How To Tie The Perfect Windsor Knot
05 August 2026 · Updated 09 October 2026 · By Tajmilkha P.
Short answer: The Windsor is a wide, symmetrical knot made by wrapping the wide end around both sides of the neck loop. Wear it with spread or cutaway collars for weddings, interviews and formal meetings, and start with the wide end about 30cm lower than the narrow end.
The Windsor knot is wide, symmetrical, and unmistakably formal: the right choice for spread collars and occasions that call for a little more presence.
Step by step
Start with the wide end on your right, extending about 30cm below the narrow end. Cross wide over narrow, then bring it up through the neck loop. Bring the wide end down, around behind the narrow end, then up through the loop again. Cross the wide end across the front, then up through the loop one final time. Pass it down through the knot in front, and tighten gently while sliding the knot up to the collar.
Getting it right
The Windsor takes more fabric than other knots, so start with more length on the wide end than feels natural. It also takes practice. The first few attempts rarely sit symmetrically. Persevere; once it clicks, it becomes second nature.
When to wear a Windsor knot
The full Windsor is the most formal everyday knot. It suits spread and cutaway collars, which leave a wide gap that a smaller knot would not fill, and occasions that call for presence: weddings, ceremonies, important meetings and interviews in formal industries. On a narrow or button-down collar it looks cramped, so choose a four-in-hand instead.
Windsor vs half-Windsor
The half-Windsor uses one fewer wrap, producing a medium-sized, still symmetrical knot. It is the better choice for thicker or textured ties, for men with shorter necks, and for standard point collars. If a full Windsor comes out bulky or leaves the tie too short, switch to a half-Windsor.
Choosing the right tie for a Windsor
Because the Windsor uses more fabric, it works best with smooth, medium-weight ties. Heavier jacquards and textured weaves can make the knot oversized. A pin dot such as the Chelsea Pin Dot or a smooth rosette such as the Sovereign Silver Rosette ties a neat, balanced Windsor.
Troubleshooting
The tie ends up too short. Start with the wide end hanging lower, around 30 to 35cm below the narrow end.
The knot is lopsided. Make sure each wrap around the neck loop is pulled to the same tension on both sides before the final pass through.
The knot is too big. Your tie may be too thick for a full Windsor; try a half-Windsor.
No dimple. Press a finger into the centre of the blade just below the knot as you tighten it.
For the other knots worth knowing, see our complete guide to tie knots.
It's also the knot most worth having down cold before a high-stakes moment. See our guide to choosing a tie for a job interview for the full brief.
