“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
Who said this?
Oscar Wilde – the late poet and playwright
(who wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray)
What does that tell us? It represents a number of truths.
- Style matters as you grow up
- Ties are powerful accessories
- Tying a tie is a valuable skill
So if a world-renowned author believes neckties are an important part of life, he’s probably right! And any good tie requires a nice knot – just like the Hanover. This one is perfect for larger men too, because it brings out their proportions. Check out this guide to tying this elegant knot, so you’ll get to stand out like a boss.
Although it takes several steps to complete, the Hanover isn’t a particularly difficult knot. Most of these steps are simply repetitions or inversions of the same turning pattern. If you can tie a Half-Windsor, you’ll have no problem tying a Hanover.
Summary of The Hanover Knot
- Level of difficulty: Medium
- Formality: Business, social (semi-formal at least)
- Recommended collars: Spread collars, cutaway collars
- Most suitable for: Men with wider faces/torsos
#1. Hanover Knot – History
The Hanover Knot supposedly takes its name from the House of Hanover, the royal dynasty which ruled the UK from 1714 to 1901. But there isn’t much evidence that any monarchs during that period actually started it.
And since that period was mostly under the reign of Queen Victoria – this modern necktie style couldn’t have been so popular back then. It’s more likely that the name was based on the mathematical relationship between the Hanover, Windsor, and Half-Windsor knots.
#2. Hanover Knot – Description & Use
The Hanover knot is a large, symmetrical type of necktie knot.
A properly executed Hanover knot forms an equilateral triangle. Its symmetry is very distinct – and we know how humans are naturally drawn to objects that are perfectly shaped.
In business environments, this knot is a strong symbol of status – a great way to heighten your credibility (since you come into the room with a perfect-looking tie on). It can show others that you’re a true professional with a keen eye for detail.
But at the same time – a very large knot of this kind may seem a bit pompous. So you need to figure out the right necktie in order to get a Hanover knot that’s properly framed. For starters: since the knot is rather bulky, you’ll want a nice, flatter tie that doesn’t have much extra length.
As for the dress shirt to wear it with, a wide spread collar is ideal. And because the finished knot displays a large, flat band – this is one necktie style which can work really well in figure or wallpaper patterns.
#3. Hanover Knot – Step By Step
- Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam exposed and the thick end on your left, hanging 4-5 inches lower than the desired finishing position.
- Cross the thick end under the narrow end from left to right, creating an X.
- Bring the thick end across the front of the narrow end from right to left. Hold on to the forming knot with one hand.
- Tuck the thick end up through the loop around your collar.
- Bring the thick end all the way down and tug it through. – but DON’T tuck it through the horizontal band you created in Step 4.
- Bring the thick end around from right to left, crossing behind the knot.
- Flip the thick end upward, passing diagonally in front of the center.
- Feed the thick end down through the loop, and let it emerge from behind the knot – hanging toward your right.
- Bring the thick end horizontally from right to left. This creates a second horizontal band. Slip a finger underneath this band.
- Nex, bring the thick end upward, passing once more from underneath the loop around your collar.
- Bring the thick end down through the horizontal band and snug everything into place.
Click here to view this infographic in its own dedicated article.
Congratulations! You’ve now got a Hanover knot to amp up your style for those special occasions. But while a less formal tie knot tends to be common in casual, social settings – who’s to say you should always follow the herd?
As long as you’re confident enough, you’ll surely impress everyone with your Hanover style regardless of the event. A solid knot like this one brings out the classy gentleman in you. Did you know there are 17 other ways to tie a necktie?
Read this articles lo learn how to tie a tie on someone else.
