What do Americans spend $1 billion a year on?

Neckties!

From silk to wool, leather, and more, there’s a wide variety of materials you can choose for your ties. However, what’s even more important than the material or pattern of the tie, is the type of knot you choose to use. If you’re ready to start making ties a part of your daily wardrobe, then this article’s for you!

Read on to learn 3 different tie knots, so you can look good in any situation.

Simple Knot

When you’re learning how to tie a tie, the first knot you should master is the Simple Knot. Simple Knots work best when you’re using a thick necktie, or if you want to add extra length to your tie. The asymmetric style also makes Simple Knots a great choice if you’re going for an updated casual look. For instance, you can pair the laid-back styles found at Evolve Fit Wear, with a loose collared shirt and Simple Knot tie.

Step 1

Begin with the back of the tie facing away from you. The fat end of the tie will be on the right, with the smaller end on the left. If the tips of the small end are resting right above your belly button, you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 2

Take the fat end of the tie and have it go under the smaller end, to the left. Now you’ve created a neck circle. Next, take the wide end and pass it over the small end. Now the wide end should be laying towards the right.

Step 3

The next step is to have the wide end go up into the neck circle, from below. Moving on, have the wide end go down through the loop you just created in the front. Lastly, pull down on the wide end of the tie to tighten it. Slide the knot up into position, and you’re all done!

Hanover Knot

Another one of the classic types of tie knots is the Hanover Knot. Unlike the Simple Knot, the Hanover provides a perfectly symmetrical knot. When done correctly, the Hanover Knot makes an equilateral triangle.

Businessmen rely on the Hanover Knot to raise their status by conveying a sense of authority and credibility. However be careful, if the necktie you use is too bulky, the knot will wind up looking large and silly. Instead, opt for a flattie that doesn’t add extra length.

Step 1

Hang the necktie around your collar. The seam of the tie should be visible, and the wide end of the tie needs to be on the left. Next, pass the fat end under the narrow end, going from left to right to create an X shape. Now you can bring the wide end back across the front end of the small end, going from right to left. Don’t let go of the tie at this point.

Step 2

Now you can tuck the fat end of the tie through the neck circle, and around your collar. Next, bring the thick end down, and gently pull it through. However, be careful to not tuck it through the horizontal band you created in step 1 when you tucked the fat end through the circle.

Step 3

Take the fat end of the tie and bring it around from right to left. It should pass behind the newly formed knot. Next, turn the fat end up, and have it pass diagonally in front of the centre. Now you can feed the fat end of the tie through the neck circle, allowing it to emerge from behind the knot hanging on the right.

Step 4

Take the fat end of the tie horizontally, going from right to left to create a second horizontal band. Carefully slip a finger below this newly formed band. Then take the fat end up, passing once more below the neck circle around your collar. Lastly, guide the fat end of the tie-down through the horizontal band your fingers tucked beneath. Gently adjust the knot, and you’re all done! Next on our list of tie knots, let’s see what the Trinity Knot has to offer.

Trinity Knot

What type of tie knot should you use if you want to stand out from the crowd? An adventurous one like the fun and flamboyant Trinity Knot! However, be warned, the Trinity Knot isn't suitable for formal events, or business meetings.

Step 1

Begin with the fat end of the tie on your left, and the small end on the right draped over your collar. Note that the wide end should rest right at the top of your belt buckle. For the Trinity Knot, the small end will be the active end.

Step 2

Pass the small end over the fat end, towards the left. Next, move the small end up through the neck circle from below, and bring it down to the left. Now you can carefully guide the small end around the back of the end and to the right.

Step 3

Moving on, bring the small end up to the centre. Next. guide it through the neck circle, and to the left. Have the small end move across the fat end, to the right, and up through the neck loop from below. Doing this will create a loop that you can bring the small end through. Keep things loose as you bring the small end around the back of the wide end and to the right.

Step 4

Take the small end and bring it back across the front, and have it pass through the mos recent circle you made. Lastly, tighten the knot and tuck the rest of the small end behind the neck circle on the left side.

Mastering Tie Knots

Now you know 3 different ways to wear a tie using some of the best tie knots available. The next step will be to put your new knowledge to use! Practice makes perfect, so pick 1 of the knots from this article and give it a go.

If you’re a novice with ties, we suggest starting with the Simple Knot. Take your time as you complete each step, and before you know it you’ll be able to tie the knot with your eyes closed! For more tips like these, read another article.