How to Tie a Tie: 30 Different Necktie Knots

Every knot, just like the neck it’s around, has a distinct character and vibe. The Van Wijk Knot was created to be the tallest wearable knot possible, while the Windsor Knot has a formality that makes it the favorite of the UK’s Royal Air Force. Whichever knot you choose, make sure to practice before you actually need it.

All you need to begin is a men’s tie, a dress shirt and a mirror. You also need our guides – which you obviously have – and patience, perseverance, and determination. We don’t know you personally, but we can guess that you have these 3 in spades! Clean hands are also a good idea and trim any long fingernails that may harm the fabric of your tie.

Besides these 30 ways to tie a tie, have a read through our ultimate guide to neckties and learn how to keep your tie clean and free from wrinkles. Need a pocket square to go with that fantastic knot you’re working on? We can help you learn how to fold those too.

Wearing a tie is fun. Talking about one is not. Until now! We’ve scoured the world wide web and found the best (and most interesting) facts about men’s ties. Read them, memorize them and impress your friends, family and that stranger on the train who keeps staring at your perfectly tied Cape Knot.

• A tie collector is called a Grabatologist. The largest collection of ties (Grabatology) is 21,321 and is owned by Irene Sparks of New Zealand. If you know Irene, ask her to check out our selection to help her keep her Guinness World Record.
• Stripes on classic American ties go from the top right to bottom left in order to distinguish them from British Regimental Stripes that run from the top left to the bottom right. The British stripes were designed to run from a person’s heart to their sword.
• Bulletproof ties are a real thing.
• One quality silk tie requires over 120 silkworm cocoons and about 54,864-99,060 meters (180,000-325,000 feet) of silk thread!
• The first ties were worn by Croatian soldiers. Bulletproof ones would’ve come in handy.
• It’s reported that there are over 100,000 different ways to tie a men’s tie. That’s a lot of time spent in front of the mirror.
• Wearing your necktie too tightly can greatly decrease blood flow to the brain. The moral of the story: keep the knot looking good but not too tight.
• The Suashish Necktie is the most expensive in the world. Valued at $220,000 USD, it’s made of pure silk, 150 grams of gold and 271 diamonds.
• The global neckwear (ties and bow ties) revenue amounts to $3,535,000,000 USD in 2019.
• Ties make great Father’s Day gifts… said every kid everywhere.

Whether you’re looking for a tie that’ll make the perfect gift for Father’s Day, Christmas or your best friend’s birthday… or you need something to tell your own story and showcase your style, check out our selection. With a wide variety to choose from, we’ve got the tie your neck has been missing. And the knot to help it stay there.

The Onassis Knot

Try the Four-In-Hand or Half Windsor. Each of these allow the bar to show without hiding it.

See the Four-In-Hand here and click here for the Half Windsor.

The Oriental Knot – also known as the Simple Knot.

The Eldredge Knot is one of the most complex knots to master but worth the effort!

The Windsor Knot or Half Windsor Knot works well with the formality of most weddings and are quite easy to learn. If you want to add romance and make a statement with your necktie, try the Trinity Knot or Truelove Knot.

For more wedding inspiration, read our ultimate guide for groom accessories.

Consider the interlining or interfacing of the tie. Ties with thicker interlining result in thicker knots. Ties with thinner lining produce thinner knots. Try a Half Windsor Knot or a Pratt Knot for a thinner tie and a Four-In-Hand for a thicker one.