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What Are Names of Common Knots Used for A Necktie?

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What Are Names of Common Knots Used for A Necktie?

Content Menu

The Four Most Common Necktie Knots

>> 1. Four-in-Hand Knot (Simple Knot)

>> 2. Half-Windsor Knot

>> 3. Full Windsor Knot

>> 4. Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot)

Other Notable Necktie Knots

>> Balthus Knot

>> Onassis Knot

>> Eldredge Knot

>> Trinity Knot

>> Rose Knot

>> Small Knot

How to Choose the Right Knot

Step-by-Step Example: How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot

Conclusion

FAQ

>> 1. What is the easiest necktie knot to learn?

>> 2. Which knot is best for formal occasions?

>> 3. Can I wear a large knot with a narrow collar?

>> 4. What knot should I use for a thick tie?

>> 5. How do I choose a knot based on my face shape?

Citations:

Tying a necktie is a timeless skill that every gentleman should master. The knot you choose not only affects your appearance but also complements your shirt collar, suit, and the occasion. There are dozens of tie knots, but some are more popular and practical than others. This comprehensive guide explores the most common necktie knots, how to tie them, their characteristics, and when to wear them. We also include visual descriptions and tips to help you elevate your style.

what are names of common knots used for a necktie

The Four Most Common Necktie Knots

Despite the existence of over 85 different tie knots, only a handful are widely used in everyday and formal settings. The four most common knots are:

1. Four-in-Hand Knot (Simple Knot)

- Description: The Four-in-Hand knot is the simplest and most versatile. It is slightly asymmetrical and relatively narrow, making it suitable for most collars and occasions.

- History: Named after 19th-century British coachmen who tied their ties with four fingers while holding reins.

- Best for: Casual to business wear, narrow collar shirts.

- How to tie: Wrap the wide end over the narrow end, bring it underneath, then over again, and pull through the loop around the neck. Tighten and adjust[4][11][16].

2. Half-Windsor Knot

- Description: A medium-sized, symmetrical knot that balances between the Four-in-Hand and the Full Windsor. It produces a neat triangular shape.

- History: Developed in the 1930s by Foster & Co; popularized by Hollywood stars like Cary Grant.

- Best for: Office wear, medium-width collar shirts.

- How to tie: Wrap the wide end around the narrow end with a few more loops than Four-in-Hand, finishing with a symmetrical triangular knot[4][6][15].

3. Full Windsor Knot

- Description: A large, symmetrical, and triangular knot that exudes confidence and formality.

- History: Named after the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII), who favored this knot for its bold appearance.

- Best for: Formal occasions, wide spread collar shirts.

- How to tie: Involves multiple wraps around the narrow end to create a thick, balanced knot[4][6][15].

4. Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot)

- Description: Symmetrical and medium-sized, the Pratt knot is tied with the tie inside out, producing a tidy and elegant knot.

- History: Invented by Jerry Pratt in the 1980s and popularized on TV by Don Shelby.

- Best for: Formal occasions, versatile for most collars and tie fabrics.

- How to tie: Start with the tie seam facing out, cross wide end under narrow end, loop through the neck, and finish with a neat symmetrical knot[4][8][18].

how many types of necktie knots are there_1_1

Other Notable Necktie Knots

Balthus Knot

- Description: One of the largest knots, conical in shape, requiring a long tie.

- History: Invented by artist Balthasar Klossowski around 1930.

- Best for: Special occasions, when you want to make a statement.

- Characteristics: Large, dramatic, and complex to tie[1][10].

Onassis Knot

- Description: A chic, simple knot where the wide end is not passed through the loop but left free, resembling a scarf.

- History: Popularized by Aristotle Onassis in the 1960s.

- Best for: Wide ties, vests, and suits; less formal and more relaxed.

- Characteristics: Requires a tie clip to hold in place; elegant and unique[1][4].

Eldredge Knot

- Description: An intricate knot made with the narrow end, creating a braided, fishtail effect.

- Best for: Fashion-forward individuals and special occasions.

- Characteristics: Complex and eye-catching, not for everyday use[3][9][10].

Trinity Knot

- Description: A knot with three-way symmetry, producing a striking triangular pattern.

- Best for: Unique style statements and social events.

- Characteristics: Complex but visually impressive[3][9][10].

Rose Knot

- Description: Similar to the Trinity but with an extra round, giving it a romantic and elegant look.

- Best for: Dinners and social occasions.

- Characteristics: Rounded and sophisticated[9][10].

Small Knot

- Description: Suitable for thick ties, this knot is simple and compact.

- Best for: Thick fabrics and narrow collars.

- Characteristics: Easy to tie, neat appearance[9].

How to Choose the Right Knot

- Consider Collar Type: Narrow collars suit smaller knots like Four-in-Hand; wide collars pair better with Windsor or Balthus.

- Tie Fabric & Length: Thick ties work better with small knots; long ties are needed for large knots like Balthus.

- Occasion: Formal events call for symmetrical, larger knots (Windsor, Half-Windsor), while casual or business settings allow simpler knots.

- Face Shape: Larger knots suit wider faces; smaller knots complement slender faces.

- Personal Style: Experiment with knots like Eldredge or Trinity for a bold statement.

Step-by-Step Example: How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot

1. Place the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right, lower than the narrow end.

2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end.

4. Cross the wide end over again.

5. Pass the wide end up through the loop around your neck.

6. Pull the wide end down through the front loop.

7. Tighten the knot and adjust it to sit neatly at your collar[4][11][17].

Conclusion

Mastering the art of necktie knots is essential for any man who wants to present himself with confidence and style. While there are many knots to choose from, the Four-in-Hand, Half-Windsor, Full Windsor, and Pratt knots are the most practical and widely used for everyday and formal occasions. For those looking to stand out, intricate knots like the Eldredge, Trinity, or Balthus offer unique flair. Remember to consider your shirt collar, tie fabric, and the occasion when selecting a knot. Practice makes perfect, so try different knots to discover which suits you best.

how to tie different necktie knots_3

FAQ

1. What is the easiest necktie knot to learn?

The Four-in-Hand knot is the easiest and quickest to tie, making it ideal for beginners and suitable for most occasions[4][11].

2. Which knot is best for formal occasions?

The Full Windsor knot is the most formal, producing a large, symmetrical, and confident-looking knot perfect for weddings and business meetings[4][6].

3. Can I wear a large knot with a narrow collar?

Large knots like the Windsor or Balthus are best paired with wide spread collars. Narrow collars suit smaller knots like Four-in-Hand or Small knot[12][16].

4. What knot should I use for a thick tie?

For thick ties, smaller knots such as the Small knot or Four-in-Hand are recommended to avoid bulky appearance[9][16].

5. How do I choose a knot based on my face shape?

Wider, larger knots suit men with broader faces, while slimmer faces look better with smaller, neater knots like the Pratt or Half-Windsor[6][12].

Citations:

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[10] https://www.trendhim.com/articles/223/how-to-tie-a-tie-30-different-necktie-knots

[11] https://www.totieatie.com/four-in-hand.asp

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[22] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Necktie_knots

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[27] https://greiff.de/en/service/style-care/necktie-knots/

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[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0yh5rKB9lE

[32] https://www.pinterest.com/patrickloconnor/necktie-knot-photos/

[33] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/333055334936165581/

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[35] https://www.instagram.com/jonathanpfarley/reel/DENKMFmsmC9/

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[37] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/four-hand-knot

[38] https://www.animatedknots.com/how-to-tie-a-tie-necktie-knots

[39] https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/windsor-knot

[40] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17-different-stunning-ways-to-tie-a-tie-knot-step-by-step-to-see-more-read-it--668714244672833850/

[41] https://www.trendhim.com/how-to-tie-a-tie-30-different-necktie-knots-book-p.html

[42] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/tie-knot-instructions

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[44] https://www.reddit.com/r/ties/comments/ts26va/question_about_a_tie_knot/

[45] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogre9dhxTjA

[46] https://astares.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-your-tie-knot-a-gentlemans-guide

[47] https://ssilife.com.ph/blog/the-top-four-tie-knots-everyone-should-know

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[49] https://savilerowco.com/blogs/news/what-knot-to-wear

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