How to Tie a Tie(Half Windsor Knot)

By: Matthew Botkin (photos by Stephanie Botkin)

Introduction The best way to create the appearance of professionalism and class is to add a tie. The art of tying a tie is an art that most men and some women attempt to master. It takes time to master and some never learn to accomplish the task. However, those who do master the art, look and feel great. The tie we are going to tie is one of the easiest to make and the best for beginners to learn with.

Necessities

• A collared dress shirt• Tie of average length

• If you are 6”2’ or taller, you will need a longer tie

Step 1

Put on a collared dress shirt, and flip up the collar. Find a tie of average length (52” to 58”). A

matching tie and shirt are preferred, but the choice is yours.

Drape the tie over your shoulders, under the collar.

(Photo credit Stephanie Botkin)

Step 2

The fatter end of the tie should be in your dominate hand (I am right

handed, so mine will be on the right). Pull the fatter end about 4

inches below the smaller one. (Photo credit Stephanie Botkin)

Step 3

Bring the fat end close to the top and wrap it around the upper part of the small end (Photo credit Stephanie

Botkin)

Step 4

Begin to wrap again, but instead bring the larger end through the

V- shaped hole between your neck and the knot (Photo credit

Stephanie Botkin)

Step 5

Bring the bigger end through the small hole between the wrappings and pull all the way through (Photo

credit Stephanie Botkin)

Step 6

Pull on the smaller end to bring the tie closer to the neck. If the

smaller end is visible from behind the larger end, you will need to restart, but make the larger end longer. Make sure the tie is not

too tight, as not to choke yourself. (Photo credit Stephanie Botkin)

Step 7

Adjust the knot to hide the loops but pulling the top of the tie

around the sides. If the tie does not look the best, start over and make a new attempt. (Photo credit

Stephanie Botkin)

Conclusion

Ties come in several variations. The one that we made is called a ‘Half Winsor Knot.’ It is the easiest to learn and many beginners start on it. After the half is mastered the is a variety of other knots that can be learned and used. Remember, adding a tie is a great idea no matter who you are.