Tie knots - does it really matter?

[MT4Runner]

I'm a tall guy--6'-6", so I use the Half Windsor as it gives me the most length while tying a nice, symmetrical knot.

I dislike the asymmetry of the Four-in-Hand, and the Full Windsor ends up leaving a couple of inches between my waistline and the bottom of the tie.



I may go to the Full Windsor with a kilt after I get my jackets converted, as the amount of shirt showing will be less!

[O'Callaghan]

I learnt to tie a tie when I was four years old. I had to wear one every day to school, and later had some jobs where I had to wear one. Consequently, like Jock, I only know one knot, and wasn't sure what it was, although I thought it was probably either a half or full Windsor.

Having learnt how to tie a tie at such a young age, I am entirely useless when it comes to instructing anyone else, except by standing behind them and tieing it around their neck myself. Come to think of it, though, that is probably how I was taught.

After looking at the videos on the web site that was linked (and retieing the tie I had on several times, which I was only wearing because I went to an Xmas party today), the knot I use appears to be a half Windsor.

So, I can tie a half Windsor in my sleep, but other knots not atall. No decision process is ever needed or possible, rendering any advice in this thread redundant!

I'm afraid if I need to wear black tie I wear a pre-tied bow tie, as I never learnt how to tie a bow tie, but at least I don't (and never would) wear a clip-on bow tie.

[Tobus]

I'm a tall guy--6'-6", so I use the Half Windsor as it gives me the most length while tying a nice, symmetrical knot.

I dislike the asymmetry of the Four-in-Hand, and the Full Windsor ends up leaving a couple of inches between my waistline and the bottom of the tie.



I may go to the Full Windsor with a kilt after I get my jackets converted, as the amount of shirt showing will be less!

I'm confused a little by this. Can you not shorten the small end to get the large end to the correct length? My problem is usually that ties are too long, and to get the bottom of the large end at my belt buckle, the small end hangs well below it. But you larger fellows should have plenty of adjustment. Are you saying that to get the large end at your belt, you run out of length on the small end?

Some places sell extra long ties for tall people, so this could solve it for you.

[Father Bill]

I looked at the title of this again, and perhaps we've veered off on a vector.

Yes, it does matter. Neatness and appropriate scale vis-a-vis the collar and your own size will make it, and you, look more... or less... well suited (or kilted) for the milieu in which you find yourself. For second-rate settings, it's a second-rate issue, but for the office or fine dining I think it's absolutely essential.

[warrior]

I'm confused a little by this. Can you not shorten the small end to get the large end to the correct length? My problem is usually that ties are too long, and to get the bottom of the large end at my belt buckle, the small end hangs well below it. But you larger fellows should have plenty of adjustment. Are you saying that to get the large end at your belt, you run out of length on the small end?

Some places sell extra long ties for tall people, so this could solve it for you.

That's it exactly. At two inches over a fathom I have never had an issue with the "tail" hanging low. Most quality ties have sufficient length to give enough material to work with; but many do not. My tartan tie is one of those, the length is just enough that once tied I have barely enough tail to slide it open enough to squeeze it over my head. I know I just admitted to "pre tying" my ties, but the real issue is that with a tail that short it falls way short of the keeper loop. I find myself constantly retucking the short tail back into the top of my shirt as it lacks the mass to stay put whenever the face of the tie moves.
BTW, am I the only one who ties the Pratt?

[Zardoz]

the real issue is that with a tail that short it falls way short of the keeper loop. I find myself constantly retucking the short tail back into the top of my shirt as it lacks the mass to stay put whenever the face of the tie moves.

I'd think moving the keeper up, or even adding a loop of thread would fix you up there. Do you use a tack or clip? That would keep the tie from moving around so much.

Over 75 posts, I guess it really does matter

[Lyle1]

[QUOTE=warrior;1045771]That's it exactly. At two inches over a fathom I have never had an issue with the "tail" hanging low. Most quality ties have sufficient length to give enough material to work with; but many do not. My tartan tie is one of those, the length is just enough that once tied I have barely enough tail to slide it open enough to squeeze it over my head. I know I just admitted to "pre tying" my ties, but the real issue is that with a tail that short it falls way short of the keeper loop. I find myself constantly retucking the short tail back into the top of my shirt as it lacks the mass to stay put whenever the face of the tie moves.
BTW, am I the only one who ties the Pratt?[/QUOTE

Some vendors make their collections available in an extra long version at a slightly higher cost. An alternative would be to move the keeper or to add one at the proper spot for you.

[highlander999]

I'm confused a little by this. Can you not shorten the small end to get the large end to the correct length? My problem is usually that ties are too long, and to get the bottom of the large end at my belt buckle, the small end hangs well below it. But you larger fellows should have plenty of adjustment. Are you saying that to get the large end at your belt, you run out of length on the small end?

Some places sell extra long ties for tall people, so this could solve it for you.

Nope... If they are too short, the tail won't fit through the loop on the back and stay straight, and unless you've tied a double windsor (which again you don't have enough tie for), the tail comes in at enough of angle that it makes a "poof" or some such, sticking out the side. Rather annoying.

[Panache]

Nope... If they are too short, the tail won't fit through the loop on the back and stay straight, and unless you've tied a double windsor (which again you don't have enough tie for), the tail comes in at enough of angle that it makes a "poof" or some such, sticking out the side. Rather annoying.

I use a a long tie clip when wearing a tie with a kilt. That way I tie my full winsor knot so the front part of the tie is the perfect length and can simply double up the back of the tie and hold it in the proper place as needed.

Cheers

Jamie

[cck]

Much ado over knoting.

I return to my original posting. Let the thickness of the tie material determine the type of knot. If it is a thinner silk fabric, you may want to increase the wrapping in order not to have a scrawny knot. A heavier silk or wool tartan material would be handled differently or you could end up with a huge knot and a short tie. Display your knot repetoire.

And for the bow tie enthusiasts, nothing looks better than a self-tied one and admirers will envy your skill. No tie length challenges here.