Video:How to Tie a Tie: Windsor Knot & Half Windsor

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Transcript:How to Tie a Tie: Windsor Knot & Half Windsor

So, you've landed that important job interview, or maybe you have a huge presentation to give, or maybe you're invited to that fancy, company banquet, and looking your best is absolutely necessary. Putting on a suit is pretty self-explanatory but what about the tie?

Hey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for About.com and today, it's all about dressing for success and learning how to tie a Windsor knot. Check it out.

Windsor Knot Tie Basics

The Windsor knot is the mac-daddy of all tie knots. Used best with spread-collar shirts and ties made of thin material, its thick, wide, and triangular shape exudes confidence, power, and commands respect. Definitely old school.

Tying a Tie in the Mirror

The first things you need are a tie and a mirror. Remember, you're looking at this through the mirror-image so your right and left are going to be reversed in the reflection. To make things a little easier, I've put an "R" on my right hand and an "L" on my left hand. This also helps when I'm tying my shoes.

Tie a Windsor Knot

Step one: turn up your collar and button your top button. Next, drape your tie around your neck with the seam facing inside. Make sure the wide part of the tie is on the same side as your dominant hand. Position your tie so that the wide part hangs at least a foot below the narrow part. You don't want to end up having your tie too long or too short. Try tying your tie at different lengths to see how it will end up when you're finished.

Next, take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end up near your collar, then pull the wide end up through the loop created between your collar and your tie, and pull it back down. Take the wide end of the tie and, from the left, pass it underneath the knot to the right side, and then pull the wide end back down through the front of the loop so the wide end of the tie is still inside-out.

From here, bring the wide end across the front of the knot from right to left, then pull the wide end up through the back of the loop and thread the wide end down through the knot.

Adjust the Tie

To tighten, simply grab the knot and adjust by slowly pulling the narrow end of the tie. Turn down your collar, and voila. Make any final touches you want, be sure to check your fly, and boom, you're ready to go. Off to impressing your boss and being idolized by your co-workers.

Half Windsor Knots

But let's say you're on the go, getting dressed in the car or the elevator, and you just don't have the time to properly execute your perfect Windsor? My suggestion? The half-Windsor. The Windsor's laid-back, more casual cousin, the Half-Windsor, is almost as symmetrical but not as thick as the Windsor and can be used on any shirt, with any tie.

Tie a Half Windsor Knot

Start by buttoning your top button and turn up your collar. Drape your tie over your neck with the wide end hanging at least a foot below the narrow end, and take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end and then bring it back underneath. Next, pull the wide end up and pull it down through the front of the loop created between your collar and tie.

Then, take the wide end and bring it around the front, over the knot, from right to left and then bring the wide end up through the back of the loop. Finally, weave the wide end down through the knot, tighten it if you need to by holding it steady and gently pulling the narrow end, and you're all set.

Remember, practice makes perfect and after a few times, you'll be tying your ties with ease. And from then on, you can rest assured that in any situation, your neck will always be head and shoulders above the rest.

Thanks for watching! To learn more, visit us on the Web at style.about.com.