How to Tie a Tie - Tying classic knots. We break it down

Mastering the art of tying a tie unlocks confidence, style, and polish—whether you’re headed to a big interview, a wedding, or just showing off your favorite anime necktie. Here’s your quick, beginner-friendly guide to five classic knots.

Four-in-Hand Knot

Simple and slightly asymmetrical—great for skinny or novelty ties. 

Steps:

1. Drape the tie around your neck. Wide end on your right, lower than the narrow end.

2. Cross wide over narrow.

3. Loop it behind and around to the front again.

4. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop.

5. Slide it down through the front loop and tighten. 

Best for: Casual looks, basketball ties, anime neckties

Half Windsor Knot

 Clean and symmetrical—perfect for dress shirts.

Steps:

1. Start with the wide end on your right, lower than the narrow.

2. Cross wide over narrow, then up through the neck loop and down to the left.

3. Bring it around the front to the right.

4. Go up through the loop again and down through the front.

5. Tighten and adjust.

Best for: Business meetings, formal dinners

Full Windsor Knot

Wide, triangular, and formal—ideal for spread collars.

Steps:

1. Wide end on the right, longer than the narrow.

2. Cross wide over narrow, up through the neck loop, and down to the right.

3. Loop under and to the left, then up through the loop again.

4. Bring around the front, up through the loop, and down through the front.

5. Tighten evenly.

Best for: Weddings, birthday tie moments, formal events

Pratt (Shelby) Knot

Balanced and professional—works with any shirt.

Steps:

1. Start with the tie inside out, wide end on the right.

2. Cross wide under narrow and up through the neck loop.

3. Bring down and pull across the front.

4. Go up through the loop again and down through the front.

5. Tighten for a neat finish.

Best for: Office wear, medium-width ties

Bow Tie

Timeless and bold—yes, you can tie one!

Steps:

1. Drape the bow tie so one end is slightly longer.

2. Cross longer over shorter and pull up through the neck loop.

3. Fold the shorter end into a bow shape.

4. Drop the longer end over the front.

5. Fold and push the hanging end behind the front loop.

6. Adjust until symmetrical.

Best for: Black tie events, bow tie for boys, confident flair

Once you’ve got these down, the only thing left is finding the right tie—and you’ll find it at Ty’s.