Us guys – we can go overboard sometimes…
…dressing up like mannequins…
…or models who popped right out of magazines…
…even if we’re just heading to our 10-year high school reunion.
But many times, SIMPLE is the key…
Not everything you wear should grab attention…
…and it’s better to go with an elegant, not-so-flashy necktie.
You know a simple but effective knot you can tie? The St. Andrew Knot.
Read on to learn more about this knot and the instructions for tying it.
Click here to watch the video – How To Tie The St. Andres Knot
Click here to watch the video – How To Tie A Tie Tutorial
Sometimes we just need to take it easy.
You don’t always have to take every single part in your outfit to the next level. Think about it – should the knot of your tie always be a complex one? Does it have to impress others (or make some guys envy you) all the time?
Nope. There are cases where it’s best to keep it simple. Think of it like making a sundae. Imagine you’ve got these nuts, strawberries and chocolate syrup ready on the table – so all you need is the ice cream itself. Would you rather choose a vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavor? The answer is clear – vanilla is the neutral flavor that’s not going to clash with the other ingredients taste-wise.
It’s a similar thing when you wear classy suits or sharp-looking vests. You want certain elements of your wardrobe to stand out – to seize people’s attention without other details trying to distract. If you insist on an equally showy tie – the outfit might look a little overdone. The most elegant styles are simple, which means only 1-2 items are the “stars” while the rest fall into the background.
That’s what makes the St. Andrew Knot useful. It’s basically a medium-sized knot that suits most types of faces and environments. Although the design is asymmetrical, it’s even enough to look almost symmetrical unless seen up-close.
It is classified as a narrow tie knot, but it’s slightly larger than those that fall into the same category. That makes it a good option for guys with rounder faces or broader shoulders – keeping things proportional. But the biggest advantage it has is that it’s a very convenient knot with a little bulk to it. You won’t be wasting much time learning it or doing the actual knot.
The St. Andrew Knot can be tied quickly (although not as quickly as smaller knots) and it is self-releasing – which means that you can pull on its tail end to undo the whole thing. It’s something men can wear comfortably to both formal and informal occasions.
Take note: Since it’s not purely symmetrical, other guys prefer to go for the Windsor or Pratt (Shelby) Knot. So if you’re meeting with someone important like a big client or VIP – you need to consider the risk of your tie looking a bit “sloppy” or distracting. Always remember the purpose of your style.
All the basics about the St. Andrew Knot you need to know:
- Size of the knot: Medium & slightly narrow
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Formality: Business/professional or social
- Recommended collars: Point collars, button-down collars
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #1
Drape the necktie around your collar with the backside exposed. The thick end should be hanging on your left, while the thin end is over to your right.
The St. Andrew Knot is entirely done with the thick end, so it needs a considerable amount of cloth. Position the tip of the thick end about 2-3 inches lower than the desired finishing position.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #2
Cross the thin end horizontally over the thick end, forming an X-shape under your chin. Use one hand to keep a firm grasp of the intersection point.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #3
Bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the thin end. At this point, the thick end should be pointing to your left – while the thin end is hanging straight down.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #4
Continue looping the thick end around the thin end – passing it horizontally behind the thin end from left to right. At this point, the thick end should now be pointing to your right – with its backside exposed.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #5
Flip the thick end vertically up and over the front of the knot. Then tuck it back downward behind the knot. You should finish this step with the thick end pointing straight down – directly behind the thin end.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #6
Bring the thick end horizontally to the left of the thin end. The seam should still be facing outward. This is supposed to pull down the vertical loop you made across the knot in Step #5.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #7
Bring the thick end horizontally across the front of the knot from left to right – covering the vertical loop you made in Step #5. This will form a horizontal band in the front. Slip a finger through it – you’ll be needing it for the next step.
At this point, the thick end is pointed to your right with the front side exposed.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #8
Bring the thick end up behind the knot, and tuck it through the horizontal loop you made in Step #7. This is where the shape of the knot is completed.
How To Tie A Tie: The St. Andrew Knot – Step #9
Pull the thick end all the way through. Tighten the knot by grasping it with one hand – while pulling carefully on the thick end with the other.
To release the knot: simply pull the narrow end up and out – since the rest of the knot will fall apart without it.
Congratulations! You have a finished St. Andrew Knot – which will surely come in handy when you’re dressing up in a hurry, or during those events when you won’t need your tie on the whole time. Enjoy the added convenience while keeping your style sharp.