Tie knots - does it really matter?

[Tobus]

In my youth, the wearer of a Windsor knot was regarded with great suspicion by the older generation, I am not sure that applies these days though.

My late Grandpa (born 1906) told me it was seen as 'racy' and not quite respectable by those who disapproved of the Duke of Windsor and his friends.

I personally don't really wear a Windsor knot and confess that I do view it as being slightly "racy"...

I believe I'm correct in quoting 007 that you should never trust a man with a Windsor knot. Ha. "Bond mistrusted anyone who tied his tie with a Windsor Knot. It showed too much vanity. It was often the mark of a cad."

So--back to your original question--I'm pretty sure that the knot has no connotatons these days.

OK guys, I have to ask. And pardon me for being an ignorant American. But what exactly is the "racy", "suspicious", or vain connotation of this particular knot? When I look at it, it's just a knot. And not very much different than others. There's got to be some back-story to this that I'm completely unaware of.

So without getting into political commentary that might endanger this thread, can someone please just explain to me from a historical/cultural standpoint what I'm missing?

[Jock Scot]

OK guys, I have to ask. And pardon me for being an ignorant American. But what exactly is the "racy", "suspicious", or vain connotation of this particular knot? When I look at it, it's just a knot. And not very much different than others. There's got to be some back-story to this that I'm completely unaware of.

So without getting into political commentary that might endanger this thread, can someone please just explain to me from a historical/cultural standpoint what I'm missing?

Think of a chap who lives life on the edge of and just on the wrong side of, acceptable standards of dress and behaviour. In some people's opinion, rather like the late Duke of Windsor and some of his associates.

[SFCRick]

Most of my life I have tied half Windsor, recently while checking out phone apps for my new Blackberry I started using the St. Andrew knot ( large, narrow and slightly asymmetrical- the knot has a depth which allows it to stand up and drape well). or the Plattsburg ( great with spread collar shirts, symmetrical and wide).

[Livingston]

There are only two knots that I know, the Windsor and half Windsor. I typically use the Windsor unless the tie is too bulky. Most of my collars are spread so that works well for me. One of these days I will stand there in front of a mirror with one of my Dad's bow ties and keep tieing it untill I get it right. Of course, I don't have one myself right now and his are all the old narrow ones from the '50's that are about 3/4" wide at the tip.

[zirrow]

<SNIP>
One of these days I will stand there in front of a mirror with one of my Dad's bow ties and keep tieing it untill I get it right.
<SNIP>

I recently purchased and started wearing a bow tie, and found it easier to do while watching a video (of how to tie a bow tie) and not using a mirror. I don't know that this will work for everyone, but it's worth a shot. Just make sure you do adjust it in the mirror once you've finished

[thescot]

Most of my life I have tied half Windsor, recently while checking out phone apps for my new Blackberry I started using the St. Andrew knot ( large, narrow and slightly asymmetrical- the knot has a depth which allows it to stand up and drape well). or the Plattsburg ( great with spread collar shirts, symmetrical and wide).

Well just great! Two more knots I never heard of!

After a bit of research, it turns out that the Plattsburgh is an inside-out version of a full Windsor. The St. Andrews throws in a little extra turn over the Pratt, but still similar.

And I thought I knew about neck ties.

[Livingston]

I recently purchased and started wearing a bow tie, and found it easier to do while watching a video (of how to tie a bow tie) and not using a mirror. I don't know that this will work for everyone, but it's worth a shot. Just make sure you do adjust it in the mirror once you've finished

I learned the Windsor by standing in front of the mirror with Dad tieing it over my shoulders. I also used to do a LOT of B&W photography and spent a ship load of time in a darkroom so I've gotten used to looking at things in reverse.

[Burly Brute]

I think anything less of the full windsor looks sloppy and makes me think of Safeway baggers running through the parking lot fetching carts. So, I say go full always!

[Chas]

I recently purchased and started wearing a bow tie, and found it easier to do while watching a video (of how to tie a bow tie) and not using a mirror. I don't know that this will work for everyone, but it's worth a shot. Just make sure you do adjust it in the mirror once you've finished

That is fantastic! I cannot thank you enough. I always used a method that managed to break three or four fingers and then I had to tighten it up using the adjuster at the back. This way is so easy, I got it first time.

Thanks again

Regards

Chas

[Bugbear]

For what it's worth, I don't use a mirror when putting on a bow or neck tie.