If you are a gentleman through and through, you should know the importance of ties and the different types of knots you can tie them with. The way you wear a tie reflects how well you’re able to express yourself confidently. There are so many variations, each of them having its own class and elegance.
If you want to know how to tie a tie left handed, we have here a step-by-step guide. There are four most popular types of tie knots, namely; the Windsor Knot, the Half Windsor Knot, the Four-In-Hand Tie, and the Bowtie. The four tie knots are worn on different occasions.
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What Does a Tie Symbolize?
Croatian mercenaries brought the fashion of the cravat to France in the 17th century where it evolved into the tie and was later adopted by the French military before the style was adopted by the British military. The regimental ties of the 3 units of bore zig-zag patterns in a spiral arrangement that was predominantly right-handed. These were preferred by the two oldest branches – the army and the navy. The youngest branch, the air force, was left with mostly left-handed patterns, but this may also have been a way for it to establish its independence from the other two branches.
The modern necktie defines the personality of its wearer as both a symbol of power and a fashion statement. Whatever a necktie represents about a man, such as his sports fandom, fatherhood, or traditional outlook, it can instantly reveal pieces about his character. Just like a scout’s salute, his or her neckerchief symbolizes the promise to uphold scout beliefs. If you know of someone who’s a big sports fan and want to find him a novelty gift, look for a tie with a print displaying his love for the sport or his sports team’s ties.
Different Types of Tie Knots and When to Use Each
The Windsor Tie Knot is perhaps the most formal way. It is identified easily by the large symmetrical knot, which, when pulled, can be untied without any difficulty. The Windsor Tie Knot is popularly used in formal events like business meetings, weddings, and funerals.
The Four in Hand Tie Knot is another popular method, which is relatively simpler than the Windsor Tie Knot. This particular knot was hugely popular at the turn of the 20th century. In this method, an asymmetrical knot is formed using wide neckties made from heavy fabric. However, a collar that is too wide can make it seem unkempt. Because this knot isn’t known for being very formal, it is mostly worn with a button-down dress shirt. People prefer this knot at parties or social gatherings.
The Half Windsor Tie Knot is similar to the Windsor Tie Knot. The main difference is that the knot is smaller because of the reduced tie length. The Half Windsor is commonly worn by tall men on occasions that are neither too formal nor too casual.
The Bowtie is perfect for ultra-formal or glamourous events, as it historically symbolizes superiority. The biggest challenge to tying one is getting and keeping it straight.
How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot Left Handed
Step 1: To tie a four-in-hand tie knot, first raise your collar up and put the tie around your neck from behind. Make sure the wider end of the tie is on your left, and it hangs several inches below the narrow end. Using your left hand, cross the wide end of the tie over the narrow end and pull it through the neck loop to your left side.
Step 2: After that, pull the wide end back towards the right side and pass it through the hole in front of your neck. Pull the wide end and push it through the neck loop in the front of the tie. Cross the wide end over the loop towards your right. This will form the knot.
Step 3: With your index finger, make sure the front of the knot is held loosely. Keeping the knot loose, push the wide end down through the loop from below and pull it through the loose knot. This is the four-in-hand tie knot. You can tighten it as per what suits you the best.
How to Tie a Half Windsor Left Handed
Step 1: Like the four-in-hand knot, take the tie and place it around your neck and pull the wide end down on your left side, which is much longer than the narrower end. Bring the wide end over the narrow end and pull it from under. Push the wide end down through the hole between your neck and the tie. Pull it as much as you can and let it stay there.
Step 2: Bring the wide end from below the narrow end and cross it to the left side. Do a 180-degree turn and bring it over to the right from the front. Pull the wide end up and under between the neck and tie and pull it up. This will create a knot.
Step 3: With the knot formed, insert your thumb and index finger to keep it loose. Push the wide end of the tie down the loop in front. Using your right hand, pull the knot up to the center of the collar. Simultaneously, use your left hand to pull the narrow end down. Adjust the Half Windsor Knot until you are comfortable.
How to Tie a Windsor Left Handed
Step 1: Place the tie around your neck and keep the wide end of the tie on your left side. Pull it down, so it is several inches longer than the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end and pull it up through the middle hole in between your neck and the tie. Bring it to the right and pull it behind and underneath the narrow end towards the left side.
Step 2: Pull the wide end of the tie up and down through the hole. The hole should be located beneath the knot. Pull the wide over the right side again to cover the front of the knot. Bring the wide end of the tie up and under and push it upwards through the hole.
Step 3: Keep the knot loose with your index finger. Push the wide end down through the loop in front. With your right hand, hold your narrow end and pull it down. Simultaneously, use your left hand and slide the knot up to the center of your collar. This is the Windsor knot.
How to Tie a Bow Tie Left Handed
Step 1: If you want a large bow tie, adjust the length using the clips on the back. Pull your collar up and place the bow tie around your neck. The left end should be significantly longer than the right end. Cross the long end over the short end and bring it from underneath the short end. Pull the long end through the hole in between your neck and the tie.
Step 2: Let the wide end hang on your left shoulder and fold the short end horizontally. Pull the wide end back in front of the bow. Have a firm grasp on the long end with one hand. Using your other hand, take each end of the horizontal bow and pinch them together and pull. This will create a new loop behind the bow.
Step 3: Pull the long end and push it through this new loop. Pull it through the other side to form the bow. Pull both ends of the bow to shape it properly.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Four different ways of how to tie a tie for lefties. None of them are particularly difficult to learn but getting them just right, symmetrical and neat, will take some practice, so get going!