The Best Tie Knots for Different Collar Styles

Choosing the right tie knot for your shirt collar can make a huge difference in your overall look. Different collar styles call for different tie knots, and knowing which one to choose can elevate your style, whether you’re dressing for a formal event, work, or a casual outing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tie knots for various collar styles and help you understand which knot suits each one best.

Table of Contents

1. The Classic Spread Collar and the Half-Windsor Knot
2. The Point Collar and the Four-in-Hand Knot
3. The Button-Down Collar and the Pratt Knot
4. About Lion Skin

The Classic Spread Collar and the Half-Windsor Knot

The spread collar is one of the most popular collar styles and is often paired with a tie. Its wider spacing between the collar points provides the perfect space for a medium-sized knot like the Half-Windsor Knot.

The Half-Windsor is slightly smaller than the full Windsor, but still has a symmetrical and professional appearance. It’s perfect for business meetings and formal events. The neat and tidy shape of this knot complements the spread collar, giving you a balanced look without overwhelming your shirt.

How to tie the Half-Windsor Knot:

1. Start with the wide end of the tie on your right.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end and pull it up.
4. Bring it down through the loop between the collar and tie.
5. Wrap the wide end around the front, bring it up again, and pull it through the loop, then tighten.

The Point Collar and the Four-in-Hand Knot

For shirts with a point collar, where the collar points are close together, a smaller knot like the Four-in-Hand Knot works best. The narrow shape of the knot complements the sharp points of the collar, giving a sleek and elongated look.

The Four-in-Hand knot is a simple, asymmetrical knot that’s easy to tie and perfect for more casual or semi-formal occasions. It’s the knot most people are familiar with and can be worn with almost any shirt. Because of its small size, it pairs well with the narrow space between the point collar’s tips.

How to tie the Four-in-Hand Knot:

1. Start with the wide end of the tie on your right.
2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end.
4. Wrap the wide end around again and pull it through the loop.
5. Adjust and tighten the knot as needed.

The Button-Down Collar and the Pratt Knot

The button-down collar is a more casual collar style where the collar points are secured to the shirt with buttons. It pairs well with the Pratt Knot, which is a medium-sized knot that offers a balanced, clean look without being too formal.

The Pratt Knot is a versatile knot that works for both business and casual settings. Its slightly bulkier shape is great for button-down collars, as it fills the space between the collar points nicely without looking too large.

How to tie the Pratt Knot:

1. Start with the tie inside out, with the wide end on your right.
2. Cross the wide end under the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end through the loop between your collar and tie.
4. Pull the wide end over and down through the loop again.
5. Tighten and adjust to form a symmetrical knot.