Three Tie Knots Worth Learning: Four-in-Hand, Half Windsor and Windsor

Start with the four-in-hand, then add the half Windsor for days when you want a more symmetrical knot. The full Windsor works when your collar has room and the tie fabric is thin enough to fold without excessive bulk.

Tie each knot with the shirt you plan to wear. Collar spread, tie thickness and tie length will tell you more than the occasion alone.

Four-in-hand: narrow and slightly asymmetric

This is an easy everyday knot and a good choice for a thicker tie or narrower point collar. Watch the four-in-hand tutorial.

Half Windsor: medium-sized and balanced

The half Windsor fills more of the collar opening without the bulk of the full Windsor. Try it with a semi-spread collar and a medium-weight tie. Watch the half Windsor tutorial.

Full Windsor: broad and symmetrical

Give this knot room with a wider spread collar. If the knot crowds the collar points or uses up too much of the tie, try a half Windsor with the same shirt. Watch the Windsor tutorial.