I’ve always wanted to learn how to tie my husband’s tie for him for special occasions. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact for the person wearing the tie. Simply put its just a nice thing to do for your husband, son, or partner. In my research I had no idea there were so many knots that you could tie. How do you choose which one to learn? So, I figured I would try to learn all over time.

The Full Windsor Knot

Today I’m starting with the Full Windsor Knot tie.  The Windsor knot, sometimes referred to as a full Windsor to distinguish it from the half-Windsor, was a knot invented by the public to imitate the Duke’s knot style. As with other common necktie knots, the Windsor knot is triangular, and the wide end of the tie drapes in front of the narrow end. The Windsor is a wider knot than most common knots, and while not truly symmetric it is more balanced than the common four-in-hand knot. The Windsor’s width makes it especially suited to be used in conjunction with a spread or cutaway collar. It is a knot that produces a wide symmetrical triangular knot.

What Type of Necktie is Best for the Full Windsor Knot?

Full-Windsor knots go best with longer and wider ties. Since the full-Windsor is larger, it also appears highly formal and is usually worn with widespread collar dress shirts and by men with larger necks.

How Formal are Windsor Knots?

Full-Windsor knots go best at highly formal events, such as weddings or business meetings with important or powerful individuals. If you look back in history almost every President of the United States has worn a Full Windsor Knot while in office. It can also be an appropriate choice for presentations, job interviews, and courtroom appearances.

Fun Fact About the Full Windsor Knot

Did you know that the Windsor knot is the only tie knot that is to be used by all personnel in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Cadets in the UK when wearing their black-tie while in uniform? Pretty distinguished if I say so!

The More Comfortable Option

Since it does not wrap tight around the neck, it is more comfortable than most other knots (despite its formal appearance). They give silk ties and ties with dark colors and spaced out patterns an elegant look.

Is the Full Windsor Knot Right for My Neck Size?

Since full Windsor knots are large if you happen to have a very thin neck, this large knot will not look flattering on you. I also would not recommend using this knot with a tweed or a knitted tie. On those fabrics, Full Windsor knots look bulky and unappealing. The Windsor does not work for ties with bright, gaudy patterns either. It creates a jarring effect and shifts people’s attention away from your face.

Here is a quick and easy way to tie the popular Full Windsor and its best uses:

Full Windsor Knot or Double Windsor Knot

1. Drape the necktie around your collar with the wide end on the right hanging 4-6 inches lower than your waistband.

2. Cross the wide end horizontally in front of the slim end, making an X-shape just below your chin.

3. Tuck the wide end up and beneath the loop around your neck, coming out point-upward behind the X. Use one finger to hold the X in place.

4. Pull the wide end all the way down.

5. Bring the wide end around behind the knot and pass it horizontally from right to left.

6. Flip the wide end tip upward and tug it diagonally across the front of the knot.

7. Loop the wide end over the top of the loop around your collar and bring it back down. It should emerge on the left of the thin end.

8. Bring the wide end horizontally across the front of the knot, from left to right. This forms a horizontal band. Tuck a finger through it and hold it in place.

9. Bring the wide end underneath the loop one more time, around the collar with the tip aiming upward.

10. Turn the wide end downward and slide the tip through the horizontal loop you saved with your finger in step 8.

11. Pull the wide end all the way down and smooth out any creases or slack in the knot.

Best Uses: Widespread collars, men with a large neck.

Additional tie length is required for the Windsor knot because of the two wrappings. Tall men with a larger neck size will need a tie that measures between 61 – 64 inches.