Murrell Knot"> Outspoken. Anomalous. Inverted. MURRELL
Balthus Knot Artsy. Immense. Prodigious. BALTHUS

How to Tie a Bow Tie

Choosing the Right Knot for the Job

Not all knots are created equal. Size, symmetry and shape can vary greatly from knot to knot and all should be taken into consideration. Thick ties often necessitate the use of smaller knots like the Four-in-Hand or the Simple knot. Thin ties generally benefit from larger knots like the Pratt or Windsor. Every knot has a distinct character. The Prince Albert swaggers with a refined elegance. The Kelvin throws caution to the wind. The Murrell grins like a Cheshire Cat. The Van Wijk winks like a scoundrel with a secret. The Eldredge and Trinity knots twirl and fold like futuristic necktie origami. Every knot serves its master differently. Try a few knots. Experiment. Play. Your necktie will thank you.

If you're looking for the easiest knot for beginners start here.

Choosing the Right Knot for the Job

A Visual Comparison of Necktie Knots

Seeing necktie knots laid out side-by-side is the fastest way to grasp how they differ from one another. In order to play fair, we tied each knot using neckties of the same material, thickness and width (3 ½ inches). We also made sure to photograph them to scale. This way you can appreciate the unique characteristics of each knot and discern the differences between them.

Of the knots we tied, the smallest is the Simple knot, sometimes known as the Oriental. If there is a way to tie a necktie smaller we haven't found it. The monstrous Balthus knot is the largest of the knots we tied but in theory you could make a knot even larger if you had a long enough necktie. Take note of the overall shape of each knot. The Windsor is almost a perfect triangle. The Four-in-Hand is much more narrow. The Prince Albert has a second fold that peeks out at the bottom. Some knots, like the Kelvin and Four-in-Hand lean noticeably to one side. The Trinity delivers a rounded silhouette while the Van Wijk is cylindrical and the longest of the knots.

Happy knotting! View the full infographic here.

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Skinny Ties & Narrow Neckties


So, here's the skinny (get it?): Ties have become increasingly narrow and more of a fashion statement than an accessory meant for black-tie affairs. A tie is considered "skinny" if it is as large as 3 inches and even as small as 1.5 inches and we have a huge variety of stylish skinny ties to choose from in different sizes, colors, patterns, and fabrics.

Not every body type is suited for narrow ties. According to our blog, The Gentlemanual, skinny ties draw attention to the body. If your body type is bulked-up, a skinny tie is probably not the best option for you. Stick to wider ties to flatter your shape better. If you have more love, we want your tie to have more love too.

Some people make the mistake of wearing a skinny tie with any type of suit, but the truth is, a skinny tie should only be worn on a suit with a matching, narrow lapel. A narrow tie with a wide lapel is off-putting to the eye and looks a bit amateur. Remember it this way, always match the width of your tie to the width of your lapel. Thinner ties call for smaller knots and because skinny ties are more trendy, the most suitable tie knots for them are the ones that are asymmetrical and simple. the perfect knot for the skinny tie is the simple four in hand knot.

Skinny ties can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. For a formal look, pair a skinny tie with a fitted dress shirt that has a smaller collar, a bow tie would work as well. Try to avoid pairing a skinny tie with a double-breasted suit or box-like dress shirts. Because skinny ties are thin, what you wear should be slim-fitted as well to create a cohesive ensemble. If you're not a suit or jacket person, wear a pastel-colored dress shirt with a darker skinny tie, dark slacks, and a thin belt. It's the perfect alternative to the standard suit and tie, and you can roll up your sleeves and/or add a vest for a more casual, formal vibe.
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