10+ Different types of ties

Key Takeaways

• Different types of ties complement various knot styles—opt for heavy-fabric ties with superficial knots, broader ties with classic knots, and plain ties with complex knots. Explore practical pairing ideas below!
• Explore Tie Doctor expansive collection of 2,500 products! We provide knitted, silk, and wool necktie types suitable for every occasion, from casual to formal.

1. Simple Knot

1.1. Four-in-hand knot

The Four-in-hand style, which emerged in the mid-19th century, remains the simplest and most popular way to tie a tie today. This small, asymmetrical knot is ideal for semi-formal occasions, daily office wear, or weekend casual.

The Four-in-hand knot

The knot's slim profile pairs perfectly with pointed or buttoned collars and is particularly flattering for men with thin or oval faces. It also works best with heavy-fabric tie types, such as wool or knitted ties.

The Four-in-hand knot keeps the tie well-proportioned to the collar and lapels, enhancing the overall look.

1.2. Prince Albert knot

The Prince Albert tie knot, also known as the Double Four-in-hand or Double Knot, is a small, understated necktie knot. In this knot, you pass the active end through the first and second turns, with the first turn peeking out at the bottom. This slightly asymmetrical knot has more bulk than the Four-in-hand but should be pulled tight for a slender, polished look.

Prince Albert knot

Versatile for formal events, business casual, lunch dates, and professional settings, the Prince Albert knot pairs well with narrow-collared shirts and thicker fabrics. Avoid skinny necktie types; opt for full-size wool or thick silk ties to give the knot more body and shape. For a bold statement, try neckties with vibrant patterns and colours.

The slender Prince Albert knot enhances balance with formal suits made from thick fabrics.

2. Classic Knot

2.1. Windsor

The Windsor tie knot, also known as the Full Windsor or Double Windsor, is named after the Duke of Windsor, King Edward VIII. This knot is distinguished by its large, well-balanced, and symmetrical shape, which can be easily released. Its firmness ensures less slippage over time, and the large knot offers comfort.

The Windsor tie knot is considered the most formal knot style. It is ideal for spread or cutaway collars, power suits, and broader ties (3.875 inches or more). It creates a bold, charismatic look, perfect for formal events like weddings, proms, business meetings, and job interviews.

Remember, this knot can make the neck appear shorter, so it is best suited for men with wider necks or square, thicker faces. You should avoid pairing it with skinny ties and lapels.

The Full Windsor, a more giant necktie knot, exudes a classic feel. Use it to project power, confidence, and authority.

2.2. Half-Windsor

The Half-Windsor is a perfect alternative if the Four-in-hand is too tiny and the Windsor is too large. This lighter version of the Windsor maintains a robust and symmetrical shape but is more streamlined with fewer creases and less bulk. When tied correctly, it creates a significant dimple.

Due to its medium size, the Half-Windsor suits a modern, minimalist style and works well with light to medium-thickness ties, such as cotton, silk, linen, and knit. It's versatile for any occasion, especially daily office wear, and pairs perfectly with any shirt collar size.

2.3. Pratt (Shelby)

The Pratt knot, also known as the Shelby or the Shell knot, is versatile, elegant, and medium-sized, offering a symmetrical look similar to the Windsor. A unique feature of this knot is that it is tied with the tie's back seam facing out, leaving the narrow end's front side against your shirt.

The Pratt knot

Slightly more prominent than the Four-in-hand, the Pratt knot extends the tie's length, making it ideal for taller or larger men. It pairs well with skinny ties (no wider than 2.5 inches, typically made from silk, cotton, or polyester). It suits various occasions, from casual cocktail outings to formal business meetings, weddings, proms, black-tie events, and graduations.

The Pratt knot pairs well with skinny ties

3. Complex Knot

3.1. Eldredge

The Eldredge knot is an intricate and eye-catching tie style. It is crafted using the small end as the working end and hiding the remaining small end behind the collar. Larger than a Windsor knot, it creates a slimming effect similar to a fishtail braid.

The Eldredge knot paired with a solid-coloured tie is the perfect highlight for a wedding outfit.

Its intricate and elegant layers make the Eldredge knot perfect for weddings or special occasions. Pair it with a simple suit and shirt and a plain tie (satin, silk, wool, or cotton) to highlight the knot as the centrepiece of your attire. Avoid striped ties to maintain balance, as their asymmetry can detract from the knot's intricate design.

3.2. Trinity

The Trinity knot, also known as the triquetra or three-leaf knot, is inspired by a Celtic symbol consisting of three interlinked loops forming an endless knot. Tie using the small as the active end; this knot starts loose and is tightened at the end, creating a rounded, slightly asymmetrical shape more significant than the Windsor knot.

The Trinity Knot makes a fashion statement for the outfit.

Ideal for trendy, flashy events like weddings and parties, the Trinity knot is often considered too eye-catching for formal or office settings. To keep the look balanced, pair the knot with simple, solid-coloured ties rather than bold prints. Additionally, use a tie with less taper to effectively achieve the knot's unique shape.

4. Modern Knot

4.1. Balthus

The Balthus knot, invented around the 1930s by French-Polish modernist artist Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski), is a tie knot known for its large size, significantly more significant than the Windsor knot. When tied correctly, it forms a broad, conical shape. The tie will be short because the wide end wraps around the small end multiple times.

The Balthus knot leaves a lasting impression on everyone who sees it.

The Balthus knot allows you to effectively showcase your tie's colour or pattern. However, due to the substantial fabric use, you'll need extra-long ties (about 61 to 63 inches) to ensure the tie ends at your belt buckle. This knot pairs well with vests or jackets worn discreetly, as they cover your midsection and help manage the shorter length.

When should you use the Balthus knot? It's ideal for meetings, speeches, or formal occasions where you want to make a memorable impression and stand out.

4.2. Van Wijk

The Van Wijk knot, created by artist Lisa van Wijk as the tallest wearable knot, is an elongated and cylindrical design. It's an extension of the Prince Albert knot with an additional third turn. When tied correctly, it forms a distinctive and unmistakable spiral effect.

While visually striking, the Van Wijk knot remains subtle enough for casual and formal occasions, such as weddings, business meetings, and festivals.

The Van Wijk knot provides a distinctive touch that sets it apart from standard tie knots.

The Van Wijk knot is particularly suited for thin men. Pair it with shirts with narrow collars and vests to prevent gaps between this knot and the collar. You may need to adjust the tie length if you have a more oversized neck or body or are not using extra-long ties. For added attention, choose a solid tie or a bright-coloured tie.

5. Stylish Knot

5.1. Kelvin

The Kelvin necktie knot was named after Lord Kelvin, a mathematical physicist who contributed to knot theory about atomic structure. An extension of the Simple knot, the Kelvin starts with the inside-out tie, resulting in an inverted tail. This knot produces a sleek and tidy look, similar in size to the Four-in-hand knot but slightly fuller and more angular.

The Kelvin knot pairs well with plain, patterned, or made from various material ties.

The Kelvin knot works well with all types of neckties, including knit ties. It's a slim knot with a subtle, pared-back aesthetic that balances out thicker ties and highlights bold, vibrant neckties. This knot is also ideal for men with smaller heads and is suitable for work meetings, social engagements, or any formal setting.

5.2. Cavendish

The Cavendish knot is like a doubled-up Four-in-hand—symmetrical and substantial; it balances between the modest Four-in-hand and the more pronounced Windsor. It adapts well to various tie materials such as silk, wool, cotton, and blends, accommodating both plain and patterned designs for a polished appearance in any setting.

The Cavendish could be perfect if you prefer the Four-in-hand but want a more giant knot.

Ideal for men with broader shoulders or a wider neck, the Cavendish knot offers a scaled-up size that complements their frame. Pairing it with a spread or semi-spread collar ensures proportionality, making it suitable for business, formal events, interviews, and casual occasions with a cohesive and stylish look.

Discover exceptional style at Tie Doctor, where we present a collection of 2,500 handcrafted ties. Our products range from timeless classics to modern masterpieces, elevating every knot to perfection. Crafted from the finest fabrics sourced from Macclesfield, UK, and beyond, each product promises high quality. Enjoy free first-class delivery on all UK orders!