Here’s how to put on a tie – step by step instructions!

Tying a tie seems like a breeze, you’ve seen it done so many times. However, as soon as you try it for yourself, you know that tying knots is not all that simple. Are you looking for how to put on a tie? We’re going to help you on your quest how to tie a tie step by step, with these easy plans! Ladies and gents, from now on you will be ready for any occasion! Check out the pictures before, follow the steps and voila – it’s as easy at that!

Ways to tie a tie – there’s a few different knots!

Before you get started, you obviously need to know which type of tie you want to tie (is tie even a real word anymore?). There are several different ways to a tie a tie;

• The Simple Knot
• The Pratt Knot
• The Double Windsor
• The Kent Knot

The different ways to tie a tie range from standard no-nonsense to a little fancy to well, little. The most common one you’re probably looking for is the Double Windsor – we will find out how a little later. So, how do you tie a tie?

How to put on a tie 4 different ways

1. The Shelby Knot (/or Pratt Knot)

The American knot: If you’re looking for a way to tie your tie that fits nicely with shirts with a slightly wider collar? Then the Pratt knot is the one for you! Here’s how to tie a tie step by step

Step 1: Put the tie around your neck, with the inside facing up. The narrow end should come to the right, about 30 cm above the wider end.
Step 2: Hold the narrow end and pull the wide end through the neck opening.
Step 3: Let the wide end come out on the right with the inside facing up.
Step 4: Bring the wide end to the left.
Step 5: then you pull the wide end through the neck opening again.
Step 6: Retract the wide end through the loop.
Step 7: Straighten up, you’ve tied a Pratt knot!

When to wear – if you have a shirt with a narrow collar or that buttons down, this is the best suited to a Pratt knot tie, meaning this tie leans more on the side of business than casual, business functions, weddings, etc. This style of tie suits most men actually, due to the way 

2. The Double Windsor

The Windsor knot is a lightly thicker knot that radiates self-confidence. Of all choices on how to tie a tie, this the perfect one for when you have an important meeting or delivering a presentation. To create your Windsor knot, follow the steps below how to put on a tie.

Step 1: Put the tie around your neck, this time with the neat side up. The narrow end is on the right, the wider end of the left. Then cross the smaller end below the wider end.
Step 2: Next, make a loop with the wider end, by passing through the neck opening.
Step 3: Take the wider end down.
Step 4: Move the wide end to the left.
Step 5: Retract the wide end through the neck opening.
Step 6: Drop the broad side of the tie to the left.
Step 7: Next, turn the wider end right over the smaller end.
Step 8: Retract the wider end through the neck opening.
Step 9: take the wider side through the loop.
Step 10: Pack yourself on the back, you’ve made a Double Windsor knot!

When to wear - As a Double Windsor knot has a large, symmetrical shape it means this style of tie is better suited to wide spread collars, and for any of you with a larger neck.

3. The Kent Knot

The Kent knot – sometimes called the little knot – is a smaller style. Perfect for taller men amongst you, the Kent Knot requires less material, so you can still wear a regular tie and have it sit as a 'normal' length. The Kent knot is typically worn in a more modern way and fits nicely with a contemporary look, since the way it sits looks more casual. It’s also super easy to tie, here's how!

Step 1: Put the tie around your neck with the neat side up. The narrow end comes to the right. Now turn the inside, upwards. (this way the neat side will remain visible at the back of your neck as soon as your tie is tied). Step 2: Cross the narrow end over the wider end (the inside of the tie stays on top).
Step 3: Then you hit the wider end of the tie over the narrow side. Here the neat side of the is at the top.
Step 4: Pass the wide end through the loop.
Step 5: The Kent knot is so simple, you’re done!

How to put on a tie – The Kent knot is the skinny tie you usually spot in more casual settings. You can definitely get away with wearing the Kent knot with a pair of dark denim jeans, sneakers and a classic white shirt.

4. The Simple Knot

You might think we’re leaving the easiest until the last, but the simple knot is not as simple as it sounds! If you were looking for something easier than the first 3, you have not found that. Pay close attention: how to tie a tie, step by step:

Step 1: Put the necktie around your neck with the inside facing up (the other way around), the wide end of your tie comes to the right and the small end to the left, then take the ends and cross. In terms of length, the narrow end should fall just above your belly button.
Step 2: Place the wider end over the narrow piece and hold it in one place at the top.
Step 3: Hold it there and pull the wide piece from the bottom through the neck opening.
Step 4: Pass the wide end through the loop made in step 2.
Step 5: Pull on the wider end to adjust the tie and hey-presto! You have made the simple knot.

Hopefully you've learnt a few different ways to tie a tie, and how to put on a tie for certain special occasions. Make sure you check out other blogs on insider tips for menswear fashion, when is the right way to wear your new tie, and the latest news on trends.