Upgrade Your Knot: How to Tie a Kelvin Tie Knot

Upgrade your tie knot - how to tie a kelvin tie knot

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Most guys know 2 of the 4 common knots. Some combination of Four in Hand, Half Windsor, Windsor, and a few may even know the Pratt. Those knots will all work great for your standard ties of the 80's and 90's when we were taught them. These ties were wider and mostly all of them were smooth silk.

These days guys like variety in their ties. Different textures, different fabrics. Once abhorred by sartorialists, these days a guy wearing a narrow cotton tie looks great at his boss's barbeque. A textured wool tie can take some of the Wall Street edge off of your suit for the office, and transition perfectly for a less casual atmosphere out on the town.

  

Pictures and Words by Andrew Snavely
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The problem is, with the combination of skinnier ties and thicker fabrics, our old standby knots don't give us the results we need.

The Kelvin

Perfect for a cotton, 2.5 inch tie. Most guys will default to a Four in Hand, for the casual asymmetrical look, however because of the slimmer tie, a four in hand knot will create a very, very small knot. To make up for this, we use The Kelvin knot: A variation on the Four in Hand which adds size, without bulk.

 

» How to Tie a Kelvin Tie Knot

how to tie a kelvin tie knot
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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.