How To Tie A Neck Tie

The Half Windsor Knot

The half windsor knot is an excellent knot to choose for your tie because it separates yourself from those who are using very basic knots for their ties and creates comfort in knowing that your knot looks amazing and sophisticated without being too over the top. If your looking for something that looks professional, but also shows that you're a laid-back kind of gentlemen then this is the knot for you! At the end of this tutorial you will finish with a slightly smaller and subtle knot than the traditional full windsor knot. Now, let's get into what we are really here for, tying the half windsor knot!

Half Windsor Knot | How To Tie A Tie

Instructions

  1. Place the tie around your neck with the wide end on the left and the skinny end on the right. Position the wide end lower than the skinny end.
  2. Cross the wide end over the skinny end towards the right.
  3. Cross it underneath the skinny end towards the left.
  4. Fold it up through the neck loop and then pass it down to the right side.
  5. Cross it over the skinny end towards the left.
  6. Fold it up through the neck loop from underneath.
  7. Pass it down through the loop you’ve created in the knot.
  8. Pull down on the wide end to fasten the knot and then slide it up towards your neck.

Things to Consider with the Half Windsor Knot

  • Remember to allow plenty of fabric on the wide end of the tie to complete the knot successfully. You don't want to end up with a tie that is too short!
  • This type of tie knot works most successfully with a skinny or slim tie, so our slim ties are perfect for this type of knot!
  • If you are a beginner or are just learning to tie a tie for an upcoming occasion, we certainly recommend trying to master the half windsor knot first before trying the full windsor knot. You'll thank us later as it's a little bit easier to manage!
  • Don't be fooled by its title of "half windsor". In fact, it's actually not half the size of the full windsor, but rather about 75% of the size. 



The Full Windsor Knot

Largely known to be named after the Duke of Windsor, the Full Windsor, otherwise known as the Double Windsor is a wide knot that is symmetrical, triangular and a classic knot for a tie. While there are a number of steps to successfully completing this knot, its worth it and looks great with any style of tie. The tie will stay in place, and does not slip away very easily, keeping it well in place no matter what activities you are doing. 

The Full Windsor is a great knot for any type of event or social setting and will work well not only for weddings, but also graduation or prom. As it is situated on the formal end of the spectrum, it allows for versatility and can be considered to be very sophisticated, crisp and dapper. We recommend that if you are not looking for something that is as professional or "proper" to consider the Half-Windsor Knot, which insinuates a more relaxed and low-key vibe, but still meshes very well with any type of events. Enough of that already, let's get started!

Full Windsor Knot | How To Tie A Neck Tie

Instructions

  1. Place the tie around your neck with the wide end on the left and the skinny end on the right. Position the wide end lower than the skinny end.
  2. Cross the wide end over the skinny end towards the right.
  3. Fold it up through the neck loop from underneath.
  4. Pass it down to the right side.
  5. Cross it underneath the skinny end towards the left.
  6. Fold it through the neck loop.
  7. Pass it down to the left side.
  8. Fold it over the front of the knot towards the left.
  9. Fold it up through the back of the neck loop from underneath.
  10. Pass it down through the loop you’ve created in the knot.
  11. Pull down on the wide end to fasten the knot and then slide it up towards your neck.

 

Things to Consider with the Full Windsor Knot

  • As the Windsor Knot uses a significant amount of fabric, it's essential to have the wide end of the tie much lower than the narrow end. Start with the narrow end of the tie 3-4 inches below the chest. 
  • The Windsor Knot can be worn easily with both slim, skinny and standard neck ties, so don't be afraid to try it with all types.  

 

Tips and Tricks

When tying your neck tie, if the tie is too long, try again with the narrow end of the tie a bit lower. If it's too short, try again with the narrow end a bit higher. You should be more successful the second time around!
Never give up! Lots of us only tie knots once in a blue moon. Practice a few times and you'll get the hang of it!