What’s the Best Tie Knot: 5 Options To Try Out

If you Google “best tie knot,” you’ll find over a million different options, but how many of these do you need to know?

Okay, there aren’t that many ways to tie a tie. However, there are a bunch of wacky “novelty” knots that 99% of guys would never use. In fact, I recommend staying away from novelty knots altogether unless it’s part of a costume. Here’s why: If you’re wearing a tie, it’s usually for an important occasion like a wedding, funeral, or job interview. Novelty tie knots have no place at such events.

So, rather than making some ridiculous “listicle” style article that shows you 101 ways to tie a tie, I will show you the five most practical methods. Realistically, you’ll probably only need one or two of these. 

Most guys can get away with using the Four-in-Hand knot whenever they wear a tie. Some men prefer a Prince Albert or Half Windsor, both of which produce a bigger knot. But if you master the Four-in-Hand and one other method — say, the Half Windsor — you’re good to go.

So, without further ado, let’s run through the top five ways to tie a tie, from smallest to largest:

How To Match Your Tie Knot to Your Shirt Collar

Don’t overthink how to match your tie knot with your collar. These popular tie knots work with most dress shirts and collar styles. But there are some cases where a specific knot just doesn’t work with a particular collar.

Most contemporary dress shirts have medium-spread collars. It’s sort of a middle-of-the-road collar style that flatters pretty much everyone. Go with a Four-in-Han Knot, Prince Albert Knot, or Half Windsor Knot when in doubt. All three of these knots look great with medium-spread collars.

Alternatively, suppose you’re rocking a widespread or cutaway collar. In this case, feel free to use a bigger knot like the Full Windsor (but not if you’re a skinny guy). If you prefer a narrow point collar (or spearpoint), go with a smaller knot. Consider the Oriental or Four-in-Hand.

#1: Simple Knot (a.k.a., Oriental Knot)

Pros: Simple, fast, small, asymmetrical.

Cons: It is too small for some collars; it is not good if the tie is too long.

This Simple Tie Knot is easy to learn. I guarantee you can master this knot quickly and tie it perfectly in just a few seconds. If you’re in a hurry to learn how to tie a tie for an interview this morning, choose this one. 

For more information check out out guide on how to tie the Simple Tie Knot. You’ll love the next one if this knot is too simple or small for you. It’s a classic!

#2: Four-In-Hand Knot

Pros: Easy; works with most collars.

Cons: Too casual for some situations.

The Four-in-Hand is the most common tie knot. If your dad taught you how to tie a tie, he probably showed you this one.

Most guys could get away with using the Four-in-Hand knot for their whole lives. It works exceptionally well with business casual attire. Specifically, it shines best for guys with faces on the slimmer side. Also, it’s the perfect knot for shirts with point collars and button-down collars.

Check out our article devoted to the Four-in-Hand Knot for more information, including a detailed tying tutorial.

#3: Prince Albert Knot (a.k.a, Double Four in Hand)

Pros: Not too big or too small.

Cons: It can look sloppy if done poorly.

If you love the Four-in-Hand but need something just a little thicker, the Prince Albert Knot (or Double Four-in-Hand) is your best bet. Like the standard Four-in-Hand, it’s a quick and easy knot anyone can master. Our Prince Albert Knot guide will teach you how to learn this knot in minutes. 

The Double Four-in-Hand is especially great for shorter guys who like the shape of the Four-in-Hand but need to use up some excess tie. But, if you need more length, consider mastering the Half Windsor.

#4: Half Windsor Knot

Pros: Formal; symmetrical.

Cons: Slightly more difficult to tie.

The Half Windsor is a classic tie knot. A bit more challenging to tie, this knot is an excellent alternative to the more casual Four-in-Hand that most guys use.

Check out this tutorial for more information about the Half Windsor Knot and how to tie it. If you’re a bigger guy who prefers a jacket with sider lapels, the Half Windsor will suit you perfectly. But if you really want the most authoritative of all tie knots, make that Half Windsor a Full Windsor. 

#5: Full Windsor Knot

Pros: Very formal; symmetrical

Cons: Too big for some collars/people; more difficult to tie

Want a formal, weighty, attention-grabbing tie knot that won’t go unnoticed in any room? Look no further than the Full Windsor. This knot is best for guys with broader necks, heads, and shoulders. The Full Windsor looks a bit oversized on small, skinny men. If you’re short and stocky, you can definitely pull off the Full Windsor. 

As I mentioned, this one can be somewhat tricky to tie. Make sure to follow the step-by-step process laid out in our Full Windsor Knot guide. 

Best Tie Knots for Different Heights and Builds

Let’s look at the best tie knots for different body types.

The Best Tie Knot for Short Men

Are ties always too long for you? You can’t have the blades hanging past your waistband, or you’ll look like a kid playing dress-up!

It’s true — the Full Windsor uses up a lot of length. Nevertheless, it’s still not the best choice for slim guys since it’s such a thick, bulky knot. The good news is you have other options.

The Half Windsor Knot, for example, requires more length than the Four-in-Hand Knot, so it’s a great choice for shorter guys. If you like a narrow knot but need to use up some excess length, the Prince Albert Knot is your best bet.

Best-Looking Tie Knot for Tall Men

You may find that most neckties are too short if you’re way above average height or just have a long torso. It can look a bit silly if the thick blade ends several inches above your waistband! (Though that’s not the worst option. It can work in a pinch so long as you keep your jacket buttoned.)

What’s the solution? Tie your tie in a way that uses the least amount of fabric. Specifically, the Simple Tie Knot (a.k.a. the Oriental) is your best option. If it seems too small, go with the Four-in-Hand.

How To Tie a Skinny Tie (The Best Tie Knot for a Skinny Tie)

The best tie knot for skinny ties is, in my opinion, a Four-in-Hand. It’s sleek and simple. It’s easy to tie and creates a small knot (depending on the fabric). 

When tying a skinny tie, you want to use a method that produces a small to medium-sized knot. Why? Because it’s going to look a bit odd if you tie your skinny tie with a Full Windsor Knot. It just wouldn’t make sense.

Instead, go with the Simple Tie Knot, Four-in-Hand Knot or Prince Albert Knot. If the tie is made from very thin material, or you need to use more length. The Half Windsor also works fine for skinny ties.

While skinny ties aren’t as trendy now as they were in years past, chances are they’ll make a comeback sometime down the road. Fashion is cyclical. Sometimes, wide ties are all the rage, and sometimes, skinny ties are in vogue. Then again, some guys just like wearing skinny ties, regardless of what’s trending.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tie Knots

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about tie knots:

Which Tie Knot Is Most Professional?

Purists will say that a Full Windsor knot is the most professional tie knot, but these days, a Half Windsor is usually more appropriate (and more universally flattering).

The truth is, any tie knot (excluding weird novelty knots) is professional enough for work, job interviews, or formal events.

What Is the Hardest Tie Knot To Tie?

The Full Windsor is the hardest traditional tie knot to learn, excluding wacky novelty knots like the Trinity Knot. The Half Windsor is the most difficult knot to learn on our list.

What’s the Easiest Tie Knot To Tie?

People often say that the Four In Hand is the easiest tie knot, but I think the Simple Knot is actually easier (even though it’s less popular).

What Tie Knot Does James Bond Use?

James Bond uses the Four In Hand Knot to tie his ties, more often than not. 

What’s the Best Tie Knot for a Button-Down Collar?

The best tie knot for a button-down collar is the Four In Hand. Small knots, like the Simple Knot and Prince Albert, also work well with button-down collars.

What’s the Best Tie Knot for a Funeral?

There is no “best” tie knot for a funeral. It depends on your height and the tie’s material. Also, consider the rest of your outfit and — most of all – personal preference.

Any tie knot (other than novelty knots) is perfectly fine for a funeral.

Which Is the Best Tie Knot To Tie a Tie?

There is no best tie knot. The best knot for you depends on your face shape, collar type, and the formality of your shirt. However, I think that the Four-in-Hand is the most universally flattering knot.

What Is the Easiest Tie Knot?

This Simple Tie Knot is the easiest knot to learn. 

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve skipped down to this section and just want the bottom line, here it is:

You can never go wrong with the classic Four-in-Hand knot. It will work with most body types and collar styles and is very easy to tie. If you don’t know how to tie this knot, be sure to check out the full tutorial.

Even though it seems like every other month, I read an article proclaiming that “the tie is dead!” I don’t buy it. From bankers to bishops, I still see men wearing ties all the time. When you have to dress up in a tailored jacket, I’d urge you to wear one. And when you do, come back here for a refresher on how to tie the best tie knot. 

What’s your go-to tie knot these days? Let me know in the comments section below!