How to Tie A Half Windsor Knot

When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

If you’re looking for a neat-looking tie knot that shows the world you mean business, then the Half Windsor Knot is one you need to know. But just how difficult is the Half Windsor knot to tie? And what else do you need to be aware of before attempting this necktie knot? Read on to find out everything you could ever want to know about the Half Windsor tie knot.

The Half Windsor Knot Video Guide

Sometimes, things are so much easier when you can see them in motion. This is especially true with neckties, so if you’re finding yourself in a fix with the Half Windsor Knot, Raphael is on hand to assist you with this handy video tutorial

How to Tie a Half Windsor Tie Knot

Getting this knot right can be done in ten easy steps, so we’ve broken the process down in simple steps. Take some time to practice this knot, and you’ll be tying the Half Windsor Knot like a pro!

The Half Windsor Knot: Step-By-Step Instructions

1
Start with the slim end of the tie on your right

Slim End: Right Hand

Start by draping the tie around your neck, under your collar. Whether you choose to have your collar flipped up or down is personal preference based on what you find easiest and most comfortable. Ensure that the back blade, or narrow end of the tie is over your right hand shoulder.

2
The wide end of the tie should start on your left

Wide End: Left Hand

Next, you’ll want to position the main blade, or wide end of the tie, over your left hand shoulder. Note; the pattern of your tie should be facing outwards at this stage, otherwise the seam will be showing when you’ve finished tying your tie.

3
Make sure you get the correct tie length

Get The Length Right

To make sure you get a good finished length of your necktie, ensure the small end on your right is roughly the width of a hand and a half above  the bottom of your trouser waistband. It’s a lot easier to adjust the length now, before the knot is formed!

4
Pass the wide end of the tie over the slim end

Cross The Ends

Pass the wide end of the tie on the left over the narrow end of the tie on the right, to form an X shaped cross at the neck.

5
Bring the wide end under the slim end of the tie

Bring It Back

Now, bring the wide end of the tie back under the narrow end, so it rests on your left side again. Note; the seam of the tie should now be visible on the wide end.

6
Push the wide end of the tie over and through

Over The Cross

Next, loop the wide end of the tie over the top of the crossed ends of the tie. The easiest way to do this is by feeding the tip of the wide blade right past your top collar button. Once you have completed this step, the wide blade will end up on your right hand side, with the seam facing out.

7
Cross the knot so the wide end is back on your left

Loop It Around

Pick up the wide end of the tie again and pass it over the knot that is starting to form. This movement will bring the tip of the wide end from right to left, over the narrow end.

8
Pull the wide end up behind the tie knot

Pull It Through

Now, pull the wide end of the tie under the know that is forming at your neck. This will form the front of the Half Windsor Knot, ready for the next step.

9
Feed the wide end through the front of the tie knot

Post The Tie

Almost there! Next, you need to “post” the wide end of the tie through the front of the knot you made in the previous step.

10
The completed Half Windsor tie Knot

Finish The Knot

Before you tighten your Half Windsor Knot, ensure you have enough length left in the wide end. Now would also be the time to pinch the wide end under the top of the knot to achieve an elegant dimple. Then, pull the wide end of the tie to finish the Half Windsor Knot, and bring the knot to meet your shirt collar by sliding it up the narrow end of the tie. You’re set to go!

What is the Half Windsor Knot?

Even though it’s one of the most popular tie knots out there, the Half Windsor is often confused with the Full Windsor Knot, otherwise known as the Double Windsor, or simply just the Windsor Knot. This is understandable for a couple of reasons; firstly, the Double Windsor repeats steps 5 and 6 of our tutorial (therefore using double the length of the tie). Secondly, the Windsor knot is called so after the Duke of Windsor, who supposedly favored this method of knotting his neckties–though some sources have suggested he merely tied a four-in-hand knot and favored ties with a thick interlining, resulting in larger knots.

The Duke of Windsor was known for his eccentric style which was epitomized in his large Windsor tie knots
The Duke of Windsor was known for his eccentric style, which was epitomized in his large Windsor tie knots. (Image credit: Good Housekeeping)

Why not try your hand at tying the Full Windsor Knot?

Edward VIII, former King of the United Kingdom, was known the world over for enjoying a wide, symmetrical knot with his neckwear. As he held the title of Duke of Windsor for most of his life following a very brief reign as King, this is how he was mostly known. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this signature knot would be nicknamed after him.

Interestingly, the term Half Windsor is typically smaller than the Full Windsor Knot. In terms of size, the Half Windsor is about halfway between the classic Four-in-Hand knot and its larger sibling, the Full Windsor Knot.

Otherwise, the Half Windsor Knot has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the Kingsman franchise. With Kingsman: The Secret Service debuting in 2015 and the sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle following in 2017, the stylish spy series has seen the agents of the fictional secret service saving the world while fully suited. To accompany their wardrobes of double-breasted suits, the characters are typically seen wearing a Half Windsor Knot to portray a traditional British edge.

Even though the ties seem to be tied a little looser than you might want to see, the Half Windsor Knot is an excellent choice to pair with a double-breasted suit. Because of the higher degree of formality that is present in a double-breasted jacket closure, the Half Windsor Knot provides a good level of balance between a more casual Four-In-Hand Knot and a larger Double Windsor Knot.

Half Windsor Knot FAQs

What is a Half Windsor Knot used for?

The Half Windsor Knot is used for creating a neat, symmetrical tie knot that is more formal than the Four-In-Hand Knot, but not as bulky as the Double or Full Windsor Knot.

What’s the difference between a Half and a Full Windsor Knot?

A Half Windsor Knot uses less overall tie length than the Full Windsor Knot, as it only loops around the knot once. The Full Windsor Knot loops around twice before wrapping around the front to create the full knot, hence its other name, the “Double” Windsor Knot.

How do you tie a Half Windsor Knot?

The Half Windsor Knot is easier to tie than you might think. The wide end of your tie crosses over the narrow end, before looping back under, up, and then through the cross. You then pull the wide end underneath and over the top of the knot before passing it back under, up, and through the front of the knot.

Is the Half Windsor Knot symmetrical?

Yes, the Half Windsor Knot is prized for its pleasing symmetry, making this specific knot a more formal one for neckties.

Is a Half Windsor Knot good for a wedding?

If you’re at a wedding and you’re wearing a necktie, the Half Windsor Knot is an excellent choice. Providing you have a classic collar spread, the Half Windsor Knot will match the right level of formality at a wedding, being neither as wide as a Full Windsor Knot nor as casual as the Four-In-Hand Knot.

What’s the difference between a Half Windsor Knot and a Four-In-Hand?

There are two main differences between the Half Windsor Knot and the Four-In-Hand Knot. Firstly, the Half Windsor Knot is wider than the Four-In-Hand Knot, which makes it a better candidate for more formal situations or pairing with collars that have a wider spread. Secondly, the Half Windsor Knot forms a symmetrical triangular shape, whereas the Four-In-Hand Knot results in an asymmetrical shape.

What Ties are Best for the Half Windsor Knot?

When it comes to the Half Windsor Knot, it makes sense to ensure you choose the right tie to ensure the best possible look. In a nutshell, this means going with ties that have a medium to light amount of interlining, and avoiding thicker, heavier ties with more generous interlining.

Italian Tie Interlining in wool and cotton by Fort Belvedere

What’s in a Tie?

Most traditional neckties may look simple, but they actually boast impressive anatomy. Under the fabric that is shown, you’ll find a layer of interlining. This interlining is there to provide the tie with structure and ensure a characterful knot and overall elegant appearance once the tie is fastened around your neck. Some ties may be folded in such a way that there isn’t separate interlining, but the structure comes from the tie fabric itself. Regardless of how your tie is constructed, make sure you choose a slimmer, lighter tie for a Half Windsor Knot

Slim Silk Ties: Yes!

For clarification, “slim ties” doesn’t mean “skinny ties”. Not only are skinny ties a fashion element that has come in an out of style since the 1950s, they simply don’t look good with a Half Windsor Knot, as it creates an unbalanced and unattractive look.

Instead, go for ties that are of a classic width of around 3.5 inches at the wide end, with minimal interlining. Silk is one of the most popular tie fabrics, but there are actually many varieties of silk out there. As the Half Windsor Knot creates a formal, triangular knot, an elegant silk tie is the perfect choice of fabric.

Stunning Silk Ties

Large Collar Clip in Platinum Silver and Madder Print Silk Tie in Navy with Red, Buff and Orange Diamond Pattern from Fort Belvedere
Large Collar Clip in Platinum Silver and Madder Print Silk Tie in Navy with Red, Buff, and Orange Diamond Pattern from Fort Belvedere
Madder Print Silk Tie in Navy with Red, Buff and Orange Diamond Pattern

Fort Belvedere

Madder Print Silk Tie in Navy with Red, Buff and Orange Diamond Pattern

Collar Bar Clip in Platinum Silver For Classic Narrow Spread Collars by Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Collar Bar Clip in Platinum Silver For Classic Collars

Ancient Madder Silk Ties: Yes!

Ties created from ancient madder silk are prized among classic style enthusiasts. With a characteristically “chalky” feel to the hand, they have a delightfully dull sheen that allows a gorgeous richness of color to be seen. Thus, you’ll likely see ancient madder ties created in patterns that reflect the beauty of this fabric.

Because ancient madder silk is woven to be quite slim and formal, they make a great candidate for a Half Windsor Knot. Just make sure the interlining isn’t too thick, and you’ll be set to go with the creation of some seriously elegant neckwear knots.

Knit Ties: Avoid

Knit ties are great ties when it comes to dressing down an outfit. Their overall softer construction and look give the tie a charming asymmetry that is desired for this type of neckwear. So, using a symmetrical knot with a casual tie creates a clash of formality. Plus, the resulting knot will likely be too large and bulky, which is never a good look! If you’re wearing a knit tie, stick with the classic Four-In-Hand knot for optimum results.

What are the Best Shirts for the Half Windsor Knot?

As the Half Windsor is a tie knot on the more formal side, you want to ensure you pair it with dress shirts. This means long sleeves, classic colors, and no distracting details like chest pockets. Button or barrel cuffs are acceptable, but you’re better off going with double cuffs, or French Cuffs, as they will match the formality of the Half Windsor Knot beautifully.

Ready to invest in some seriously stylish dress shirts?

Now, the most important detail to get right when choosing a dress shirt for your Half Windsor Knot is the collar. Because the knot takes up more space at the top of your collar when it’s buttoned, you need to allow for the correct amount of room in the collar spread.

Spread Collars: Perfect

If you love tying your tie in the Half Windsor Knot, then you’re in luck! The semi-spread or cutaway collar is perhaps one of the most flattering collar shapes out there. The name of this collar type refers to the fact that the collar points are spread apart from each other in the most moderate way.

The Half Windsor Knot looks particularly elegant with a red and gold paisley tie
The Half Windsor Knot looks particularly elegant with a red and gold paisley tie

The downwards-facing V shape created by your collar spread will be mirrored in the upwards-facing V shape of the Half Windsor Knot, further enforcing the elegant level of symmetry in your outfit. This is a wonderful look when achieved, as onlookers will notice you’re well put together without your outfit being too loud or showy.

Extreme Cutaway Collars: Can Work

Recent years have seen a lot of interest in the extreme cutaway collar. This is effectively a spread collar with the points moved even further back toward your shoulders. For many, it’s quite a daring look, but it might be a style you can pull off.

The trick to getting this style right with your Half Windsor Knot is to ensure you don’t pick a comically wide point spread – you still need to be able to see the points of your collar! It may take a little trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll cut quite the dash with this combination of collar and tie knot.

Narrow Point Collars: Not Good

On the opposite end of the scale, narrow pointed collars are not what you want to look for if you’re planning to use the Half Windsor Knot. In the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, these types of collars were very popular and often held in place with a collar clip or perhaps a collar pin. While these collar types are less extreme nowadays, you can still find collars with a more dramatic downward point with a narrower spread of the collar points.

The Half Windsor Knot is simply too bulky for these types of collars, and this is especially true for pin and tab collars which you can also find. If you prefer a narrower collar style, you’ll want to use a smaller tie knot, such as the Four-In-Hand, or maybe even the Oriental Tie Knot. These slimmer knots are a much better fit for narrow collar points.

The Half Windsor Knot: Get The Perfect Length

Any tie looks its most flattering when it hits the right length on your body. Neither too short, nor too long, that perfect middle ground is beautiful when you’re able to achieve it. The Half Windsor Knot may very well be your best friend when it comes to getting a consistently good necktie length.

Smaller knots such as the Four-In-Hand are perfect for a thicker tie, or narrower collar spread, because they use up less of the tie’s overall length. But there are a number of reasons why a smaller knot may not work for you. If your tie is particularly long, it will likely still look odd even if you get the front and back ends of a similar length, as they will both extend way beyond your trouser waistband.

The standard "correct" length for a modern necktie: in the center of the trouser waistband.
The standard “correct” length for a modern necktie: in the center of the trouser waistband.

Perhaps you have a particularly slim neck, in which case, the Half Windsor Knot is perfect for you because it will balance out that narrowness to create a more appealing look. Or maybe your trouser waist has a much higher rise, which will mean there’s less distance between your collar and pant’s waistband. The Half Windsor Knot will allow you to use a little more of the tie’s overall length, therefore bringing the ends closer to your waistband, achieving a more attractive tie length.

A tie with a dimple at the knot always elevates your ensemble

Just a Pinch

Without a doubt, one of the most attractive elements of wearing a necktie is pinching the wide end just before you fasten the knot to create an elegant dimple. Whether you prefer a subtle or substantial dimple will all depend on how tightly you close the knot at its base. Of course, don’t pull it too tightly, as you still need to get the tie off at the end of the day!

If you’re a shorter guy, tie length may well be one of the things that you’ve struggled with for some time. This is completely understandable, as thee majority of necktiess are made to fit an “average” length, which is still too long for many people! Instead, choose a tie in the size that fits you.

Tie Lengths to Fit You

Fort Belvedere in three different lengths
Battleship Gray Jacquard Woven Tie with Printed Light Blue and White Diamonds

Fort Belvedere

Battleship Gray Jacquard Silk Tie with Printed Light Blue and White Diamonds

Paisley Madder Silk Tie in Buff Pale Yellow with Red Black Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Paisley Madder Silk Tie in Buff Pale Yellow with tones of Red and Black

Madder Silk Tie in Orange Red with Green Macclesfield Neats by Fort Belvedere on white background

Fort Belvedere

Madder Silk Tie in Orange Red with Green Macclesfield Neats Pattern

Madder Silk Tie in Purple with Paisley

Fort Belvedere

Purple Madder Silk Tie with Green, Orange, and Blue Paisley Design

Reader Comments

  1. Half windsor is a very nice looking and symmetrical knot next to the full windsor I often opt for the half windsor I was just curious is there certain materials that just don’t work well with tying the half winsdor? (e.g. 100% silk, all wool or cashmere blend).

    1. I’ve been using a Windsor knot since I was 11 years old, now 60…shown to me by my father as I started main school. ..never forgotten it, and the only one I use with any tie or shirt.

Comments are closed.