Introduction
For many people, tying a decent shirt knot can be somewhat challenging. There seems to be a never-ending range of shirt knots to choose from, and regardless of whether you’re heading to a formal occasion or a casual event, getting that knot right is crucial to your fashion statement. However, if you struggle with shirts and knots, don’t fret, this guide will provide step by step instructions to different shirt knots to help you get it right.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tie Different Shirt Knots
There are various types of shirt knots to choose from, and each requires a different tying technique. Below, we have provided instructions for three popular shirt knots:
Explanation of Basic Shirt Knot
The basic shirt knot is quite simple to tie, and it is perfect for casual events. To get started:
- Step 1: Button up the shirt completely.
- Step 2: Take the two ends of the shirt and cross the right end over the left end.
- Step 3: Take the right end underneath the left end, making a loop.
- Step 4: Bring the right end up and over the loop.
- Step 5: Make an overhand knot by tucking the right end under the loop and pulling it down.
Half Windsor
The Half Windsor knot is suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions. To achieve this knot, follow the instructions below:
- Step 1: Begin with your collar upturned and the tie draped around your neck.
- Step 2: Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Step 3: Take the wide end up and over the loop.
- Step 4: Bring the wide end through the knot and tighten it slightly.
- Step 5: Cross the wide end over the narrow end again.
- Step 6: Bring the wide end up and over the loop, making a triangle.
- Step 7: Bring the wide end through the triangle, and tighten the knot.
- Step 8: Adjust the knot to your preference.
Full Windsor
The Full Windsor knot is typically for formal events, and it appears full and broad. Here’s how to tie it:
- Step 1: Button up the shirt properly and turn the collar up.
- Step 2: Place the tie on your neck.
- Step 3: Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Step 4: Bring the wide end up and over the loop.
- Step 5: Take the wide end across the knot again.
- Step 6: Bring the wide end up and over the loop once more.
- Step 7: Take the wide end through the loop and out from underneath it.
- Step 8: Bring the wide end over the top of the knot, then down and under the knot.
- Step 9: Bring the wide end up again and insert it through the knot.
- Step 10: Tighten the knot and adjust it.
Infographic: Different Shirt Knots and How to Tie Them
To learn more about the various shirt knots, take a look at our detailed infographic below:
As the infographic shows, different knots are suitable for different occasions and ensembles. Ensure you familiarize yourself with each knot option and choose the best one for the occasion.
History and Evolution of Shirt Knots
The history of shirt knots is quite intriguing.