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How to Tie a Double Windsor

Tulika Nair
Do you need a slight variation in the way you knot your tie everyday? Learn to knot a double Windsor which is a more elaborate version of a tie knot and which enhances its appearance.
Well, for most men knotting a tie is something they need to live with for a lifetime. Starting from their school days, and throughout their working career, they need to knot a tie, on pretty much a daily basis. A necktie may seem like a simple piece of cloth but wearing it can be extremely complicated.
Worn under the shirt collar, generally for formal occasions, there are variations to this essential item of men's clothing. There are also many ways in which you can knot the same. From tying a Pratt to a half Windsor, you can choose an option that you prefer. Here, we give you step-by-step instructions to knot a double Windsor.
This style of a knot, which is also known as the full Windsor, is named after King Edward VII, who insisted on getting his ties made specially. This was because he preferred wider knots.
The double Windsor was created to mimic the wide knot that King Edward VII wore. You will knot your tie in this manner generally for a formal occasion. Always try to use a tie that is approximately 40 centimeters longer than your average one.

Instructions

Well, tying this particular style of knot can take some time but it is definitely not a difficult variation to master.
  • First, button up your shirt. Flip up the collar so that you can start the process of tying the knot.
  • The next step is to take the tie and place it around your neck, with the wide end of the tie lying on your right side, (left side if you are left-handed).
  • It is important that the tie hangs in such a manner that the wider end is longer than the narrow end. There should be a difference of almost 12 inches.
  • Next take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end. Now take it behind the narrow end, just below your neck.
  • This should ideally form a loop between the collar and the tie. Take the wide end through this loop and pull it towards your left hand (the right hand if you are left-handed).
  • Next use the wide end to wrap it around the knot that has been formed. Pull the wide end through the front of the loop and pull it out of the back of the loop.
  • Now again take the wide end and wrap it over the knot in the opposite direction to create a V-shape. Repeat the process of pulling it through the front of the loop and the back of the loop.
  • Tighten the knot. To do this you will need to pull at the wide end. Pull the narrow end to tighten the tie under your collar.
These instructions for knotting a tie in the double Windsor fashion should aid you the next time you need to tie an elaborate knot for a formal occasion. It can also be a pleasant change from the simple knots that you tie every day.