How To Tie a Tie : Knots

Have you ever given much thought to how to tie a tie? That is, which type of knot you should use for the shirt you are wearing, or the jacket you are wearing? Or how different knots are smaller, larger, thicker, and cooler? Take a moment to use the pages on our website to learn how to tie a few different necktie knots – the knowledge will come in helpful one day. Not to mention that it doesn't take much to learn and once mastered your can tie a perfect knot in 30 seconds.

If you think of yourself as a metro-sexual, then this knowledge should be a given – you should know necktie knots! Even if you rarely wear ties, just knowing the different ties is a great display of knowledge. Not to mention, no matter what your tastes – you will definitely want to learn how to tie neckties so you can properly wear your new, sexy, Rialto Tie.

Before attempting the various choices of knots featured below, it is important to know how long your tie should hang. Some will tell you that the tip of your tie should hit the top of your belt. But the beacons of men's fashion advise that the shirt should not be visible on either side of the point. Instead, they recommend that the widest part of the tie should be in line with your belt. And, as a rule of thumb, it is always better to err on the side of a little too long than a little too short.

Lastly, for each of the Rialto Tie Company's "How To Tie a Tie" series, the knots that we create in the images are on the large size - however, you can alter the knot size of a Rialto Tie Company necktie knot to your liking depending upon many factors of how you are wearing the tie.

How To Tie a Tie : The Pratt Knot or Shelby Knot

Because it creates the same inverted triangular shape as the Windsor knots – but in a smaller size – the Pratt is a favorite for those who prefer a more traditional look.

How to Tie a Tie Instructions : The Pratt Knot or Shelby Knot

	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 1: Place the necktie around your neck and twist both the narrow end and broad end so that the underside of the tie is facing upward. Be sure that the wide end is hanging down about 12 inches below the narrow end of the necktie. This knot is very different than the others in that at this point it is important to realize that BOTH sides of the tie are seam-side out.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 2: Pass the broad-end behind the narrow-end. The broad-end now changes hands, back to your dominate hand. Also note, that the broad-end has the seem facing out.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 3: Next, pull the broad-end over the narrow part and back behind the knot. Again, at this point, the broad-end should still be seam side up on your dominate hand side. Notice how the broad-end is looped around the narrow-end.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 4: Take the broad end and pass it back across the top of the knot. This motion will have the broad-end back in your non-dominate hand and the narrow-end in your dominant hand.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 5: Pass the broad up through (behind) the half-formed knot, and up through the "V" of the tie, toward your chin. At this point you can also go ahead and start Step 6 - which is placing the broader-end through the knot.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 6: Next, bring the broad-end down through the knot - through the front of the knot.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 7: Carefully tighten your necktie to make it as symmetrical as possible. Cinch the necktie at the base of the knot prior to tightening the knot if you want to emphasize the dimple in your necktie. Pull the narrow end of the tie to cinch the tie around your collar.
	How to Tie A Tie - How to Tie a Pratt Knot - Step 8: Enjoy your new Rialto Necktie.

As stated above, the widest part of the tie should be in line with your belt. And, as a rule of thumb, it is always better to err on the side of a little too long than a little too short.