How to Tie a Tie

Are you wondering how to tie a tie? Perhaps you know which knot you want and need to refresh your memory, or maybe you want to try a new one. Either way, let us guide you in getting it right.

Different tie knots

Choosing your tie knot will often come down to personal preference, but some situations require specific knots. For example, did you know that in the British Royal Air Force, only the Windsor Knot is acceptable in some uniforms? Enjoy experimenting and let Eton be your guide in getting the different ones right.

How to tie a four in hand knot

The Four-in-Hand knot is a classic choice. It’s simple, versatile, and adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. In seven easy steps you can master this knot. Learn how to tie a Four in Hand Knot here.

How to tie a half windsor knot

The Half Windsor knot is a versatile and balanced tie knot, perfect for a more polished look. It's medium-sized, and a little more complex to master. Learn how to tie a half windsor knot here.

How to tie a Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot exudes timeless elegance: with a symmetrical shape, it's a classic choice for a sophisticated look. It’s more complex than the Half Windsor. Learn how to tie a double windsor knot here.

Why Learning How to Tie a Knot Matters

Getting your tie knot right will help you feel at ease in situations where you want to impress. Maybe it’s your first job interview, or maybe you are preparing for a major presentation, award or ceremony. Whatever the occasion, learning how to tie a tie knot well matters.

Oscar Wilde made a good point when he said: “A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
Many men will remember the first time a member of the family showed them how to tie a tie, but if you need a refresher or want to try a new knot, Eton’s step-by-step guides will help you.

Practice makes perfect. Once you have chosen one, practice a few times in front of a mirror without any distractions. In time, you will get to know how minor adjustments make for a more beautiful knot, and which knots suit your favorite dress shirts. Then you can experiment with different fabrics and variations on the classic tie knots or move on to bow ties.

How to tie a tie easily

Older gentlemen make it look so effortless, but how exactly do you tie a tie properly? Follow Eton’s simple step-by-step guides. We’ll show you the easiest way to tie a tie, ensuring that you’re ready for your big night as quickly as possible.

There are different tie knots to choose from. On this page we focus on three of the most common and versatile tie knots – the Four-in-Hand, the Half Windsor Knot and the Double Windsor or Full Windsor.

A well tied tie and a crisp shirt have been a staple of men’s fashion for well over a century. Beyond the three basic tie knots we explain above, there are other variations. In fact, in 1999, physicists at Cambridge University Thomas Fink and Yong Mao published a book in which they claim there are exactly 85 possible ways to tie a tie.

The modern tie knot owes a lot to the first Dandy, Beau Brummell, who was an important figure in Regency England – think Jane Austen and Walter Scott – as well as a menswear icon. Brummell rejected the overly ornate fashions of the time, opting instead for well-fitting, tailored garments. He favoured an immaculate shirt and an elaborately knotted cravat, spending hours perfecting his own knot.

Brummell’s fashion innovation in the 1840s paved the way for the classic shirt and tie, which remains a marker of sophistication to this day. Fortunately, you won’t need to spend hours in front of the mirror if you use our handy step-by-step guides.