Step-by-step guide to tying a Windsor knot for your uniform as school year starts
Pupils are returning to schools across the UK this week and many will have new uniforms to contend with.
For those new to the game, tying a tie can seem a bit daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes quite easy.
How to tie a tie
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a standard Windsor knot, one of the most common tie knots:
Step 1: Set up
Stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you’re doing.
Place the tie around your neck with the wide end hanging on your dominant side (right if you’re right-handed, left if you’re left-handed). The tip of the narrow end should rest just above your belt line.
Step 2: Cross the wide end over the narrow end
Cross the wide end of the tie over the narrow end, forming an ‘X’ shape just below your chin.
Step 3: Wrap around
Wrap the wide end of the tie around the narrow end from right to left, bringing it behind the narrow end and back to the right side.
Step 4: Bring it up and through
Bring the wide end up from behind, passing it through the loop created around your neck. This should result in the wide end now being on the same side as it started (your dominant side).
Step 5: Cross over again
Cross the wide end of the tie over the front of the knot towards the opposite side (from right to left).
Step 6: Wrap around again
Wrap the wide end around the knot once more, this time from left to right.
Step 7: Tuck it up and through
Tuck the wide end of the tie up and through the loop around your neck from below. This should form the knot.
Step 8: Tighten and adjust
Hold the narrow end of the tie with one hand and slide the knot up towards your neck with your other hand. Make sure the knot is snug but not too tight.
Adjust the length of the tie by holding the narrow end and pulling the wide end down or up slightly until it reaches the desired length. The tip of the tie should generally rest at or just above your belt line.
Step 9: Final adjustments
Make sure the knot is centered and symmetrical. Adjust the width of the tie and the tightness of the knot as needed to achieve the desired look.
Tuck the narrow end of the tie behind the loop on the backside to keep it in place.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully tied a Windsor knot. With practice, you’ll become more proficient and efficient at tying your tie.
Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right; it’s all part of the learning process.
