Which Tie Knot To Use
The best knot depends on the occasion, your shirt collar, and how formal you need to be. For weddings and funerals, a Half or Full Windsor offers a polished look. The Four-in-Hand is perfect for everyday or office wear. The Prince Albert Knot adds flair to events like race days, while a Bow Tie suits black tie attire. Always match the knot to your collar and the event’s dress code for a confident appearance.
1. Four-in-Hand Knot
The Four-in-Hand Knot is one of the simplest and most versatile options. It has a sleek, slightly asymmetrical appearance that makes it suitable for semi-formal to casual occasions. This knot works especially well for office wear, casual Fridays, or job interviews, offering a polished look without appearing overly formal. The Four-in-Hand pairs nicely with most standard or button-down collars.
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2. Half Windsor Knot
The Half Windsor Knot offers a neat, symmetrical shape that suits a range of occasions, from important business meetings to daytime wedding events. This medium-sized, triangular knot looks great with point or spread collars. If you’re attending a wedding that isn’t strictly formal, the Half Windsor can be a stylish choice. Pair it with a classic suit and add a tasteful pocket square to complete the ensemble.
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3. Full Windsor Knot
The Full Windsor Knot is known for its wide, perfectly triangular shape, making a strong statement in more formal or professional settings. It pairs best with spread or cutaway collars. This knot is an excellent choice for formal weddings or significant presentations, where you want to project sophistication and confidence. In a funeral setting, a black tie with a Full Windsor Knot conveys respect and adherence to formality.
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4. The Prince Albert Knot (Double Knot)
The Prince Albert Knot is a variation of the Four-in-Hand that includes an extra wrap, resulting in a slim, elongated finish. It’s ideal for semi-formal to business casual occasions, and works especially well for events like race days or outdoor weddings when you want a stylish twist on a classic knot. This knot complements point collars and narrow-spread collars. For race day attire, the Prince Albert Knot lends a bit of flair without going over the top, especially when paired with a bright tie or patterned shirt.
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5. The Bow Tie
While technically not a knot for a standard long tie, the Bow Tie deserves mention. A black bow tie is considered highly formal and suits black tie weddings or gala events. However, bow ties can also be playful if you choose bold colors or patterns for less formal occasions. Winged collars are classic for black tie events, but a standard point collar can work in semi-formal settings when you want a bit more personality.
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Tie Knot Tips for Specific Occasions
When deciding which knot to wear, it’s helpful to match the level of formality to the event. For weddings, a Half Windsor or Full Windsor in silk coordinates well with a suit or tuxedo, depending on how formal the ceremony is. Funerals typically call for a dark tie (black or dark grey) in a Full Windsor or simple Four-in-Hand to maintain a respectful, understated look. For race days, the Prince Albert Knot offers a touch of flair, while in the office, a Four-in-Hand or Half Windsor with a conservative color or subtle pattern is usually appropriate. At very formal black tie events, opt for a bow tie or a Full Windsor with a dark, solid tie.
Shop and Style with Confidence
Regardless of which knot you choose, make sure your tie length is correct—ideally, the tip should touch your belt buckle—and ensure the knot is tight and neat. At Goodfellows Menswear, we offer suits for weddings, funerals, race days, and special events, with options for purchase and hire. Our selection of off-the-peg suits ensures the perfect fit, and our expert staff can guide you in pairing your suit with the right knot. Below you can click through to some of our favourite ties.
Our Favourites
At Goodfellows Menswear, we offer a wide variety of ties to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer plain ties for a sleek, minimal look, bold patterned ties for a standout style, or knitted ties for a touch of texture, we have you covered. We also carry traditional bow ties, satin bow ties for a polished finish, knitted bow ties for something a bit more casual yet refined, and even kids’ ties and bow ties for matching family looks. Explore our full tie collection or browse all bow ties to find the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.
Final Thoughts
Mastering various tie knots gives you the flexibility to dress appropriately for any occasion. Whether you lean towards the simplicity of the Four-in-Hand or the more refined Full Windsor, keep the event’s formality, your shirt collar style, and your personal comfort in mind. By selecting the right knot, you’ll present yourself with confidence and style, no matter where you go.
Thank you for reading our guide on which tie knot to use. If you need expert advice or quality suits and ties for any occasion, visit Goodfellows Menswear. We’ll make sure you’re dressed to perfection every time.