The art of knowing how to tie a simple-knot tie can come at any stage in life. Who knew such a small piece of fabric could yield authority, yet so much confusion? If you’ve ever struggled with this step in getting dressed, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve figured out a way for a necktie to look presentable, but you’re not entirely confident with your approach. Well, friends, we are happy to step in as your style-savvy mentors to help you level up your fashion know-how. The simple-knot tie is the easiest method with the fewest steps. Even better, it creates a sleek look suited for countless occasions from work to semi-formal weddings, and many places in between. Keep reading to learn how to add this skill to your technique toolbelt.
Why You Should Learn How to Tie a Simple-Knot Tie
Aside from being an essential wardrobe skill, a simple-knot tie can help set you up for success. Picture this—you’ve just landed your dream job, which requires you to wear a tie to work every day. Curious how to dress for success? Keep your morning routine uncomplicated. Laying out your clothes the night before will help you to gear up in a split second. The next step in creating an authoritative look in no time is knowing how to tie a simple-knot tie. It will save you time and energy each morning. This will allow more brainpower to focus on conquering your workday and ensure you crush your career goals.
Take a style cue from Don Draper on the hit television series “Mad Men.” Even though his aesthetic was from a different decade, men still try to emulate his dapper look. While matching suits may not fit the type of business attire at your workplace, you can start by simplifying your tie decisions. Reserve the intricate Windsor knots and Trinity knots for elaborate affairs and stick to the simple knot.
How to Tie a Simple-Knot Tie in Five Easy Steps
Did you ever learn the KISS (Keep It Simple and Straightforward) principle in school? While the acronym may imply otherwise, this isn’t about locking lips. Derived from the U.S. Navy, this KISS concept stems from the belief that systems run smoother when they’re uncomplicated. The same idea applies to the steps for how to tie a simple-knot tie. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be a master at tying ties in no time. Have one handy? Let’s begin.
Step 1: Position It
A wise man once said, “there’s no better place to start than at the beginning.” Let’s kick it off with the first step for how to tie a simple-knot tie. Raise the shirt collar and drape your tie around your neck with the underside facing up. The slimmer end of the tie (AKA the tail) should be shorter than the wider end (AKA the blade). The tail should hit right around the belly button. This can vary based on your height and the length of your tie. The blade should land a couple of inches lower than where you want the finished tie to sit. Make an “X” by crossing the tail over the blade.
Step 2: Wrap It
Next, wrap the wide end of the tie over the narrow end. The front of the tie should be facing forward.
Step 3: Loop It
While holding onto the larger end of the tie, loop it under the band at your neck. Pull it through the opening at the collar, with the front of the tie facing forward.
Step 4: Slide It
Slide the large end of your tie through the loop you’ve created and tighten by pulling down on the larger end.
Step 5: Secure It
For the final step, adjust the knot so the top lies smoothly. Make sure that it isn’t too tight or loose and that the tail hides underneath. It’s as easy as that—now you’ve mastered how to tie a simple-knot tie.
After You’ve Learned How to Tie a Simple-Knot Tie: Your Questions Answered
Congratulations, you’ve now acquired a new skill, how to tie a simple-knot tie. What’s next? You may have additional tie-related questions lingering in your noggin. We’ve gathered the top three most frequently asked inquiries below, along with our best advice.
How Long Should Your Tie Be?
Let’s face it, fashion blunders can happen from time to time. Wearing a tie that’s either too short or too long can throw off your entire outfit. Luckily, there’s a quick and easy rule to follow to prevent this from happening. As a general consensus, the tip of your tie should land right in the middle of your waist band. Whether you’re wearing a diamond shape or vintage-inspired square-tip tie, the same standards apply. If it extends past your belt buckle, it’s too long. On the flip side, if there’s any shirt peeking through at the bottom, it’s too short. Capeesh?
Do You Need a Tie Bar?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. A tie bar or tie clip can add stylish flair and infuse personality into your look. If you love yours, we say go for it. On the other hand, it does serve a particular purpose, although it’s not a necessity. Tie bars help to keep your tie in place, but if it’s tucked into a vest, that’ll do the trick instead. The size of your tie bar should be about three-quarters the width of your tie. Fasten it to both the tie and the placket, situated between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. Bravo, you’ve earned extra sartorial cred.
How Do You Wash a Tie?
After learning how to tie a simple-knot tie, you may add neckties to your weekly rotation. Sooner or later, accidents happen. Now you’re probably wondering about food stains and whether you can put a tie in the washing machine? Many ties are made from delicate fabrics like linen or wool that damage easily after a tumble through a full wash cycle. Take care of your tie by spot treating stains and use a gentle cleanser to hand wash it. Hang your tie to dry, and it will be as good as new after a quick ironing sesh. Is your tie made from silk? Always take silk ties to the dry cleaner to preserve its shining finish.
When and How To Wear a Simple-Knot Tie
Now that you know how to tie a simple-knot tie, you might be wondering when it’s best to utilize this method. As mentioned, there are many instances that call for this furnishing, but a few common scenarios stand out. Let’s dive into three different outfit occasions built around a simple-knot tie.
First Date
Shake away your first-date jitters by putting together a stellar outfit that’s sure to impress. You already know how to tie a simple-knot tie, so you’ve got this. Grab your favorite tie, printed or solid, and create a look with a crisp white dress shirt. Layer with a cream-colored crew pullover and let the diagonal or polka dot printed tie peek through the top. Complete the look with complementary earth-toned hues. Warm brown is a top color callout among this fall’s top 2021 trends for men. To rock this autumn-inspired hue, opt for chestnut brown suede Chelsea boots and an ultra-versatile shacket in copper. You’ll leave your potential partner wondering what dapper ensemble you’ll wear to date number two.
Wedding
The beauty about knowing how to tie a simple-knot tie, is that you can go bold in other ways. There’s no better time to stunt that vivid micro floral tie than when you’re attending a summer wedding. Balance out the rich tones by contrasting it with a pastel-colored button-down shirt. Does your tie have pops of teal and red but a base color of light blue? Wearing a light blue dress shirt will allow your tie to be the star of the show. Suit up in a navy blazer and matching trousers to pull everything together. Choose only one or two of the following accessories—a wrist watch, pocket square or tie bar. You’ll want to look stylish without going overboard on furnishings. Just like life, creating a tip-top outfit is all about balance.
Job Interview
You’ve practiced your elevator pitch in the mirror a million times and you’re ready to nail your job interview tomorrow. The last step is to make sure you look the part. Knowing how to tie a simple-knot tie will take the stress of getting dressed out of the equation. Reserve your bright and eye-catching ties for parties and opt for a reserved shade. All of the attention should be on you and not what you’re wearing. Think burgundy, navy, grey or other neutral hues. Solid-colored ties are a no-brainer but small, subtle prints are also practical picks.
Ready to put your simple knot tying skills to action? Take your style quiz and ask your style expert to round out your Fix with a snazzy tie. If you’re wanting a whole new tie collection, ask for a Fix that’s full of them. We will send five pieces for you to try on at home. Shipping and returns are always free. It’s as easy as that.