Style Shoes & Accessories How To Tie a Necktie Add a little panache to your wardrobe (or help a guy out) with this tie-tying tutorial. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 31, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article How to Tie a Necktie How to Tie a Bow Tie Types of Necktie Knots Tips for Tying a Tie People may be dressing casual more often, but learning how to tie a necktie is essential for those occasions that still require dressing up (or if you want to sport a tie yourself.) Fortunately, learning how to tie a necktie can be a pretty easy proposition. Check out our primer on a classic knot for a necktie, along with tips on how to tie a bow tie and some fun and funky necktie knots that'll add a little extra panache to any ensemble. What to Wear to (Pretty Much) Every Occasion What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Tie bar (optional) Materials Tie or bow tie Instructions How to Tie a Necktie Follow these directions for a simple four-in-hand necktie knot that'll look great anywhere, from work to weddings. Kailey Whitman/RS Place the tie around your neck With your collar upturned, drape the necktie around your neck so that the middle of the tie lies flush against the back of your collar, seam down. Hold the wider end of the tie in your dominant hand (and the narrow end in your other hand) and pull it down so that the tip rests about one foot lower than the tip of the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the thinner end Bring the wide end across the narrow end and clasp it with your non-dominant hand a few inches below your neck, where the two pieces intersect. Run the wide end under the tie, and pull it across again Reaching under the narrow end with your dominant hand, grab the wide end and pull it behind the narrow end, back toward your dominant side. Pull the wide end through the center Bring the wide end back across the front, where your knot is starting to form, and then, switching hands, bring it up through the loop between your neck and the tie and pull it all the way out over the narrow end. Loop the wide end through the knot Still holding the wide end, create a small loop within the knot with your other hand and, starting with the tip, push the wide end down through the loop. Tighten the knot Squeezing the knot gently with your non-dominant hand, pull down on the narrow end with your other hand, and slide the knot upwards until it touches the front of your collar. Center the knot. The tip of the wide part of the tie should hit the top of your belt buckle. (The narrow end should be shorter, and not visible in the front.) Flip your collar down. How to Tie a Bow Tie You don't have to resort to a clip-on tie for formal events that call for a bow tie. Use these steps to get your bow tie looking great. What to Wear to Any Party, From Cocktail Attire to Casual Kailey Whitman/RS Place the tie around your neck Make the end of the bow tie that's by your dominant hand a few inches longer than the other end. Cross the ends Cross the longer end of the bow tie over the shorter end. Make the first tie The longer end of the tie should go under the short end, then back out to the front from the center. Prep the short end Fold the short end of your tie so it sits horizontally Get the longer end of the tie into position The long end should drape over the short end of the tie, creating a cross effect. Fold the longer end of the tie Fold the longer end of the bow tie horizontally, like you did the short end. Put the long end of the tie through the short end of the tie There should be a loop at the back of the short end of the tie. You can carefully slide the long end of the tie through that opening. Pull and adjust Pull the ends to tighten the knot, then adjust as needed until it looks great. Types of Necktie Knots There's more than one way to tie a necktie, so consider some of these options to add a little extra panache to your ensemble. Four-in-Hand Knot Kailey Whitman/RS This classic knot is one of the easiest to master, and works for pretty much any occasion—though some fashion sites recommend upgrading to a half or full Windsor knot for the most formal events. . Full Windsor Knot Kailey Whitman/RS The full Windsor is another classic necktie knot, which results in a larger knot that'll help provide a little balance for larger tie wearers. It involves a few more loops of the wide end of the tie to create that thicker necktie knot. Half Windsor Knot Kailey Whitman/RS A smaller version of the Windsor knot, this also involves a few more loops of the wider end of the tie to create a knot that stays perfectly in place. Kelvin Knot Kailey Whitman/RS This newer style of knot works best with a wider tie, as the knot may appear too small if you use a skinny tie. Pratt Knot Kailey Whitman/RS This relatively easy knot to create is great for taller men, as it leaves a little more tie material at the end. It's also tied with the seam side showing, but ends with a perfectly polished knot. P.S. This is also known as the Shelby knot, as it was popularized by a newscaster who sported it in the 1970s. Trinity Knot Kailey Whitman/RS This funkier, new necktie knot gets its name from the three front-facing parts. It's a great knot for someone looking for something distinctive that stands out—and who's willing to go the extra mile to make it. (It's a complicated knot that requires looping the thin end of the tie multiple times in distinct ways to create it.) Eldredge Knot Kailey Whitman/RS This very fancy knot with a braid-like detail is a perfect one to use when you're looking for a little extra panache, and you're comfortable with the basic knots. You'll also want to use it with a solid color tie, as using it with bold patterns can result in an off-kilter look . Tips for Tying a Tie Want to make sure you've totally mastered the necktie? Follow these tie-tying tips. Choose the right tie length The tip of your tie should end at the middle of your waistband or belt when you're standing up. You may want to experiment with a few different knot options to ensure your tie hits just where it should—or consider buying a long tie if you're over six feet tall. Choose a flattering tie width Skinny ties look better on skinnier people, while wider ties are a better pick for men with a bigger build. Create a dimple To make your tie look even more debonair, you can create a dimple in the front of the tie beneath the knot. To do that, put your index finger right under the knot, when it's still loose, then pull it tight. Use a tie bar to help you get the length right A tie bar helps hold your tie into place, but it can also help correct a too-long tie after the knot's done. Simply adjust the end of the tie to where it should sit, then place the tie bar between the third and fourth buttons, holding the excess tie fabric above the bar. This part should be loose anyway, to allow you some freedom of movement, so it's fine to have it be a little looser.