I'm not one for extras for extras' sake. For most of our lives the few tie knots we were taught growing up sufficed. No need to learn 15 tie knots just for the hell of it. This was true with the popular style of the time: 3.5 inch silk ties, no ifs, ands, or buts. Beginning in the 80's and carrying through the 90's, sartorial convention for men's neckwear was simple. No textures, no skinny ties, and nothing other than silk would be accepted.

By now you know that men these days don't hold to such strict, arbitrary guidelines. Ties made of wool and other textured fabrics have become mainstream ways of mixing up your look, dressing down business, and providing a wider variety of options.

As far as neckwear goes, it's a great time to live in. Unfortunately, our standard knots don't function as well when introducing thick textured fabrics into the mix.

The Nicky knot is a brother of the Pratt, creating a symmetrical, moderate sized knot. Textured wool ties look fantastic, but you're stuck using a Four in Hand because of the tie's thickness.