The windsor knot is one of the most gentlemanly touches in men’s fashion. From James Bond to John F Kennedy, the windsor knot is thought of by many as the sign of a true gentleman. What’s one of the most noticeable differences between women and men fashion? Generally speaking, wearing a tie is part of men style while it’s not really a must for women. While women sometimes wear ties as a fashion statement, men wear ties regularly. This is why men must know two things – how to choose a tie and how to tie a tie.

Choosing a tie is something a bit more relative. There are a lot more variables to be taken into account when selecting a tie such as the color of your shirt and suit, the cut of your collar, etc. However, when it comes to the knot that you choose, you don’t need to be as careful. This is why we recommend using the windsor knot in as many instances as possible. The reason being: there is a difference in a man who just asks for “beer” and a man who asks for Heineken or Guinness. The same can be said about a man who asks for Belvedere or Ketel One instead of just saying “vodka.” Being a more cultured man or one with more character, you should be making better choices in terms of quality. From the girl under your arm to the tie on your collar, be a man of style. The drink in your hand and the car in your driveway don’t have to be top shelf, but being a man who is decisive and makes smart decisions is a must, so use the flipping windsor knot.

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The Windsor Knot: Rising in Popularity

If you’re looking for the conventional way of wearing a tie, then you should learn how to do the four-in-hand knot which is also known as the simple knot. However, more and more men are looking for the latest in men fashion and this includes a new way of tying a tie. This gave way to the increase in popularity of the Windsor knot. If you are into men style, you should learn how to do it as well.

Typically used by older men these days, knowing how to tie a Windsor knot will keep you looking sharp and more cultured. Interestingly enough, less men know how to tie the Winsdor knot than you think because nowadays everybody wants to get things done as quickly as possible while compromising quality. However, if you have any extra twenty seconds, you’ll look much more put together than if you rushed using a simple knot.

What Makes it Different from the Simple Knot?

You can see the difference just by looking at it. It’s significantly wider than the simple knot and it was designed to be that way. In fact, it traces its roots to the time of the Duke of Windsor who wanted a wider knot so he had specially made ties made with thicker clothes. This way, he had ties with a wider knot even with the use of a simple knot.

Later on, the Windsor knot was developed to get a wider knot even with the use of conventional ties.

Why Wear a Tie in this Knot?

It’s not just about men style or men fashion. It’s actually more about comfort. Wearers find it more comfortable especially when worn with a cutaway collar that can fit a wider knot. You don’t need to tighten it too much around the neck because this knot holds the tie firmly in place even if there’s a space between your neck and the collar.

But speaking of men fashion, its symmetrical characteristic makes it perfect for showcasing the designs of your ties. Your tie will still be showcased even if you’re wearing a closed jacket. Not everyone’s a fan, though. James Bond, a fictional character but nevertheless an icon of men style, doesn’t trust anyone wearing a tie in a Windsor knot. According to him, it shows too much vanity.

How to Tie the Windsor Knot

Here are the steps on how to do the knot:

1. Position the tie in such a way that the wider part of the tie is on your right. Make sure that the end of the wider end is a foot below the narrower end.
2. Cross the wide end over the other end, and then pass it through the loop.
3. Bring the wider end to the other end, passing through behind the narrower part of the tie.
4. Pass it through the loop and then pull it down tightly. You should now have two similar small knots on both sides of the narrower end of the tie.
5. Cross the wide end over the other end, passing in front. Pull it through the loop.
6. Slip this end over the small loop created by step 5. Make sure it’s tight and then draw up the tie to your collar.

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