How to Tie a Windsor Knot

1. Begin with the wide end on your right hanging 12 cm below your belt.
2. Cross the wide end horizontally in front to make an X below your chin.
3. Bring the wide end up and beneath the loop around your neck.
4. Carry it through the loop and pull the wide end all the way down.
5. Bring the wide end around behind the knot and pass it to the other side.
6. Loop the wide end over the top of the loop around your collar and bring it back down. You now have 2 loops on either side of the narrow end.
7. Bring the wide end across the front of the knot to form a band. Use a finger to hold it in place.
8. Bring the wide end underneath the loop towards your chin.
9. Pull the wide end through the front band.
10. Pull the wide end all the way down and smooth out any creases in the knot.

The Windsor Knot goes by many names – Full Windsor Knot, Double Windsor or Scappino Knot. The Duke of Windsor liked wearing very full knots and used thick fabrics to achieve his signature look. The people of England, in an attempt to emulate the Duke, created the Windsor Knot. It achieves the robust knot of the Duke without the need for heavy, thick material.

The Full Windsor Knot is often used by the armed forces for its authority and formality. The Windsor gives a symmetrical, triangular finish and is best suited to thick necks and ties made from lightweight fabrics.

It’s important to start with the wide end significantly lower than the narrow end because the Windsor Knot requires a great amount of material.