How to tie a four-in-hand knot

Perhaps the simplest knot to master (and it's for this reason that it is sometimes known as the 'schoolboy knot'), the four-in-hand knot is slightly asymmetrical and produces a smaller knot than either the full or Half-Windsor.

Though not suitable for the most formal of occasions, this knot's simplicity makes it the most common way to wear a tie in the Western world. For best results wear with one of our cutaway, narrow or rounded collars.

how to tie a four-in-hand knot - Step 1

Step 1

Drape the tie around your neck, keeping the wider end approximately twelve inches longer than the narrower end. The wide end should be on the side of your dominant hand. If this knot is new to you then keep the top button done up, as this will give you a better view of what you are doing.

how to tie a four-in-hand knot - Step 2

Step 2

Take the wide end and bring it across the front of the narrow end. Then wrap it around the narrow end, and bring back across the front.

how to tie a four-in-hand knot - Step 3

Step 3

Now, holding the knot loosely, bring the wide end up through the hole between your neck and the tie, and then pull it through the loop at the front of the knot.

how to tie a four-in-hand knot - Step 4

Step 4

Tighten by holding the narrow end in place, and sliding the knot up. To create the dimple, place your index finger inside the knot and squeeze the tie as you tighten.

how to tie a four-in-hand knot - Step 5

Step 5

This may take a bit of adjusting, and the knot should be slightly asymmetrical, and longer than it is wide. Once adjusted, the tip of your tie should hit your belt buckle, but you won’t get any disapproving looks if it is a touch shorter.

This tie knot is timeless in style, works for any formal occasion, and will always look good, no matter what your collar shape or shirt size.