You’re about to go into a big business meeting; your suit is perfectly fitted, your shoes are shined, your shirt is pressed. Which necktie knot do you go with? It has to make an impression, but not be flashy. It needs to convey power, confidence, and authority. The choice is simple: the full Windsor (also sometimes called just the Windsor or the bouble Windsor). It’s on the larger end of necktie knots, maintains a classic feel — rather than the bells and whistles you get with some modern knots — and shows that you know your business.
Because of this, it’s a knot that is to be worn for more formal occasions and meetings. Think weddings, very important business meetings or pitches, and for the next year, presidential debates.
Because it’s a large knot, it should be worn with a spread collar. For men who are stout, or have wider faces and necks, the Windsor will look appropriately proportional with your build and mug, and should be your go-to tie knot.
1. Drape tie around your neck. Cross the wide part of the tie over the narrow end, and start to bring it up through the hole between collar and tie.
2. After bringing it up through the hole, pull the wide end down towards the front.
3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and to the right. Then pull the wide end back through the loop again.
4. Wrap the wide end around the triangle by pulling it from right to left.
5. Bring the wide end up through the loop a third time, and pull it through the knot in front.
6. Tighten the knot and center it with both hands.
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