Explore 11 types of tie knots for various occasions and collar types.

Key takeaways

• Explore 11 different types of tie knots, from classic to intricate styles, each suitable for various occasions and collar types. Scroll down for more!
• Learn how to make all types of tie knots with an easy step-by-step guide.
• Dive into the last section to select the right knot with Tie Doctor, based on some factors and specific examples for a refined appearance.

Top 11 Types Of Tie Knots

1. Pratt Tie Knot

For a well-balanced look, the Pratt knot is an excellent choice among types of tie knots. It is a stylish, medium-sized knot perfect for everyday wear, social events, and weddings. It complements narrow and medium collar styles and offers a sophisticated look without being overly formal.

 Ideal for medium-weight ties, the Pratt knot offers a balanced, symmetrical appearance.

How to Tie a Pratt Tie Knot:

1. Position the tie around your neck with the backside facing out. The wide end should be on your left, and the skinny end should be on your right. The slim end's tip should be just above your belly button.
2. Cross the wide end under the skinny end to your right.
3. Bring the wide end up through the centre loop.
4. Move it down to your right side.
5. Turn to your left and cross the broad end over the narrow end.
6. Slide the wide end under the skinny end and through the loop.
7. Insert the broad end inside the loop that you made.
8. Pulling down on the broad end will tighten the knot.

2. Eldredge Knot

The Eldredge knot fits the bill for cool tie knots. This knot is best reserved for fashion-forward occasions and pairs well with solid-coloured or subtly patterned ties. It complements open or wide-collar shirts and is best suited for non-formal events like date nights or wedding receptions.

 Intricate, woven Eldredge knot grabs attention for fashion-forward events.

How to Tie an Eldredge Knot:

1. With the broad end on your right and the narrow end on your left, drape the tie over your neck. Adjust the wide end to your desired length.
2. Cross the skinny end over the wide end to the right.
3. Wrap the skinny end underneath and over to the left.
4. Pull the skinny end up through the neck loop and move it to the right.
5. Cross it over the knot to the left.
6. Pull it up through the loop from below and down to the left.
7. Wrap the skinny end under the knot to the left, keeping it loose.
8. Cross it over to the right and through the loop created in step 7.
9. Pull the skinny end to the right to tighten.
10. Bring the skinny end up through the neck loop onto the right side.
11. Move it to the centre, through the neck loop, and down on the left. Keep it loose.
12. Cross the skinny end to the left and through the loop made in step 11.
13. Pull it to the right to tighten.
14. Tuck the remaining skinny end behind the neck loop on your right side.

3. Four-In-Hand Knot

When exploring the different types of tie knots, the Four-in-Hand stands out for its ease and adaptability. This tie knot pairs well with narrow or medium-spread collars. It's perfect for daily work, social occasions, evening outings, and date nights.

 Named for reins or a club, Four-in-Hand is the easiest, most adaptable knot.

How to Tie a Four-In-Hand Knot:

1. Start with the wide end on your left, about 8-12 inches below the narrow end.
2. Go over the small end and cross the broad end.
3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end.
4. Cross it over the narrow end again.
5. Pull the wide end through the loop.
6. Slip the wide end through the knot and tighten.
7. Squeeze the knot's sides with your thumb and middle finger, then push in with your index finger to form a dimple.

4. Windsor Knot

Oozing British charm, the Windsor knot is named after the Duke of Windsor, known for his love of broad, triangular knots. Due to its substantial size, this symmetrical knot pairs well with French or open-spread collars. Because of its impressive appearance, it's a popular choice for formal events such as presentations, job interviews, and weddings.

1. Start 12 inches below the tie's narrow end, with the broad end on your left.
2. Pass the broad end over the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end under and through the loop.
4. The wide end should be on the right side.
5. Move the wide end underneath the knot from right to left.
6. Pass the wide end through the loop from the outside.
7. The wide end should now be on your left, with the knot formed.
8. Wrap the wide end over the knot from left to right.
9. Bring it under the knot and through the loop.
10. Slide the wide end through the knot.
11. Tighten and adjust, creating a dimple by pressing with your index finger while pinching the sides with your thumb and middle finger.

5. Trinity Knot

The Trinity Knot, a member of the fancy tie knots category, shares similarities with the Eldredge knot. It's best paired with a simple, less thick tie to balance its voluminous look. The knot has a relaxed, triangular shape and is more significant than a regular knot, so it looks best with a wider collar. The Trinity Knot is ideal for events where standing out is welcomed, like a fancy dinner or a wedding.

How to Tie a Trinity Knot:

1. With the broad end on the right and the narrow end on the left, drape the tie over your neck. Set the wide end at your desired length.
2. Cross the skinny end over the wide end to the right.
3. Pass the skinny end through the neck loop from underneath.
4. Move the skinny end to the right side.
5. Bring it under the wide end to the left.
6. Pull the skinny end up and through the neck loop.
7. Bring the skinny end down to the right.
8. Cross it over the wide end to the left.
9. Thread the skinny end down through the loop you created.
10. Tighten the knot and tuck the skinny end behind the neck loop on the right side.

6. Bow Tie

Historically favoured by notable figures like Winston Churchill, Fred Astaire, and Charlie Chaplin, the bow tie symbolises elegance. While once a staple for white and black tie events, its presence has diminished in modern society, often seen only in period dramas like Mad Men. The bow tie knot is the classic and solidifies its place as a mainstay among different tie knots. Suitable for formal occasions with both broad and narrow-collar shirts, this knot is the go-to for the discerning gentleman.  

 Formal wear staple, the bow tie now graces period dramas.

How to Tie a Bow Tie

1. Place the bow tie face up, with the right side (A) shorter than the left side (B).
2. Cross A over B to the right.
3. Bring A under B and through the neck loop.
4. Fold B to form the bow shape.
5. Drop A over the middle of the bow.
6. Fold A back and pinch it.
7. Push the pinched end (A) through the loop behind B.
8. Tighten by pulling the bow's folds.
9. Adjust for balance.

7. Balthus Knot

The Balthus knot, a unique addition to the world of types of tie knots, is best for very fancy events and looks best with a shirt that has a wide opening at the neck. Due to its complexity, it's recommended to use a longer tie, ideally around 155 cm. Not suited for narrow faces or thin necks, the Balthus knot exudes extravagance, making it ideal for refined dinners, artistic events, and theatrical performances.

 Theatrical and extravagant, the Balthus knot demands a longer tie and a wider collar.

How to Tie a Balthus Knot:

1. Wrap the tie around your neck, beginning with the broad end on the left, the narrow end on the right, and the skinny end higher.
2. Cross the wide end under the skinny end to the right.
3. Pass the broad end through the loop around the neck.
4. Move the wide end to the left, then up and through the neck loop again.
5. Move the wide end to the right and up through the neck loop.
6. Bring the wide end down to the left and wrap it over the skinny end from left to right.
7. Pull the wide end under the skinny end and up through the neck loop.
8. Slide the wide end down and adjust the knot.

8. Skinny Necktie

Skinny ties, popularised in the 1950s and 1960s by icons like the Beatles, offer a sleek and modern alternative to traditional neckwear. These ties are narrower than standard, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide. They pair exceptionally well with narrow-lapel suits or casual outfits like jeans. Skinny ties are favoured for their youthful and edgy appeal, which is suitable for office settings and nights out.

 Favoured for a youthful edge, skinny ties work for offices or nights out.

 How to Tie a Skinny Necktie:

1. As you wrap the tie around your neck, position the broad end on the right, the thin end on the left, and the wide end below.
2. Cross the wide end over the skinny end.
3. Slide the broad end beneath the narrow end and back over.
4. Through the neck loop, pull up the broad end.
5. Thread it through the knot loops and adjust it by pulling the wide end down.

9. Solid Necktie

 Formal or fun, solid ties adapt for a polished, personalised look.

Unlike patterned ties, solid ties effortlessly complement a variety of shirts, whether solid, striped, or checkered. Typically associated with a conservative style, solid ties are suitable for any occasion, from formal business meetings to weddings. This lets you experiment with different tie knot types to personalise your look.

10. Kelvin

The Kelvin knot, named possibly after Lord Kelvin, is a small, symmetrical knot similar to the Four-in-Hand but with an extra twist. This knot looks most stylish with a shirt collar that has a slim or moderate spread. It is perfect for casual settings and ideal for a relaxed evening or romantic date.

 The Kelvin knot offers a neat, symmetrical look for broader ties with a touch of sophistication.

How to Tie a Kelvin Knot:

1. Position the tie with the wide end on the left, the skinny end on the right, and the skinny end just above your belly button.
2. Cross the wide end under the skinny end to the right.
3. Bring the wide end over the skinny end to the left.
4. Pass it over the wide end to the right.
5. Cross it over the skinny end to the left.
6. Insert the wide end through the neck loop starting from the bottom.
7. Thread the wide end through the loop you just made.
8. Tighten by pulling down on the wide end and adjust the knot.

11. Half Windsor Knot

The Half Windsor knot balances elegance and simplicity, making it a valuable addition to your knowledge of different types of tie knots. With a medium spread collar, it is versatile enough for daily office wear, important presentations, and wedding receptions.

 Balancing elegance and simplicity, the Half Windsor is a versatile knot for any occasion.

How to Tie a Half Windsor Knot:

1. Beginning at the right broad end of the tie, place your hands 8 to 12 inches below the narrow end.
2. Go over the small end and cross the broad end.
3. Bring the wide end under the loop.
4. Pull the wide end through the loop, letting it fall to the right.
5. Wrap the wide end over the knot from right to left.
6. Pull the wide end through the loop again.
7. Slide the wide end through the knot.
8. Tighten the knot and create a dimple by pressing with your index finger while pinching the sides with your thumb and middle finger.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Knot?

Choosing the suitable types of tie knots relies on several elements that may significantly affect how you feel and appear. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:

• Fabric Type: Consider the fabric of your tie. Heavier fabrics like tweed or ties with thick interlinings may need to be better with complex knots like the Trinity. Opt for more superficial knots like the Four-in-Hand or Half-Windsor to avoid bulkiness and ensure the knot lays flat.
• Tie Width: Your tie’s width should complement the knot you choose. A small knot like the Four-in-Hand works best for slim ties to maintain a balanced proportion. For wider ties, you can experiment with larger knots, such as the Full-Windsor or Pratt, to fill the space adequately.
• Collar Type: The style of your shirt collar also influences the choice of types of tie knots. For spread collars, larger knots like the Windsor family (Full-Windsor, Half-Windsor) help fill the space between the collar points. Smaller knots like the Four-in-Hand or Pratt are more suitable for point collars.
• Occasion and Style: Consider the formality of the occasion and your personal style preferences. Simple knots like the Four-in-Hand work well for everyday wear or casual events. More elaborate knots like the Eldredge or Trinity are better suited for formal occasions or when you want to make a fashion statement.

If you need help choosing the right type of knot for your tie or exploring different types of ties, contact Tie Doctor. With over 2,500 handmade designs, we offer expert advice to help you find the perfect knot for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic Windsor or an eye-catching Eldredge, our team is here to assist you in making a stylish and confident choice.