Four In Hand Knot Tying Guide - How To Tie Four-In-Hand Knots 2024

The Four In Hand Knot.

It's the first knot you should learn.

And it's the most popular tie knot.

Why?

Because it's simple.

And it's easy.

So do you know how to tie it? Today I'm going to show you how with our one-stop-guide to the Four In Hand Knot. I'll also teach you the history of the necktie and show you where the Four In Hand Knot got its unusual name. Don't forget – once you've learned this knot, there are 18 others you can master. Read on to find out how…

Summary Of The Four in Hand Knot

Size: Small
Symmetry: No
Difficulty: Easy
Formality: Business appropriate
Recommended Collars: Point collars, button-down collar

#1. The History Of The Necktie

Let's start with some history. No one is certain as to why neckties began. It is possible that the necktie got its start as an extension of tribal beads which were believed to provide protection against disease.

These beads later evolved into neck scarves which have been found molded onto terra cotta soldiers in ancient Chinese tombs.

Later the Roman Legions used ribbons called focalium tied around their necks to help identify themselves in battle.

In the Roman Senate, orators would often tie strips of wool around their necks to warm their vocal cords before an important speech.

Decorative neck wear, however, likely descends from Croatian mercenaries.

In 1636, after the Croatians helped Austria defeat Turkey, King Louis XIV invited these men to Paris to celebrate. While visiting France, the Croatians tied colorful scarves around their necks and the trend stuck.

The Parisians referred to the scarves as la cravate, the French word for Croat.

#2. Four In Hand Knot – Description

The Four In Hand Knot is probably today’s most popular necktie knot. It's also known as the ‘schoolboy knot' because it's simple, easy to master and is usually the knot we use first when learning how to tie a tie.

The Four In Hand Knot is asymmetrical, narrow and is best suited to narrow spread shirts and smart casual events.

This knot derives its name from the four-horse carriage. The knot resembles the way the carriage driver would knot his reins thus keeping four horses in hand or four in hand.

It was popularized by the Four In Hand driving club in London which was founded in 1856 for the purpose ‘recreational carriage driving'. The Four In Hand Club is no more (there's no longer a lot of call for carriage-driving) but this simple knot lives on and is as popular as ever.

#3. Four In Hand Knot – When To Wear

First, examine the collar of the dress shirt. One sign of a truly well-dressed gentleman is that he knows how to match his tie knot with his collar style.

Are the points narrow or wide spread? The Four In Hand Knot works well with narrow spread collars – those with collar points which angle 60 degrees or less. Button down collars also work well with the four-in-hand.

If the collar spread is wider, a knot such as the half Windsor, the Double Windsor or the Shelby may serve better.

Now, examine the proportions of your face and neck. A gentleman with a wide face and neck combination should opt against the small knot of the Four In Hand due to its smaller knot size.

On the other hand, a man with a narrow face or neck will find that the Four In Hand tie knot flatters his proportions nicely.

Lastly, the style of the tie should be taken into account. Traditional patterns, such as clubs or stripes may look best with the Four In Hand knot. In addition, thinner ties wear the four in hand knot the best. Thicker ties, such as ones made in Italian silk, look better with a wide triangular knot such as the Full Windsor.

#4. Four In Hand Knot – Step By Step

With your collar up, loop the tie around your neck so the thick end hangs to the left. It should be 3 or 4 inches lower than the thin end.
Cross the thick end over the thin end to form an ‘X' shape.
Take the thick end and wrap it around and behind the thin end. The thick end should now be inside out.
Bring the thick end around and across the front of the knot from left to right.
Holding the thin end with one hand, pull the thick end upwards through the neck loop.
Feed the thick end down through the tie knot.
Pull on the thick end to achieve your desired knot size.

Bonus Tip – Between steps 6 and 7, create a dimple under the knot in your necktie by gently pressing in with your index finger. Pinch the sides of the knot with your thumb and middle finger and squeeze them together as you pull the knot tight. The dimple creates a look of sophistication that finishes the overall portrait of your neck-wear.

If you've done this right, the end of your tie should just overhang your belt and end at the middle of your belt buckle.

Looking to view this infographic on it's own? Click here to be taken to a page dedicated to the four in hand knot infographic.

The Four In Hand Knot is the easiest knot to learn and is appropriate for most occasions. But don't stop there! Now you've mastered this knot, it's time to broaden your skills. Try your hand at one of these classic tie knots.