Tying a tie is easy and yet it makes people go online each time they face the task.
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Nailing this basic knot is all you need to do to never have to stress about formal occasions again.
What is the easiest way to tie a tie?
Slender without being skinny, the four-in-hand knot is a fail-safe, solid, slightly wider knot. It can be worn anywhere and will look good in every non-tuxedo situation. This is the quintessential all-purpose tie knot for men.
How to tie a tie?
With your collar up and your shirt fully buttoned, place the tie around your shoulders. Hang the wider end of the tie on your right side, with the narrow end about 12 inches (30 cm) higher on the left.
1. Cross the wide end over the narrow end
Bring the wide end to the left side of your body, over the narrow end. Hold the two pieces of cloth together with your left hand, near your neck.
2. Loop the wide end under the narrow end
Let go with your right hand. Tuck it underneath the narrow end, grab the wide end, and pull it back through to your right side.
3. Loop the wide end back over again
Cross it over the narrow end one more time, at the same point where your left hand is holding the knot together. The front of the tie should be facing forward again, so the seam is hidden.
4. Pull the wide end up through the neck loop
Fold the tip of the wide end under itself and pull it up through the neck loop.
5. Insert the wide end down through the front knot
You should have a horizontal knot across the front of your tie. Hold this knot open with your finger and carefully insert the wide end.
6. Tighten the knot
Hold the narrow end and slide the front knot up to tighten the tie. Make sure your tie is straight and the length is appropriate, ideally ending at the top of your belt buckle. Squeeze the sides of the knot gently to create a dimple just below it.
7. Don't panic
The four-in-hand knot is a little asymmetrical at the neck. Don't worry about this; it is normal.
8. Tuck in
Tuck the narrow end of the tie into the loop on the back side of the wide end.
9. Fold your collar down
Make sure that the tie is covered by the collar all the way around your neck.
All done. Enjoy your special occasion.
Sources used:
- Esquire: 'How to Tie the Most Popular Tie Knots'
- Fashion Beans: 'How to tie a tie: 8 knots every man should master'