Learning how to tie a Full Windsor Knot is akin to your metaphorical leap into fully fledged formal wear fashion. In this detailed guide, we will discuss the history of the Full Windsor Knot, the type of collar that it is best worn with, the type of occasion it is best worn to, and finally, the tie knot tutorial.

The occasion is set. You’ve got that spanking new suit and crisp shirt to go with. Whether it’s that wedding reception, an important presentation, an evening out or date night, you want to make an impression with the knot. A substantive knot, nonetheless. And no knot comes close to the superiority of a Full Windsor Knot, also known as the Windsor or Double Windsor. So, how do you tie this symmetrical piece of beauty so that your shirt and suit are adorned in the most perfect manner possible?

Before we delve into How To Tie A Full Windsor Knot, let’s talk a bit about the history of the Full Windsor Knot, the types of collars it is best worn with and the occasions the Full Windsor Knot is best suited for.

A Full Windsor Knot featuring The Dark Knot’s Newton Abstract Grey Silk Tie. Courtesy of men’s style influencer @runnineverlong with Instagram.

HISTORY OF FULL WINDSOR KNOT

While it is widely believed that knot was named after The Duke Of Windsor, who used to tie thicker triangular, symmetrical knots, in actuality, The Duke actually achieved this look by tying a Four-In-Hand Knot with specially made wide and extra thick ties. This also goes to show that substantive knots can be created providing the tie has the right type of silk, shape and interlining! The Windsor Knot provides a symmetrical and solid triangular knot that works best with a spread collar!

TYPE OF COLLAR

A Full Windsor Knot is best worn with a spread or wide spread collar, given the thickness of the knot. This knot especially suits slimmer men (and hence a slimmer neck) who are looking to increase perceived horizontal lines and reduce vertical lines. The Purpose of one’s collar in relation to a slimmer facial structure, is to reduce the emphasis on a narrower face by broadening out perceived horizontal lines. In this case, a Full Windsor knot is your ideal choice as it will fill up your wider spread collar.

CONSIDER THE OCCASION

While The Full Windsor Knot looks best in more formal settings such as a wedding reception or important presentation, it can be worn across a range of occasions. It is important to consider the occasion and the type of tie that you are wearing!

If you are on an evening out with friends or date night and are wearing a skinny tie, it is best to opt for a four in hand knot. Given that a skinny tie by nature does not comprise of a lot of fabric, and that the shape of the tie is slimmer, it is best to go with a more vertical knot such as the four in and. If, however, you are attending a fundraiser or cocktail reception, a larger knot will look more professional. Again, facial considerations should be factored in. If you are slimmer with an angular face, a Full Windsor knot can help balance it out by adding perceived width to your frame.

How To Tie A Full Windsor Knot (with wide end of the necktie on your left)

1. Start with the wide end of the necktie on your left, about 12 inches below the skinny end of the necktie. Please note that more difference between the wide end and skinny end of the tie is needed than with a Four-In-Hand or Half Windsor Knot, as more fabric is used to tie the necktie. Pro Tip: If you are already used to a Four In Hand or Half Windsor Knot, know that with a full windsor knot, you need substantially more fabric for the knot, and hence the wide end of the tie should be hanging even further below your waist line. As compared to a Half Windsor Knot, you need more fabric but the difference is less than with a four in hand Knot, and so you need the tie hanging further down than a half windsor, but not that much more.
2. Cross the wide end of the tie over the skinny end, creating an ‘X’.
3. Bring the wide end of the tie under the cross (‘X’) and through the loop.
4. The wide end of your tie should now be on your right hand side.
5. Bring the wide end of the tie underneath the knot (from right to left).
6. When you have taken the wide end of the tie underneath the knot, take the wide end of the tie through the loop from the outside.
7. The wide end of the tie should now be on your left hand side, with the base of your Full Windsor Knot firmly formed.
8. Wrap the wide end of the tie over the knot (from left to right).
9. Bring the wide end of the tie underneath the knot, and through the loop.
10. Slide the wide end of the tie through the knot.
11. When sliding the wide end, create a dimple by creating a divot with your index finger and thumb with your left hand, as you pull the wide end through with your right hand. This dimple in your necktie will have you looking incredibly dapper.
12. Tighten and adjust the knot. You want to ensure that the tip of your tie reaches your belt buckle or middle of your belt buckle (please note that you do not want the tip of your tie crossing your waistline). It is therefore imperative that the appropriate amount of tie fabric in step 1 is hanging below your waist line when you start the tie tying process!

Below is a detailed infographic presented by Men’s Style Expert Antonio Centeno with Real Men Real Style:

Here is a Full Windsor Knot video tutorial by The Dark Knot’s founder, Rishi Chullani:

Please find below an excellent video from the gentlemen over at Gents Lounge on the three types of tie knots every man should know!

And that’s a wrap for this one! I hope that you have found this as informative and enjoyable as we did!

The Dark Knot’s Ties tie the perfect Full Windsor Knot, given the high yarn count of their silk, and double wool / cotton layer of interlining! More importantly, the quality of the slip stitch ensures that the ties can be worn and untied innumerable times while still remaining strongly intact.

For those of you that are taller and like to tie a Full Windsor knot, we suggest checking out The Dark Knot’s Extra Long Ties, as more fabric is needed for this type of knot versus a traditional knot.