Tying a Necktie – Full Windsor

Tying a necktie is much more intimidating than it needs to be. Here I have included a great video, easy instructions some tricks to make it easier the next time. This is the full Windsor knot because it’s easier to create a nice symmetrical knot and it always looks great.

Basic Instructions for Tying a Necktie

1. Be sure the tie is facing right side out.
2. Position the tie with the wider end on the right side. The wide end needs to be longer. Some recommend that the longer (wide side) be twice as long as the narrow side. Then it would be hanging down farther 10- 12 inches or more than the narrow end. It takes some practice to get this positioned correctly, but see our tricks below for future.
3. Cross the wide end over and under the narrow at the neck, pull through up between the tie and the neck. The wide end is now on the left side and you see the front side of the tie facing out.
4. Pull the wide end under the narrow end of the tie. Then (from front to back) over and down the neck part of the tie.  You will have an over and under on each side of the center at the neck.
5. Wrap the wide end of the tie over the narrow, then under the tie at the neck.
6.  Bring the tie down through the part that you just crossed over.
7. Tighten and arrange the tie
8. You can tuck the narrow end through the label on the backside of the wide end (or use a tie clip) to keep the tie neat.

Video on Tying a Tie

More on your Necktie

First, take good care of your ties. Neckties get a lot of abuse, but if they are abused, they aren’t going to look good. Usually they are dry clean only. Hang them on necktie hanger or roll them to store in a drawer. Store them when not using them.

Tips for Tying a Necktie

1. If you have a big event and you know you will be stressed getting ready, do the following:
   • Get your necktie tied perfectly in a practice session.
   • Holding the knot in your right hand, loosen the neck at the left side by pulling until you can get the tie over your head.
   • Hang the tie over the hook of a coat hanger (with your shirt or suit) or lay out where it won’t get crumpled.
   • When time to get ready for your event, just put the tie back on over your shirt and pull the narrow end of the tie at the tail end until it is set.
2. Setting the right length of the sides of the tie:
   • Before you practice tying your necktie, put a rubber band around the tie near where the center back of the tie is when the tie is positioned correctly to tie.
   • Once you have gotten the tails of the tie exactly the right length after tying, be sure the rubber band is exactly in the center back of your neck.
   • Remove the tie.
   • At the place of the rubber band, either pin a very small safety pin on the outside of the tie it would be up and down on the neck or across the width of the tie), or sew several up and down stitches at that point.
   • Next time you put on the tie, use the pin or the feel of the stitches as a guide to where the center back neck needs to be.

Look great. Feel great. Happy Holidays.