The Four-in-hand
This basic knot is the most well known (with the Windsor knot). It is easy to tie and to untie. The Four-in-hand is perfect for most ties and almost all types of collar. To successfully tie the four-in-hand, it is necessary that:
- the knot fits well with the collar. It should not be hidden by the collar and there must not be a space between the collar and the finished knot.
- the widest part of the tie (just before the large end) hangs level with the waistband.
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The Double-simple
The Double-simple is similar to the Four-in-hand; what differentiates them is a "second pass" or wrap-around.
This knot is ideal for men who are not particularly tall as it reduces the length of the finished tie. It is perfect with Italian collars and for ties made from a thin fabric, like silk. It is quick and easy to tie.
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The Windsor knot
The Windsor knot (or the Full Windsor), which owes its name to the Duke of Windsor, is a
knot full of English class.
The full Windsor is one of the most popular knots. We can note that it is larger than the other popular knot the Four-in-hand.
When finished the Windsor knot has considerable volume and is best suited to wide-spaced collars (Italian collars for example) and to thin-fabric ties.
The finished windsor knot must be perfectly symmetrical.
Making this knot can be complicated.
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The Half-Windsor
The Half-Windsor has less volume than the Full-Windsor. It is ideal for straight parallel ties, thin fabrics and open collars.
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The Small knot
The Small knot, as it's name implies, is small and is suitable for ties made from a thick fabric (woven silk for example) and for close-fitting collars.
Be careful to remember to twist one part of the tie 180° (see diagram).
This knot is very easy to tie.
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The Cross knot
The Cross knot, used with thin fabric ties, is smart when finished but is complicated to achieve.
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