The four-in-hand

1. Step 1 of 7

   Drape it

   Put the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right. Let it hang about a foot (30 cm) lower than the narrow end. The narrow end sets the final length, so adjust it here, not later.

2. Step 2 of 7

   Cross over

   Bring the wide end across the front of the narrow end, toward your left, just below your collar.

3. Step 3 of 7

   Back under

   Pass the wide end behind the narrow end, back to your right.

4. Step 4 of 7

   Across the front

   Bring it across the front again, to your left. This band is the face of the knot. Keep a finger behind it; you’ll need the gap in step 6.

5. Step 5 of 7

   Up through the neck

   Take the wide end up behind the knot and out through the loop around your neck, from underneath.

6. Step 6 of 7

   Down through the front

   Bring it down the front and push the tip through the band from step 4, where your finger was.

7. Step 7 of 7

   Snug it up

   Hold the narrow end behind and slide the knot up to your collar. The tip should reach your belt buckle. Too short or too long? Undo it and change how far the wide end hangs in step 1.

Tip: the left and right arrow keys move between steps. Show all steps