3 Basic Tie Knots and the RVR Knot

Whichever knot you like to wear, remember the finishing
touch of creating a deep dimple. Just press your index finger directly below the
knot at the center and squeeze both sides of the ties with your thumb
and middle finger. Then tighten and pull up to your collar. If the
dimple leans to the left or right, play around with it to make sure it
is at the center directly below the knot.

Look at these 3 basic tie knots, then try the RVR knot

Four in Hand






This is the easiest and most common of the 3 basic knots.
It is assymetrical and more narrow than the others.
Brian Williams (NBC anchor) wears a four-in-hand and
always has a perfect dimple.

Step 1. Set the wide end at about 12 inches below the narrow end.
Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
Step 2. Bring the wide end behind and around the narrow end.
Step 3. Loop the wide end around and in front of the narrow end.
Step 4. Loop the wide end up and through the space between your
shirt and tie.
Step 5. Bring the wide end down through the new front loop.
Step 6. Hold the knot with one hand, pulling the wide end with your
hand, tighten the knot by carefully pulling it up to your collar.
Remember the dimple.

Windsor











The trickiest of the knots is thought to be named after the Duke
of Windsor, who is believed to have inherited the technique
from his grandfather, Edward VII. The Duke was an impeccable
dresser, arguably the most stylish gentleman of his generation.
The Windsor is wide, symmetrical and triangular in shape. It looks
best with spread collars. It is a popular tie with CEOs and Heads of
State. Ronald Reagan was a big fan of the Windsor.

Step 1. Set the wide end at about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over
the narrow end.
Step 2. Bring the wide end up and through the loop between your shirt and tie, so that it
drapes in front of the narrow end.
Step 3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end.
Step 4. Bring the wide end through the loop again.
Steo 5. Carry the wide end across the narrow end.
Step 6. Bring the wide end under the narrow end again and up through the loop between
your shirt and tie.
Step 7. Pull the wide end through the front.
Step 8. Hold the knot with one hand, pulling the wide end with your other hand, tighten
the knot by carefully pulling it up to your collar. Remember the dimple.

Half Windsor










This is a good compromise if you like the symmetry of the Windsor, but narrower.
It is a dressier look than the four-in-hand and works well with most collar types.

Step 1. Set the wide end at about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
Step 2. Bring the wide end under the narrow end.
Step 3. Bring the wide end through the loop and behind the narrow end.
Step 4. Bring the wide end across the front of the narrow end.
Step 5. Continue to wrap it behind the narrow end and through the loop between the shirt and tie.
Step 6. Pull the wide end through the front and tighten the knot.
Step 7. Hold the knot with one hand, pulling the wide end with your other hand, tighten the knot by
carefully pulling it up to your collar. Remember the dimple.

RVR Knot












This is simply a variation of the Windsor knot. It is one of the easiest knots to tie
and works well with most collar types. Many men before me have worn this knot, so in naming
it, I do not claim to have invented it. I call it the RVR knot because it's my favorite. I like
the fullness of the Windsor with the assymetry of the Four-in-Hand. You start it just like the Windsor.

Step 1. Set the wide end at about 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
Step 2. Bring the wide end up and through the loop between your shirt and tie, so that it drapes in front of the narrow end.
(just like the Windsor)
Step 3. Bring the wide end under the narrow end and wrap across the front.
Step 4. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and up through the loop behind the shirt and tie.
Step 5. Pull the wide end through the front and tighten the knot.
Step 6. Hold the knot with one hand, pulling the wide end with your other hand tighten the knot by carefully pulling it up
to your collar. Remember the dimple.

Tie knot illustrations by Chloe Chapin chloe.chapin@gmail.com