How To Tie The Perfect Windsor Knot

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.