15 Ways to Tie a Tie for Beginners

Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Ellen Christian

Are there really 15 ways to tie a tie? There really are! Keep reading to learn how to tie an easy to for beginners with these tips.

Ways to Tie a Tie

Walking into the fashion scene, especially the part about ties, can be scary for newbies. But don’t worry! There are easy-to-use options that balance fashion, comfort, and simplicity. These are great for those who are just starting to explore style. We’ll show you the easiest ties to use — they’re simple to tie, have versatile patterns, and are easy to pair with your clothes. Let’s explore the simple and fashionable world of ties!

I’ll let you in on a secret. Even if your husband never wears a tie in his life, chances are he’ll need to wear one at some point whether it’s a wedding or a funeral. Or, if you’re a mom of a boy, you’ll probably need to teach him.

So, what exactly are the 15 ways to tie a tie? I’ll explain below. First a little background. Different knots are best suited to different types of ties. A more light-weight tie can have a fancier knot because there is less bulk to the knot. A thicker tie will need to have a simpler knot so the tie itself doesn’t look bulky. The four most popular styles are:

Most versatile patterns for ties

The most versatile patterns for ties are undoubtedly stripes, polka dots, and paisley. Striped ties are classic and can be paired with almost any suit, making them a staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe. Polka dots, on the other hand, add an element of fun and whimsy to an outfit, perfect for those who want to show their playful side. Lastly, the intricate design of paisley ties exudes sophistication, making them ideal for formal events or occasions where you want to make an impression.

15 most common ways to tie your tie

1. Four in Hand Knot: One of the simplest ways to tie a tie, perfect for beginners.
2. Half Windsor Knot: A modest version of the Windsor knot, it’s versatile and works for most occasions.
3. Full Windsor Knot: A large and symmetrical knot for special occasions, requires a long tie.
4. Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot): Balanced and medium in size, suitable for both casual and formal events.
5. Bow Tie Knot: A classic knot for bow ties, used often for black tie events.
6. Cafe Knot: A unique, asymmetrical knot that pairs well with thin, lightweight ties.
7. Christensen Knot: A large and stylish knot that looks striking on wide collar shirts.
8. Eldredge Knot: An intricate knot for special occasions, best used with solid color ties.
9. Trinity Knot: A three-way symmetry knot that is complex and eye-catching.
10. Van Wijk Knot: A sleek knot that creates a spiral effect, created by artist Lisa Van Wijk.
11. Balthus Knot: A large knot that requires a long tie, pairs well with wide collar shirts.
12. Hannover Knot: A knot that is large and symmetrical, suitable for formal occasions.
13. Prince Albert Knot: A small knot with an elegant drape, works best with thin neckties.
14. Kelvin Knot: A variation of the oriental knot, it’s larger and more triangular.
15. Plattsburgh Knot: Named after Plattsburgh, NY, it’s a large knot best for spread collar shirts.

Four in Hand

This knot makes for a narrower, less bulky knot that is best suited for a standard button-down shirt. It’s most typically used with a standard wide tie of average to heavy thickness. This is a great choice for a more relaxed occasion.

Half Windsor

The Half Windsor is less thick than the Windsor knot. It’s easy to tie and works well with ties made of an average material. If the material of your tie is too thick, this knot may look awkward.

Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is one of the thicker knots so you’ll want to be sure that you use this knot with a thin material or it will look quite bulky.  The Windsor Knot is named after the stylish Duke of Windsor. If you want to know how to tie a fancy tie knot, this is the one you need to master.

Pratt Knot Tie

If you want something a bit different and you’ve already mastered the knots above, you may be ready for the Pratt Knot tie. This is one of the more difficult knots to achieve and is also known as the Shelby Knot.

You may want to check out these 5 true facts about ties I bet you didn’t know.

Now, check out the video below for 15 ways to tie a tie. Even if you don’t want to learn 15 different ways to tie a tie, at least learn two or three of them just in case your husband or son cannot seem to get the hang of it on their own.

Remember, a new tie is a wonderful gift for Fathers Day.

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