PRINTDIY: Windsor Knot
Windsor Knot
February 4, 2010 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The necktie can be a means of expression — wearable art if you will. David Danuser of Binghams has noticed the slim Mad Men look as being a new trend along with bright colors and patterns. According to Fit to be Tied: Vintage Ties of the Forties and Early Fifties, the necktie has only been around for about 350 years. With a variety of knot styles, the half-Windsor is a classic. “It’s a fuller knot, so it goes really nicely with a spread collar,” says Conor Malaney, department manager of Joseph A. Bank in the Columbia Mall. Malaney says it’s also fashionable with the younger crowd. To achieve this taut knot, Malaney offers these quick and easy steps.
1 . Cross the wide piece over the narrow piece, and wrap it around behind. 
2 . Bring the wide piece up, and pull it through the loop. 
3 . Wrap and pull it up, then slide it under the flap to make a knot. Using both hands, straighten out the tie, and tighten the knot. 
4 . Voila, a half-Windsor.
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Meh. IMO, the only time a windsor looks good is if you're a sports announcer with a 20 inch neck and one of those hideously flashy high button-stance 3 or 4 button suits. Otherwise, it always makes me think of middle-managers who are trying too hard.
Personally, I prefer a four-in-hand knot with a thick (but not TOO wide...big difference) tie, tightened with a perfectly centered dimple and about 1/8 of an inch "too loose". It looks nice and makes it seem like you're not trying too hard by spending 10 minutes working on a perfectly symmetrical Windsor not.
Posted by Derek E on Feb 8, 2010 at 3:05 p.m. (Report Comment)