The Most Popular Tie Knots and How to Tie Them Step by Step

Guía ilustrada de los nudos de corbata más populares

 

Mastering the right tie knot can completely transform your look. Here, we explain the six most popular knots, each with step-by-step visual instructions.

Steps to tie the Four-in-Hand knot View enlarged
Knot 01
Four-in-Hand
The simplest

Asymmetrical and slightly narrow, this is the everyday knot. Perfect with thin silk ties or natural wool. Works with almost any shirt collar.

Difficulty: easyOccasion: dailyCollar: universal
Steps to tie the Double Windsor knot View enlarged
Knot 02
Double Windsor
The most elegant

Symmetrical and voluminous triangle. The quintessential knot for weddings and formal occasions. Ideal with wide blade ties.

Difficulty: mediumOccasion: formalCollar: spread/French
Steps to tie the Half Windsor knot View enlarged
Knot 03
Half Windsor
The perfect balance

Less voluminous than the Windsor but more refined than the Four-in-Hand. Slightly asymmetrical, it works very well with thin or silk ties.

Difficulty: easy-mediumOccasion: work and formalCollar: spread
Steps to tie the Pratt Shelby knot View enlarged
Knot 04
Pratt (Shelby)
The refined American

Similar to the Windsor but less wide. Trick: start with the tie inside out. Ideal with natural wool or thick fabric.

Difficulty: easyOccasion: anyCollar: spread
Steps to tie the Kelvin knot View enlarged
Knot 05
Kelvin
The forgotten classic

Like the Four-in-Hand with an extra turn to make it symmetrical. Ideal for paisley ties where you want the pattern to show without distortion.

Difficulty: easyOccasion: business and informalCollar: narrow
Steps to tie the Simple Oriental knot View enlarged
Knot 06
Simple Knot (Oriental)
The great classic

The easiest and most universal. Conical and slightly asymmetrical, it works with practically any tie or shirt collar.

Difficulty: very easyOccasion: informal and businessCollar: universal

Which knot for which occasion?

  • Business meeting: Pratt, Half Windsor or Four-in-Hand
  • Wedding or gala event: Double Windsor
  • Casual-elegant look: Simple knot or Kelvin
  • First time: Simple Oriental — the easiest to master

Find the perfect tie for your knot

The ideal knot also depends on the fabric type and tie length. Explore our collection:

→ See all Nudo Imperial ties

→ Wide blade ties (9 cm) — perfect for the Windsor