Whether for an initial interview, corporate event, or candle-lit anniversary dinner, learning how to tie a tie is a crucial cornerstone in the professional world, and without practice, the easiest to forget.
The above diagram was one that I returned to multiple times a year before I inevitably fumbled around with this multi-colored piece of cloth, tried some random knots I learned from touring an old Pilgrim-age boat, and finally switched to the clip-on I've had since I was 12. When in college and during intensive interview phases, I picked up some tricks of the trade and tying a tie took me no longer than 20 seconds. Below are some helpful guidelines I learned to help shake off the rust between those tie-less droughts.
"I never knew how much I didn't know until I tried to tie a tie"
Size Matters
The most common reasons a "tie-rade" occurs is either because the tie length ends up too short, or the knot is too loose. For length issues, see your local plastic surgeon. For tie length issues, simply align the wider end of your tie to the second button from your belt-line. This trick typically works, but if not the previous culprit, the knot, may be the issue. By making too many loops or having the tie be too loose the tie length is affected. In this case, try holding your finger in between the wider part of the tie as it is brought inside the neck loop as seen from steps 5 to 6. This provides room for the point of the tie to be brought through in Step 7. Next, pull on the smaller end of the tie to bring the knot together so that the end sits about an inch above the bottom of the wider end. Lastly, to tighten your tie and bring it to its full length, pull on the wider end as you hold the outside of knot by your collarbone. Now you've done it. You made it past step one of many in the wonderful world of Adulting.
Full-Send Windsor
There is only one type of knot you need to know and should ever memorize - the Full Windsor. This simple yet versatile knot is the right choice for any occasion and is often featured in television shows like Mad Men or donned by actors such as Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven. This Duke's knot is wider, but done correctly with a tight pinch at the base of the knot can have a slimmer, more modern look. For a more casual wear, substitute the silk tie for a cotton or knit tie in summer, or woolen tie in winter.
Solid State of Mind
As fun and outgoing as a neon green or pink [insert Jimmy Buffet themed image here] tie can be, when starting out and building your tie database sticking with the basics is often easiest. Solid blue, red, or black are your best best with various lighter or darker shades or faint patterns and dots being acceptable. No need for bold Freddy Krueger lines across the face of the tie. The tie is generally darker than your shirt so that it can pop out, but with these 3 colors you shouldn't have any problems with matching. Commonly, red and blue ties go with either a blue or white shirt, while black ties are your formal ties and worn for more significant events.
Dust Collectors
If you revel in cutting corners, the easiest way to prolong the next time you need to tie a tie is to pause before you strip it off your neck and throw it in the hamper. Instead lightly loosen the tie without breaking the knot and hang it over a hanger. When you need to break it out again, just put it over your head, tighten by pulling the smaller end, and straighten by pulling right below the base of the knot.
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