When you’re trying you tie your necktie in the car while stopped at the traffic lights, you likely don’t consider it to be an art. When you’re rushing out the door, tying your necktie knots as you run with your coffee in hand, you probably don’t think about the perfect tie length.

Go somewhere great. monochromatic ensemble. blue suit worn with necktie. formal male fashion. classic fashion style. elegant formalwear. menswear. business outfit. work meeting. perfect for office.

What Are the Easiest Necktie Knots

And when you throw on a shirt and tie on top of your pajamas for the early morning zoom meeting, your thoughts are not really on the style of knot you’re connecting. However, you’ll be interested to know that there’s much more to your necktie than meets the eye.

The Historic Symbolism of the Necktie Knots

There is quite a fascinating symbolic history of the simple necktie. Over the decades, ties have been seen as a symbol of noble birth, high social rank, coming of age, following a fashion, and male sexuality.

From the negative sign of the Establishment in the 1960s to the positive symbol of power and financial success in the 1980s, the necktie has had quite a tumultuous past.

Why have ties been the subject of such philosophy? Unlike the socks that warm your feet or the hat that warms your head, neckties have no real purpose or evident benefit. They are not practical, in many situations proving to be more of a hindrance than a help. They are simply accessories, a reminiscent throwback to the strapping on of a knight’s colors before going into battle, to the ties that Roman Soldiers wore to tell others about their rank.

Throughout history, neckties have been worn in the context of fighting, and the war that you embark on in the business world can be likened to that in many ways. Prepare yourself for the battle with a well-tied necktie!

Why You Should Be Wearing a Necktie

While it’s true that neckties are certainly not needed for every occasion, formal outfits, either for special occasions or professional business events, are best finished with a tie. Today, a necktie is linked to professionalism and can affect other people’s views of you, especially in a business setting.

In many respects, they are the icing on the cake, the final accessory that “ties” a whole outfit together. Without out, it may look and feel like something important is missing from the ensemble.

Now the problem lies not in the purchasing of a tie (there are a lot of retailers out there) or in the choosing of a link (there are more options than ever). For many, the trouble comes when it’s time actually to tie the necktie.

As previously alluded to, it is an art in itself. In years gone by, you may fondly remember the school morning when mum sat you down and quickly tied your necktie up for you before thrusting your lunch box into your hands and ushering you out of the door. You may also look back with warmth as you remember your dad standing in your bedroom as you got ready for your first interview, tying the necktie for you with strong, capable hands.

Now though, the responsibility lies on you. There’s no mum and dad here to secure your necktie; it’s time to get to grips with the intricacies of tying a necktie and learn how to succeed at it yourself!

There are two key elements that we will discuss in depth: how to get the perfect knot and how to get the ideal length. Once you’ve mastered these two aspects, you’ll be tying the perfect necktie in no time!

Step One – Getting the Perfect Knot

If you think there is just one way to tie a necktie, you are sadly mistaken. There are many different knots for neckties that you can choose from. The four-in-hand knot is the most common and likely the one you know about.

Besides this knot, there are many other options, from the Windsor knot to the Pratt knot, the Prince Albert knot to the Trinity knot. The key principle in tying the perfect knot is to practice. Allow time to get the knot right in the morning instead of settling on a rushed wonky looking knot that distracts everyone that sees it.

Don’t try anything too complicated immediately, but don’t be afraid to try something new and a little out of your comfort zone. Trying a new necktie knot is a simple way to show a little individuality and can even be a good conversation starter or icebreaker if other observant people comment on it.

Step Two – Getting the Perfect Length

It might not seem very important, but a necktie that is too short or too long can distract others and impact your overall appearance. Too fast and it will look silly; too long and it will look sloppy.

Getting the right length will also prove to be a bonus when you go to use the restroom and can also work to complement your appearance and figure. Even though it might sound like a simple concept, it’s not as easy as it sounds to get your tie length just right, especially if you are taller or shorter than average.

You can ensure that you get the right length for you right from the off when you purchase the tie in the first place. Check the tie length and make sure you get a length that will suit your height. Additionally, by changing the knot size you can make a big impact on the overall length of the tie so try out some different knots or knotting methods to find a style that suits you and effects the tie length in the best way.

Additionally, it’s important to stand naturally when you’re tying your tie, not slouching or standing too straight as this will affect how your tie looks when you go about your day to day business.

And although it might be tempting in preparation for those hectic Monday mornings, avoid pre-tying your ties as this will crease the material and stretch out the tie, making it look wonky.

Necktie Knots, The Art of Tying Necktie Knots, Days of a Domestic Dad