Now that I am older and most of my friends have entered the business world. They have gradually evolved form asking me how to tie a tie (tie it for them) to asking me what tie, and specifically what tie knot they should use. Well I inquired over at GQ and ties.com, and now I am here to help you out and explain the different types of tie knots, what they mean, and when to wear them. So button up that shirt, roll up those sleeves, and lets get started.

We are going to break down the types of knots into three different categories

The Essentials, The Classics, and The Adventurous

the Essentials

So there are three different tie knots that are essential for any upstanding gentleman to know: the four-in-hand, the half windsor, and the full windsor.

The Four-in-Hand

This tie knot, named after an old gentleman’s club, is the most popular of the tie knots, primarily due to its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to tie, and can be worn at almost any non-formal event. It should be noted that these knots look the best with skinnier ties. You can wear them at: dinner parties, weddings, the show, and most business setting that are lower key or after hours. Though I would be hesitant to wear it at a wedding or a business event, while you could probably get away with it. The big factor is what you want the tie to say about you. This tie knot says “i’m easy going, laid back, and I will unbutton this top button the first chance I get”.

The Half Windsor

Think of this tie knot as the the girl you take home to mom. You can take it anywhere, and people will always respect a nicely tied half windsor. It is hands down the most versatile knot. it’s not completely symmetrical so still gives off a slightly casual vibe, but it looks nice enough that you can wear it to casual events or to nicer ones, the key point is you won’t ever stand out. You’ll blend in, which really isn’t such a bad thing. Again its what you want the tie to say about you. This one says I know what works and I’m sticking to it – I’m playing it safe.

The Full Windsor

The proverbial king of tie knots. It’s Classic, it’s symmetrical, and when tied correctly looks damn good! It’s a powerful knot, and usually used with thicker ties and a spread collar. This is because it is is a lager tie than the previous two. There really isn’t much else to say about this one, its a classic for a reason, because it works. If you’re at a wedding or a business event it will always work, but might be a little overkill for some casual events. Just know your crowd, and bring this guy out if you are trying to make a good impression.

The Classics

The classics are tie knots that you really don’t need to know. They adapt a little bit of style and flare to the essential knots, and therefore, are also a little harder to tie. However, once mastered, you really can’t go wrong. They will work for almost every occasion. Weddings, any business events besides the most serious and important, and dates. If you pick up a girl you’ve seen a few times for dinner, or maybe the private dance lesson you booked, while wearing one of these, you may not think it makes a difference, but it does. These, unlike the essential knots, exude a little more confidence. They say i know what I want, and I’m confident enough to go for it.

The Pratt (my personal favorite)

This knot is a mix between the four-in-hand and the half windsor. It’s medium in size, elegant, and, as are all the classics, extremely versatile. It’s the perfect mix of laid back confidence and style. Bust this guy out for weddings and dates.

The Prince Albert

I’m really not sure why this knot is named the way it is, as there is no evidence that suggests that Prince Albert ever wore it, but it does not diminish the style that this knot portrays. It is a little bulkier than the four-in-hand, but it should be pulled really tight in order to give it a polished, slender look. This knot airs on the casual side, but when done properly gives off a distinct and modern look. These are great for business events or cocktail parties.

Adventurous Knots

These knots are exactly what the title suggests – Adventurous. I you wear one of these you are going to get noticed. They are fun and with the fun comes complicated. However, unlike the classics, these ties are’t as versatile. You really can’t bring these out for every situation, wear them with caution. Don’t get me wrong, when done correctly these knots look amazing and are a ton of fun, you should really not wear these to any important functions, such as meetings or any formal is event, simply in the fact they are just too flamboyant. These knots say: I’m stylish, I’m here to have fun, and I am feeling exceptionally confident tonight.

The Eldredge

This knot is of course extremely eye catching, and along with that comes fifteen different steps. It is not for the faint of heart. I really can’t even describe this one, you’ll just have to look it up and see for yourself.

The Van Wijk

Invented by artist Lisa van Wijk in an attempt to create the tallest wearable knot, the van wijk is true to its cause. It is an an alteration of the Prince albert with another loop around, totalling three, which gives the knot a sort of cascading effect.

The Trinity Knot

My hat goes off to anyone who can accomplish this one. It is a little more subtle than the other two but not by much. It resembles the eldredge knot but instead of cascading it sort of folds into itself. This cause the knot to have a rounder, more asymmetrical shape.

If you have any interest in finding out more about these knots such as what they look like or how to tie them feel free to check out on my reference on some of the background info and the reason I am now much poorer ties.com