The Perfect Tie

By After Six — Men's Formalwear & Wedding Attire

Originally worn for warmth by soldiers, the tie appeared in France during the reign of Louis XIII—and it's come a long way. Now the tie is synonymous with the well-crafted dress of the distinguished gentleman. From the half-Windsor and the Prince Albert knot to the bow tie, these step-by-step instructions for classic knots will add the ultimate panache to your black-tie ensemble.

1

Four-in-hand knot

— Ideal for the Office —

1. Start with wide end of tie on your right and extending a foot below narrow end.

2. Cross wide end over narrow and turn back underneath.

3. Continue around, passing wide end across front of narrow once more.

4. Pass wide end up through loop.

5. Holding front end of knot loose with index finger, pass wide end down through loop in front.

6. Tighten knot carefully. Draw up tight to collar by holding narrow end and sliding knot up snug.

2

Classic Windsor Knot

— A Day At The Races —

1. Start with wide end of tie on your right and extending a foot below narrow end.

2. Cross wide end over narrow and bring up through loop.

3. Bring wide end down around behind narrow end up on your right.

4. Then put down through loop and around across narrow as shown.

5. Turn and pass up through loop...

6. Complete by slipping down through the knot in front. Tighten and draw up to collar.

3

Half Windsor Knot

— Sartorial Elegance —

1. Start with wide end of tie on your right an extending a foot below narrow end.

2. Cross wide end over narrow and turn back underneath.

3. Bring up and turn down through loop.

4. Pass wide end around front from left to right.

5. Then up through loop...

6. And down through knot in front. Tighten carefully and draw up to collar.

4

Bow Tie

— Gentlemen wear bow ties —

1. Begin by draping tie around neck, with the left side extending 1-1/2" below the right side.

2. Cross longer end over shorter and pass up through loop.

3. Form front loop of bow by doubling up shorter end (hanging) and placing across collar points.

4. Hold this front loop with thumb and forefinger of left hand. Drop long end down over front.

5. Place right forefinger, pointing up, on bottom half of hanging part. Pass up behind front loop and...

6. Poke resulting loop through knot behind front loop. Adjust the ends evenly, and tighten.

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