Knots for the novice

Ties can be somewhat of a mystery to the uninitiated. If no one shows

you how to use it, a tie can cause countless moments of frustration.

If you’re buying a tie as a gift, there’s no doubt the person you’re

giving it to knows what to do. But what about you? Do you know how to

transform that long piece a cloth into a fancy-schmancy fashion

accessory? Read on if you don’t. Always remember: Big side on the

right.

THE FOUR-IN-HAND KNOT

The standard knot, used mostly for straight collar shirts.

* Put the tie around your neck. Place the fat end farther down

than the thin end. Cross the fat end over the thin end.

* Wrap the fat end in back of and under the thin end.

* Continue to wrap the fat end around the tie.

* Now the fun part. Pull the fat end up through the loop between

the tie and your shirt. Note a knot is starting to form. Hold the

knot loosely, then ...

* Pull the fat end through the knot and tighten it to your liking.

Make sure it looks sharp.

THE WINDSOR KNOT

A large knot suited for a spread collar shirt.

* Put the tie around your neck. Place the fat end farther down

than the thin end. Cross the fat end over the thin end.

* The action begins! Pull the fat end up through the loop between

your tie and the shirt.

* Now the tricky part. Pull the fat end back down and under the

thin end to the left. Still with me? OK, now pull the fat end to the

right, covering the twists you created. The back of the fat end

should be facing your shirt.

* Pull the fat end through the loop between the shirt and tie

again. Notice the knot forming.

* Bring the fat end down through the knot. Bring the knot up to

the shirt collar, tightening it to your liking. Fat is where it’s at.