with the narrow end (B).
- Cross B over A, from right to left.
- Bring B under A to the right, then up through the neck loop.
- Let B fall to the left and bring it under A to the right.
- Bring B over the knot from right to left, forming the first layer of the braid.
- Thread B up through the neck loop and let it fall to the right.
- Bring B under A to the left and thread it through the loop created by the previous pass. Pull to secure the second layer.
- Bring B over the knot to the right.
- Thread B into the neck loop from above and let it exit to the left.
- Bring B over the knot to the right, forming the third layer, and thread it through the loop. Pull gently.
- Bring B up and into the neck loop from behind, letting it exit to the left.
- Thread B into the loop behind the knot. Pull to secure the third layer.
- Tuck the remaining tail of B behind the neck loop, folding it to the left.
- Adjust the three braid layers so they are even. The knot is complete: the wide end (A) hangs at the centre, untouched.
The perfect knot deserves a tie to match
Our silk ties are woven and sewn entirely by hand in Como — three-fold, five-fold and seven-fold.
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