The 3 Most Popular Ways to Tie a Bunad-Inspired Tie

The knot you choose changes the shape and formality of your tie. With a bunad-inspired tie, the aim is to frame the regional design while choosing a knot that suits your shirt collar, outfit, and occasion.

Here are three of the most popular ways to tie a bunad-inspired tie: the relaxed Four-in-Hand, the balanced Half Windsor, and the formal Full Windsor.

Before You Start

• Put on your shirt and fasten the top button.
• Place the wide end on your dominant side and lower than the narrow end.
• Adjust the starting position according to your height and the length of your tie.
• Keep the front of the tie facing outward throughout the process.

1. The Four-in-Hand

The Four-in-Hand is the easiest knot to learn. It creates a relaxed, slightly asymmetrical shape that works well with most collars and is ideal for everyday wear, a blazer, or a less formal 17th of May look.

1. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end and bring it across to the other side.
3. Bring the wide end across the front to create the front band.
4. Bring it up behind the knot and through the neck loop.
5. Pull it down through the front loop.
6. Slide the knot upward and smooth the front of the tie. A small dimple below the knot is optional.

For a more detailed version, see our step-by-step Four-in-Hand guide.

2. The Half Windsor

The Half Windsor is a balanced, medium-sized knot. It is more structured than a Four-in-Hand without being as large as a Full Windsor, making it a versatile choice for weddings, confirmations, and the 17th of May.

1. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and across to the other side.
3. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath, then pull it down to the side.
4. Pass the wide end across the front of the knot.
5. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop again from underneath.
6. Pull it down through the front loop and tighten the knot gently beneath your collar.

3. The Full Windsor

The Full Windsor creates a larger, symmetrical triangular knot. It works best with a spread or cutaway collar and a longer tie. Choose it when you want a particularly formal, polished finish.

1. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath, then down to the side.
3. Pass the wide end behind the narrow end to the other side.
4. Bring it up over the front and through the neck loop from underneath, then pull it down to the side.
5. Bring the wide end across the front to form the final front band.
6. Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
7. Pull it down through the front loop, then slide and tighten the knot evenly beneath your collar.

Which Knot Should You Choose?

• Four-in-Hand: relaxed, easy, and slightly asymmetrical. Choose it for everyday wear or a less formal outfit.
• Half Windsor: balanced and versatile. Choose it for most shirts, suits, and special occasions.
• Full Windsor: formal and symmetrical. Choose it with a spread collar when you want a stronger, more polished finish.

Whichever knot you choose, make sure the wide end lies flat and faces forward. A large knot can cover more of the pattern, while a knot pulled too tightly can make the tie feel stiff. The best finish is comfortable and lets the design remain part of the look.

After You Wear It

Untie the knot fully instead of pulling the narrow end through it. Hang the tie on a tie rack or coat hanger, or roll it loosely to avoid wrinkles. For storage, cleaning, and ironing advice, read our bunad-inspired tie care guide.

A bunad-inspired tie is a modern alternative to wearing a full bunad. Wear it with a shirt, blazer, or suit, and choose the knot that best suits your collar, outfit, and occasion.