How to Tie the Prince Albert and Other Tie Knots

A tie is the ultimate way to complete an outfit and elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. However, one thing is paramount: Mastery of the tie knot! If you’re put off wearing a tie because you’re unsure how to achieve the perfect knot, then you’re in the right place. Read on to discover the best way to style your tie and before long it’ll become second nature! 

The Best Knots for Silk Ties 

Before we get bogged down in the details, do you know how many ways you can tie a tie? If the answer’s no, then you’re not alone: In fact, mathematicians have been debating this question for some time, and it seems like a consensus has still not been reached. Nevertheless, it seems irrefutable that there are some knots for your silk ties that should be mastered, both in terms of adding finesse to your outfit, and ensuring there are no practical obstacles to wearing your Italian silk ties with confidence.

The Prince Albert Knot 

Perhaps one of the most iconic ways to tie a silk tie is with the Prince Albert knot. This is not the start of the connection between ties and royalty: In 1661, King Louis XIV recognized the importance of a well-tied neck accessory and created the role of “King’s Tiemaker” accordingly!

Fast forward nearly two centuries and the emblematic Prince Albert knot became fashionable across Britain. Named after Queen Victoria’s prince consort, it is closely related to the Victoria knot (sometimes even deemed to be the same thing).

Today, this knot works well with silk ties, particularly when worn with a smart shirt and open blazer. This allows the pattern and fabric of the tie to stand out. Due to its asymmetry, the Prince Albert is also well-suited to casual occasions. 

Prince Albert Knot – Here’s How to Tie it:

• Begin by wrapping the tie around your neck, with the wider end to your right.
• The thin end, on your left, should come to around waist level.
• Now, pass over the wider end to your left.
• Cross it over the narrow end twice, bringing it behind and then through the loop.
• Pull the wide end through the loop to the front, adjusting to ensure a smart finish.
• Tug at the narrow end (now behind the wide end) to tighten the knot.
• Once in position, tuck the narrow end into the tie’s keeper loop (on the reverse of the wide end).

For more information on the best way to master this knot, as well as others that are particularly well-suited to Italian handmade silk ties, take a look at this visual guide from Elizabetta, where you can also find a selection of exquisite handmade silk ties perfectly suited to this knot. 

The Hanover Knot

This knot does not have its origins in Germany, as you might suspect – or not directly, anyway. Legend has it that this knot is named along the same lines as the Prince Albert, and references the House of Hanover dynasty of British monarchs.

Wear the Hanover knot to create a formal, bold appearance, thanks to its wider dimensions and symmetry. Although it bears similarities to the Windsor knot (more on that below!), it is larger and more structured. Its size means it’s better suited to wider ties. Its overall finish allows you to make a confident statement, lending itself to both professional and formal occasions. 

Hanover Knot – Here’s How to Tie it: 

• Begin with the tie draped around your collar.
• Ensure the wide end is on your left and with the end hanging much lower (around 6 inches lower than where you want it to sit).
• Pass the wide end beneath the narrow end, to create a cross.
• Next, bring the wide end back across the front of the narrow end, toward the left.
• You should have a full loop around the narrow end.
• Wrap the wide end back around the loop (soon-to-be knot), and pull it to the right-hand side.
• Bring the wide end up through the space between your collar and the tie before bringing it down across the front of the knot.
• Pass the wide end behind the knot once more before pulling it back through the neck loop.
• Finally, bring the wide end down through the front loop, adjust, and tighten around your collar.

A word of warning: The Hanover knot needs to be released carefully, to avoid damaging the silk tie. It doesn’t undo itself like the Prince Albert knot (this is called “self-releasing”), which means you need to untie it by carefully undoing the wide end, leaving the thin end hanging down until you’ve released the knot. 

The Windsor Knot 

Another knot, another reference to the British monarchy! This time, it’s the Windsor knot, which was not invented by a member of the House of Windsor. In fact, it was the creation of an eminent Savoy tailor known as Domenico Scappino. He created this knot to emulate Duke of Windsor’s style, who favored a bold, well-structured tie. Because of its ample proportions, the Windsor works well with a wider collared shirt, giving this triangular knot the space it deserves. 

The Windsor Knot – How to Tie it: 

This tie works best with longer silk ties because there are more elements to it. It’s also best suited to spread or cutaway collars, and a larger width of tie (note: it’s not the best style to pair with a skinny tie, as it’s tricky to create the width that’s central to the Windsor knot).

• First, like the other knots, start with the tie draped around your neck. Keep the wide end to your right, and the narrow end to your left.
• Bring the wide end over the narrow end and pass it up through the neck loop from behind.
• Still holding the wider end, bring it down to the left and pass it behind the narrow end. It should now be on the right-hand side.
• Bring the wide end up through the neck loop once more and pull it down toward the right.
• Cross the wide end over the front of the knot, toward the left this time.
• Finally, bring the wide end up through the neck loop (this is the last time!).
• Pass it in front of the newly created knot, adjust and tighten.
• This knot is meant to be worn symmetrically, so ensure it is centered and smart.

There you have it: Three stylish knots to bring your Italian silk ties to life and imbue your outfits with flair! Whether you’re headed to a formal meeting, a casual event or simply want to add a touch of class to your everyday outfit, one of these knots is sure to do the trick. Have fun mastering all three and wear your silk ties with confidence!