Tie One On - The Proper Ways for Wearing & Tying Neckties

David Grimes of the Sarasota Herald Tribune states the current purpose of men's ties is to hide the buttons on their shirts. Although Grimes admits he is perplexed about why the buttons are in need of hiding. Other accounts date men's neckwear back to ancient Rome where bands of cloth were wrapped around the neck to protect a man from the cold in winter and to absorb perspiration in summer.

The most common historical account dates to the 1600s with Croatian troops wearing protective neckwear similar to that of the Romans. It wasn't until the 1830s the men's ties evolved and became items of fashion rather than function.

Worn daily by men of stature, men's ties symbolize prominence and sophistication. The addition of a tie transforms a man's ensemble from "just a shirt and slacks" to an outfit suitable for conducting business or attending events.

Actors such as Carey Grant – North by Northwest, Robert De Nero – Once Upon a Time in America, Al Pacino – The Godfather and Brad Pitt – Meet Joe Black, have all worn ties to great effect. Carey Grant seldom left his home without a tie or cravat.

From whimsical to professional to distinguished, men's ties come in a vast array styles, sizes and themes. The one thing they have in common is how they are worn. Tying neckties can be a frustrating process, especially for beginners. If you're puzzled about tying neckties, take heart. You're not the only one.

How To Tie A Tie

Before you begin, face the mirror and button your shirt all the way with the collar flipped towards your ears. Place the tie around your neck. Then try both of the methods for tying neckties listed below to decide which is more comfortable for you.

• Four-in-Hand Knot – This method is used by 80% of all men when tying neckties. Start with the necktie’s wide end and position it a foot below the narrow end. Then bring the wide end over the narrow end. Do this twice in order to make a loop. Then guide the wide end through the back of the loop. Holding the knot loose with your index finger, pass the wide end down through the loop. Slowly withdraw your finger and tighten the knot, sliding the knot up to the collar.
• Double Windsor Knot – Courtesy of the Duke of Windsor, this is more practical for lighter fabrics like silk and for wider collars (as in Italian collars). It has a larger knot than the four-in-hand method of tying neckties and also has more volume. Here's how to tie a tie using the double Windsor knot.

Start in the same manner as the four-in-hand knot. However, only loop the wide end over the narrow end once instead of twice. Pull the wide end through the opening closest to your neck (as if you were tying your shoelace). Wrap the wide end back underneath the thin end of the tie then pull it back through, over the top. That's a single knot.

Silk ties – like the ones created by Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss and Versace - may require more practice because silk fabrics tend to be slick.

There are also the Half Windsor and Pratt-Knot Shelby knots - slight variations of the first two methods. A handful of web sites provide step-by-step guides that you can follow.

A Member of the Club

According to Wikipedia encyclopedia, a trend of wearing ties to show membership in a military regiment, a school or a club or some sort began. Not only would specific colors be chosen to represent the groups, but each member, when tying neckties, would use a specific knot.

One of the earliest examples of this was with the Oxford rowers. This group chose their colors and opted to tie their neckties using the four-in-hand method to further distinguish them from other rowing clubs.

To some extent, this trend continues today although most don't specify which type of knot should be used.

The Times Online in it's article 'It's all bout the light blue tie' reported that Gordon Brown the Prime Mininster of England and David Cameron the leader of the Conservative Party have both taken to wearing light blue ties and probably after George Bush who made the light blue tie fashionable for 'men in power' - according to the Times Online: "George Bush scored a lasting triumph with his neckwear. He has, apparently, pioneered the wearing of light blue ties, a trend copied by both Barak Obama and John McCain. "It really lightens up a man's face, and he comes across as more decisive."

Fashion Outlook for Men's Ties

According to Forbes Magazine, the solid-shirt, solid-tie ensembles of a few years back have fallen to the wayside. The fashion outlook for men's ties today includes vibrant and subdued colors and patterns mixed with shirts of the same scheme.

Once you learn how to tie a necktie, go shopping and enjoy the variety of fabrics, styles and colors offered by menswear giants Hermes, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani and Versace that will help you create a successful image.

Attune to what fashion dressers of today want, Hermes has designed an alluring collection of ties in pastel shades. Their best selling neckties begin at $145. For distinctive men's ties, Versace is the way to go. With unique patterns and creative designs, you're sure to stand apart from the crowd.

Charity ties have also become popular because they draw attention to a worthy cause, project an image of social conscious and offer financially support (usually through a portion of the sales price being donated to charity).

Regardless of your position in life or your occupation, chances are you must wear a tie at some point. That means you must learn to tie a necktie. While it may take some practice, your efforts will be rewarded with a handsome appearance.

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