Have you seen someone with a necktie knot so perfect that you wanted to frame it, or so sharp that you could cut a dollar and get 4 quarters back? There’s a pretty good chance that he feels as good as he looks, and it’s not by accident either. Maybe, you’ve even seen someone with a trendy bow tie and wondered how he got it on. Did they tie it themselves? Does it spin around like the ones you find on clowns? If you pull it, will their head fall off, or will yours.. After they punch you, for trying to pull their tie?
Don’t dwell any longer, SUITABULL is here to help. There are a million posts out there (I counted) that tell you how to tie a knot, but why should you care? It’s not like you’re ever going to a job interview, wedding, baptism, funeral, business meeting, formal gala, somewhere your ex is going to be, coach an NBA team or become part of the ESPN Sports Center panel, right? The truth is that yes, there is a time and a place and even a knot for everything, but above all else, you’ll tie these knots because of how it makes you feel while you’re wearing it, not just because some guy you’ve never met told you to. So let’s get into it!
The 4 in Hand Knot:
Mood: he’s the guy that wants to be a little more dressy than usual but doesn’t want to over do it. He wants you to know that he’s serious but still know how to let loose. He’s the fun guy, cracks all the jokes and might even loosen the tie by the end of the night and undo a button or two.
People may wonder: IT guy? Engineer? Shop foreman? Or just plain ol’ classic man. Does he drive a Ford Mustang or Yukon Denali? He’ll probably at least buy me a drink and engage in some good convo (a single lady’s thought).
Collar: He can wear this knot with any straight collar shirt and even those with a button down, tab or club collar.
Neck type: Works on all types. Due to the versatility of this knot, wear with skinny, narrow or wide ties. Neck type more so depends on the size of the tie here.
Tie type: Skinny tie--skinny neck, narrow tie--any neck, wider tie--larger size neck.
The Half Windsor Knot:
Mood: I’m all about the business and I didn’t come to play any games, but when work is over, first round’s on me! I walk into a room and people may not know who I am, but they know I’m a man on a mission. I’m someone important.
People may wonder: What knowledge does he have to share with us? Does he shop at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s? Does he drive a Benz or a BMW? Or most importantly, he looks like he’s good for at least 1 round of drinks?
Collar: This symmetrical knot is best worn with a crisp spread collar shirt, but also works with a straight collar shirt
Neck type: The perfect knot for any neck. No slim fast or weight gainer required with this one fellas. The diversity of this knot goes beyond occasion; it also speaks to diversity in neck type as well
Tie type: works best with a narrower necktie, but will do just fine with wider ties. Stay away from skinny ties here.
The Windsor Knot:
Mood: C.E.O. I’m a BOSS. I don’t just show up, I run things. When I speak, people want to listen. I’m the deal closer. All eyes on me. I know how to command the room at work or at a wedding. I don’t just pay for the first round. I’m putting my credit card down for at least a couple of hours.
People may wonder: Can I be a part of his organization? Maybach or Maserati? Drinks… oh he’s good for at least 4 or 5 rounds.
Collar: The perfect knot deserves the perfect shirt to frame it out. A cutaway-spread collar is the go to, with this knot. The edges of the collar sweep back into the neckline to accommodate the wider knot.
Neck type: slender or muscular neck types work best here. Thicker or chubby necks will seem even wider with this defined knot. But if you’re confident, go for it.
Tie type: Wide, not super wide, but wide enough where the knot won’t overwhelm the rest of the tie.
The Bow Tie:
Mood: It’s show time! Except, I didn’t come to show off…I am the show! I don’t follow trends, I set them.
People may wonder: Entrepreneur or entertainer? Helicopter or private jet? Or perhaps clown car? Just kidding.. Nice guy or narcissist? Just kidding again. Bottom line, if you want to make a statement, wear a bow tie.
Collar: This is best worn with a straight collar, perhaps even a spead collar would work here. the objective is for the bow tie width to exceed the spread of the collar. Too wide of a collar here will frame the bow tie in, detracting from it's effect.
Neck type: Any neck bold enough to wear one. Bow ties don’t discriminate.
Tie type: Self-tie! ALWAYS self tie. A fine silk, cotton, wool or linen bow tie should always be self tie. This variety of bow tie is offered in various widths, but use this as your rule of thumb: medium width-- all purpose, largest width--formal events, narrow width—novelty
Speaking of novelty, other bow ties that fall into this category include, but aren’t limited to velvet, wooden, metal, glass, rubber, jewel encrusted, ostrich feather, the fur from 100 virgin chinchillas. Then and ONLY then is it acceptable for a tie to be pre-tied, due to the fragility or rigidity of the materials used. And in case you’re thinking about a pre tied variation, to substitute a self-tie cotton, wool, linen or silk tie, because it looks so neat and perfect, resist! Bow ties aren’t supposed to look perfect and symmetrical (like many neckties). That adds to the artistic appeal of a self-tied bow tie. It won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. As a matter of fact, if you were to head out to a black tie event, and stand next to 2 other gents with self tied bow ties, There’s a 99.9% chance that each of your ties will all differ in some way. And if they’re exactly the same (the other .1% of the times)... play lotto.
No matter which knot you wear, always think about how you want to feel and how you’d like others to perceive you. Using the 4 knots as a guide, you’ll exude the confidence and persona that you want. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes,” which is true. However, though the clothes don’t make the man, they make the best hype men for the man. So when you tie that Windsor, your hype man might shout out “You’re a Boss.” Or when you tie that bow tie, your hype man might tell you, “You’re on your own level bro!” Whatever one you decide to tie, make sure it speaks to you in some way that builds you up. Make sure that Knot is Hot! Make sure it’s SUITABULL.
Stay SUITABULL guys.