It’s amazing that men’s fashion sense is something that can be passed on from one generation to another.
For men, some clothing and accessory staples are kept and handed over to their offspring simply because these items are classic and durable enough to stand the test of time.
And one accessory that has been around not just for years or decades, but for centuries are the old but gold neck ties.
The four-in-hand knot has been recognised to be one of the most ancient knots known to men. But if you have been living under a rock all this time, we will show you why this fast, easy and versatile knot has been an all-time favourite for the men around the world.
What is a Four-in-Hand Knot?
From a scale of one to five, in terms of difficulty, we can say the four-in-hand knot is at one. It is uncomplicated, slender in shape, slightly asymmetrical, and self-releasing.
It was first introduced by British horsemen during the latter part of the 19th century. They tied their scarves using just one hand, while with their other hand they are holding the reigns of four horses pulling the carriage forward. Thus, the name “four-in-hand” came about.
It was also seen back in the ancient Chinese age. The famous Terracotta Warriors were wearing scarves tied in a four-in-hand knot. But it was only in the 17th century when it was recognised as a fashion statement when Croatian mercenaries wore this style of knot to visit King Louis XIII at his palace in France.
Despite its long history, the four-in-hand knot has gained worldwide popularity and is still being used today primarily because of its simplicity and versatility.
How to Style a Four-in-Hand Knot
Since this type of knot registers a slim and a slight asymmetric shape, this will look elegant in both corporate and social settings.
Opt for narrow collared shirt only when using this style of knot. This will avoid visible gaps between the knot and the collar of the shirt.
This will also be perfect for standard size and thick neck ties since it has a small knot to balance out the shape.
For formal business events, it is appropriate to use bold and solid colours to keep the vibe strict and professional.
But if you want to wear it on a more relaxed and festive gathering, you can freely use ties with colourful and playful patterns.
Just like how easy it is to find the right style of tie for this knot, the four-in-hand knot can also be achieved within a minute. We will show you how:
How to Tie a Four-in-Hand Knot
- Place your tie around your neck with the wide end on the right and the narrow end on the left. Make sure the narrow end is positioned higher than the wide end then cross it over the narrow end towards the left.
- Then cross it again underneath the narrow end going to the right.
- Cross it over again the narrow end towards the left.
- Pull it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Pass it down through the small loop you have created in the know and pull it down to fasten the knot and reveal the wide end in front.
- You can now slide the knot up and down based on your preference.
Amazing job! You now have a four-in-hand knot.
With its distinct and fuss-free look, the four-in-hand knot has gained popularity as a staple boardroom attire. It is straightforward and polished making it appealing during business meetings or client presentations.
If you’re a novice tie wearer, the four-in-hand knot is perfect for you. As simple as it is, this will be an amazing way to practice your skills as you advance to more intricate type of knots.
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