Gents’ Tie Knots for Different Occasions

Numerous tutorials for tying a neck tie can be found online, Styles abound for the knots. Above is a selection.  
– Image source, Pinterest

Knowing which tie knot goes with which occasion is a skill that every sartorial enthusiast eventually masters. The ability to choose an appropriate tie knot for your particular setting is a skill that will allow you to elevate your style game. 

You’ve finally bought that luxurious piece of neckwear that you’ve been contemplating for a while. Go you! The purchase has been made, and you know you’ll look damn good in it. However, you soon realize that another dilemma looms. 

Just how are you going to knot your new treasure? With a range of standard knots and an ever increasing array of novelty knots, how exactly do you showcase your modern day cravat so that you present your best foot forward? Let’s examine tie knots for different occasions:

Before we delve into what occasions should elicit different knots, we should be aware of what knots go best with different collars. Four-in-hand knots go best with pointed collars, Half Windsor knots go well with medium spread collars and Full Windsor knots go best with spread collars. With that being firmly established, here are the different tie knots.

THE FOUR IN HAND KNOT

The four-in-hand knot is the easiest knot to tie and is non-symmetrical. The relatively informal nature of the knot indicates that it should be worn for dressy but not overly formal occasions, such as a party or a social gathering. 

THE HALF WINDSOR KNOT 

The half windsor knot is another men’s knot staple that is symmetrical and more formal. Due to its versatility (and requiring less tie fabric to be tied than a full windsor), it has grown to be a popular choice among well dressed men. The half windsor knot is more formal than the four-in-hand and is therefore best suited for more formal events such as a job interview or a business meeting. 

THE FULL WINDSOR KNOT

The Full Windsor Knot is the most formal and goes well with longer (more fabric is required to tie the tie) and wider ties. The shape of the full windsor is the same as that of the half windsor – except that it is a larger knot. As a result of this, it is best suited for more formal occasions and with spread collared shirts. 

A Full Windsor Knot is best suited to more formal events, such as a wedding or an important business meeting.

From The Dark Knot, Posted by Rishi Chullani on January 14, 2015 - “To view the Dark Knot's range of exquisite silk ties that tie the perfect knot, especially for half windsor and full windsor knots, please click here. Each of our ties are made with a double interlining layer of wool and cotton, resulting in a rich thick knot that every discerning gentleman loves. Can't decide? You don't have to”

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