How to tie a tie. The Brooks Brothers Definitive Guide
A true gentleman knows the difference between a half-windsor and a Prince Albert knot. – BrooksBrothers.com
First, a quick observation. If you call yourself a gentleman, you’re most certainly not a gentleman. And if you use the word “gentleman” in this way: “Every Gentleman should know…” you’re probably an out of touch snoot. I’m sure there’s exceptions to the rule, but… c’mon. Stop sounding like Jeeves.
The Brooks Brothers “How to tie a tie” guide is about as good as it gets for this kind of thing. They showcase six different types of knots, and the pictures do a pretty good job of showing you step by step what to do.
Do you need to memorize all six ways? Nah… you really only need to know these three:
1. The Full Windsor – The biggest knot, for the biggest occasions.
2. The Half Windsor – Not as big as the full, but still plenty substantial. The middle ground.
3. The Four in Hand – Perfect for more casual situations. Quick and easy.
One final tip: When you’re tying the tie, fight your instinct to tie it super-tight. Keep it reasonably loose and flexible. You don’t want to cinch the living sh*t out of your tie, because the knot will get minuscule and you’ll end up killing the fabric. Think of your tie knot as a grilled piece of meat. You want it to feel rare. Soft with some spring back, and certainly not rock hard well-done. It doesn’t have to be air-tight.
I had read on GQ that the only knot you’ll ever really need is the four-in-hand. What do you think about that?
I think that’s a case of GQ over-simplifying for the sake of trying to make something black and white. You can wear a four in hand just about anywhere. Same goes for a half windsor. But depending on the shape and length of the tie and the shape of the collar, knowing what knot is larger / more symmetrical is a good thing to know. Could you wear a four in hand anywhere? Of course. But same goes for a half windsor. It’s all a matter of taste. (Currently wearing a half-windsor now. Four in hand on this collar would have looked a little puny)
I’d say the only two you need are four in hand and half windsor.
with the width of the ties these days, a windsor and half windsor looks horrible because it is out of proportion with the tie
that and you have no more tie length left to tie it and will be left short
Like I said. Currently wearing a half windsor. Doesn’t look horrible. It’s not a skinny tie, but it’s not a huge tie. Somewhere in between. I could have tied a full windsor too and it would have looked good.
My father taught me the full windsor because that’s what he always wore, but once I discovered the four in hand I never went back. I think the slight asymmetry just makes it more visually interesting, plus I don’t look like my dad.
Four in hand!!! Thats the way to go…I agree with GQ
ties are finally useful for something — http://www.pillowtie.com
I have one slim silk tie which only looks good with the small knot.
Another great lesson is here: http://www.thetiebar.com/how_to_tie.asp