Tie knots - does it really matter?

[Chirs]

I can't offer any thoughts on what is "proper" but I can understand where you're coming from - all my clothing is size R, as in Runt. When wearing a tie I also use the half-Windsor and adjust it according to where it will fall. If the tail is too long I tuck it into my shirt just below the tie-bar. Seems to have worked out so far, but I don't wear ties (aka "the noose") all that often.

[davidg]

I suspect that the purist will say that the knot does matter if you are attending formal/semi-formal functions but, in reality, I don't think many people are going to be able to tell the difference between a half windsor and a full windsor

I have always used the half windsor myself and it is a fairly good knot. The only time I would use anything else is if I needed a slightly wider knot to fill a cut away collar

As for the tail, try putting it inside your shirt entering just below the top button, then smooth it down inside the front. That way it does not show from the outside

[MacMillans son]

I can certainly relate to the long tail issue Tobus, especially when wearing the kilt. I'm 6' tall and wear a 17" neck and still have that problem a lot.

I also use the Half Windsor, but my understanding of the different knots is not so much a matter of formality but of the collar spread on the specific shirt. A full Windsor, being wider, sometimes doesn't fit well in the space provided and forces the collar to bunch up. And a Half Windsor may look to be too narrow in ones with a wide spread.

At least that's my understanding of it.

[KWD]

I always tie in a full Windsor, I have never used any other knot, and don't think i ever will, I like the "larger" triangle the full Windsor makes, i think it looks nice.

[Peter Crowe]

Like many other posters stated, I think a lot depends on the collar type, and might I also suggest the tie itself, which if fuller in size/weight of fabric will affect the size of the knot. I have used all three at various times but my personal ideal preference is a half-Windsor knot on a tie with a three inch blade worn with a spread collar shirt. When tied at the right point this usually falls to just over the top of my trouser waistband (slightly lower with the kilt).

[creagdhubh]

I can certainly relate to the long tail issue Tobus, especially when wearing the kilt. I'm 6' tall and wear a 17" neck and still have that problem a lot.

I also use the Half Windsor, but my understanding of the different knots is not so much a matter of formality but of the collar spread on the specific shirt. A full Windsor, being wider, sometimes doesn't fit well in the space provided and forces the collar to bunch up. And a Half Windsor may look to be too narrow in ones with a wide spread.

At least that's my understanding of it.

This is my belief too. And I also agree with Scott's statement on the matter.