Fashion

Everything You Need to Know About Wearing A Tie

The 5 Ties Every Man Needs To Own

TGR Staff - 12/12/2022

The necktie, or simply tie, is a piece of clothing worn around the neck for decorative or functional purposes. The modern necktie is descended from the cravat, a type of neckwear worn by men in the 17th and 18th centuries. The cravat originated in Croatia and was introduced to France by Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years' War. It was initially worn as a functional item to protect the neck from the elements, but it quickly became a fashionable accessory for men.

In the 19th century, the necktie evolved into the form we know today, with a narrow blade and a wide end. The modern necktie was popularized by the Duke of Windsor, who wore them in a more casual, less formal style than was customary at the time. The necktie became a symbol of men's fashion in the 20th century, and it is now a standard accessory for formal and semi-formal occasions. Today, there are many different styles of neckties available, ranging from classic and traditional to more modern and trendy.

The 5 Ties Every Man Needs To Own

Things every man should know about ties:

  • Ties come in different widths: Ties can range in width from narrow (less than 2 inches) to wide (more than 3.5 inches). The width of the tie should be appropriate for the occasion and the man's body type. For example, a wider tie may be more appropriate for a formal occasion or for a man with a larger frame, while a narrower tie may be more appropriate for a casual occasion or for a man with a smaller frame.
  • Ties should be the right length: A tie should reach the top of the belt buckle or the top of the pants fly. If it is too short, it will look disproportionate to the rest of the outfit. If it is too long, it will drag on the ground.
  • Ties should be tied correctly: There are several different knots that can be used to tie a tie, and the type of knot chosen should be appropriate for the occasion and the collar of the shirt. Some common knots include the four-in-hand knot, the half-Windsor knot, and the full Windsor knot.
  • Ties should be paired with the right shirt and suit: A tie should be paired with a shirt and suit that complement each other in terms of color, pattern, and formality. For example, a solid-colored tie may be more appropriate with a patterned shirt, while a patterned tie may be more appropriate with a solid-colored shirt.
  • Ties should be cared for properly: Ties should be stored hanging up to prevent wrinkles and damage, and they should be dry cleaned or hand washed as needed. It is also a good idea to use a tie clip or bar to keep the tie in place and prevent it from flapping around.

The 5 Ties Every Man Needs To Own

There are several different knots that can be used to tie a tie, and the type of knot chosen should be appropriate for the occasion and the collar of the shirt. Here are instructions for three common knots:

Four-in-hand knot:

  1. Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the narrow end on the left.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
  3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the left.
  4. Cross the wide end over the narrow end again.
  5. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop and down through the front of the knot.
  6. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end and sliding the knot up to the collar.


Half Windsor knot:

  1. Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the narrow end on the left.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
  3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the left.
  4. Cross the wide end over the narrow end again.
  5. Bring the wide end through the neck loop from the back to the front.
  6. Bring the wide end over the narrow end and tuck it through the loop formed by the crossing in step 2.
  7. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end and sliding the knot up to the collar.


Full Windsor knot:

  1. Start with the wide end of the tie on the right and the narrow end on the left.
  2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end and bring it up through the neck loop.
  3. Bring the wide end down to the left, over the narrow end.
  4. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from the back to the front.
  5. Bring the wide end down through the front of the knot.
  6. Bring the wide end over the narrow end and tuck it through the neck loop from the back to the front.
  7. Tighten the knot by pulling down on the wide end and sliding the knot up to the collar.


Remember to adjust the knot after it is tightened to make sure it is centered and symmetrical. It may take a bit of practice to master these knots, but with some patience and persistence, you'll be able to tie a tie like a pro.

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