The long and short of tying neckties for every occasion and neck!
Some men, who almost always wear a necktie, are practiced in this fashion art. The wearing of neckties today is becoming a less frequent activity. Lots of men no longer need to wear a tie to the office. The young man in high school may need some help in massaging that necktie into place before going to a job interview or the senior prom. Yet other men, previously tie-less, need to learn this art for a new job in sales or marketing. I don't know if there are many women out there today who, like Lauren Bacall in the 1940s movies, can perform a mean tie-tying with sophistication and flourish, all the while gazing with adoration at the man in the tie.
I certainly can't, but I attribute that to a certain form of visual dyslexia. Looking at a diagrammed lesson in tying neckties forces you to reverse your position, and poor me becomes completely confused. Besides, I don't have the need or desire to become accomplished at this male fashion artistry. However unfortunate it may be, you guys do, on occasion, need to engage in tying neckties.
There are five major necktie styles. You've got the Windsor, Half Windsor, Four in Hand, Pratt, a.k.a. Shelby, and finally, the Bow tie. Why are there so many ways to tie neckties?
The material of which the necktie is made plays a big hand in your choice of style in tying neckties, as does your neck – long, short or regular – and the occasion of the necktie wearing. For example, the Windsor knot is wide, offering an optical illusion which shortens a long neck. The fact that this knot is large makes it say, 'confident and formidable', useful in boardroom presentations and courtrooms.
The Half Windsor, by contrast, is more kicked backed, lending itself well to a wide tie of a light to medium weight fabric. The Four in Hand is the standard for button-down shirts and wide, heavy ties and a good choice for the man with a shorter neck. The Four in Hand creates an optical illusion which makes the neck appear longer. The Pratt, or Shelby knot is good with any style of dress shirt, best suited to wider ties and lighter weight fabrics. The art of tying neckties is not accomplished until you've mastered tying a Bow tie, from scratch! You all know when you need to wear a Bow tie!
Each of these classic knots involves between six and eight distinct steps. If you're a novice at tying neckties, plan on investing a little time, until you've got it down. When you've mastered a knot, you can make a macho impression on your unsuspecting girlfriend. Arrive for your date, necktie draped around your neck. Saunter over to a mirror in view and work your magic. Your girl will be impressed.
As for a necktie wardrobe, shop online for a fantastic assortment with which to practice tying neckties.
