Are you a guy that loves the Four-in-Hand necktie knot, but you need something that looks great with your spread collar?
Gentlemen, today I’ve got the perfect knot for you. Today, we’re going to learn how to tie the Grantchester knot.
The Grantchester knot has the look of the Four-in-Hand, but with the size of the Full Windsor, so you have the perfect knot for balancing a full spread collar or a larger physique.
This particular knot uses a lot of fabric, so unless you’re a shorter man, you may want to use a longer than average length necktie.
So it’s definitely worth a try (especially if you have a larger chest). Keep on reading for the step-by-step instructions for tying the Grandchester knot.
Click Here To Watch The Video – The Grantchester Necktie Knot Style
Summary Of The Grantchester Knot
- Size: Large
- Symmetry: No
- Level of difficulty: Medium
- Formality: Business or social settings
- Recommended collars: Full spread collars, cutaway collars
- Most suitable for: Men with larger torsos
Grantchester Knot – History
The Grantchester knot is part of a family of “inside-out” knots – where the tie is initially draped around the collar with its seam (back side) exposed instead of hidden. The final stage conceals the seams of the ends by facing them toward each other, while the rest of the tie is covered by the collar.
The history of the name is unclear. Thomas Fink and Yong Mao have used the knot in their mathematical study on neckties, The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie. And like a number of necktie knots – the name could’ve come from a town in England near Cambridge, where Fink and Mao studied.
Grantchester Knot – Description And Use
The Grantchester is a pretty large knot – similar to the Windsor in thickness but slightly shorter in height. It’s also notable for having the same asymmetrical shape as the four-in-hand.
So in this case, you’ll have to use a relatively thin necktie to keep it from getting too bulky. You’ll also want a tie that’s longer than the average necktie so as to provide more allowance (unless you’re a shorter guy).
Grantchester Knot – Step By Step
- Drape the necktie around your collar with the seam outward and the thick end on your left, 4-5 inches lower than your desired finishing position.
- Cross the thick end underneath the thin end, forming an X.
- Wrap the thick end across the front of the thin end, going horizontally from right to left.
- Then wrap the thick end from left to right behind the thin end.
- Now wrap the thick end across the front from right to left. Use a finger to hold the horizontal band you’ve just made in place.
- Slip the thick end of the tie under the loop around your collar.
- Flip the thick end down and let it hang in front of the knot. Keep using your finger to hold the band in place.
- Wrap the thick end behind the knot from right to left.
- Wrap the thick end around the front of the knot from left to right and insert a finger under the horizontal band you’ve created.
- Bring the thick end through the loop around your collar from underneath.
- Feed the thick end down through the horizontal band, snug it down and tease the corners of the knot out into an even shape.
Looking for a simple diagram that breaks out this process in one simple to understand image? Click here to find my stylish man's infographic.
The Grantchester Knot – Additional Reminders
- Adjust the tie by gripping the knot with one hand while pulling gently on the thin end with the other.
- The finished knot should be large, slightly slanted at the top, and snug against the collar. It looks best with a full or reasonably wide spread collar (while thicker ties may need a large cutaway spread).
- A properly tied Grantchester is a conservative knot. It works well for business and formal events. It’s also a great option if you’re comfortable with a four-in-hand but you need to use up some extra necktie length.
Gentlemen, that’s it. The Grantchester necktie knot is the perfect knot choice for pairing with the spread collar no matter what the occasion. Now it's time to learn one of the other 17 ways of tying a tie, by checking out our article. You'll be a professional in no time!
