A Groom’s Guide to Ties and Knots

For the Groom

A Groom’s Guide to Ties and Knots

From the dapper and suave to the casual and laid-back groom, there’s a tie option to suit every groom-to-be’s style. OurWedding brings you the options.

The full Windsor

This is the most common knot men choose to tie their ties – it is a full, wide knot that is suitable for all occasions, including your wedding day. You probably always thought you were doing the right thing by flipping your collar up right? Well, wrong – apparently flipping the collar can damage the collar’s perfect crease, so instead, just slip your tie under the collar and slide it up once you’ve mastered the knot.

The skinny tie

The skinny tie is younger at heart and more modern than the conventional tie. It has increased in popularity lately, and its strength is in its simplicity. To pull of this look seamlessly, make sure the knot of your tie is proportionate to the length of the collar points – shorter points give off a more modern look, which better complements the simplicity of a skinny tie. Finish off your sleek look with a sharp tie pin a la Don Draper.

The Bow tie

The bow tie is the pinnacle of vintage chic – its partly sophisticated, partly preppy look can easily be adapted to suit the style of any groom. Wear a bright one for a pop of colour on a pale suit, a patterned one with a suave suit or a classic black bow tie for a sharp look, unless you’re the adventurous type and can see yourself saying ‘I do’ in a sequined or velvet number.

The under-the-vest Ascot

The ascot, or cravat, is a timeless option for a groom and a very dapper look. Considered casual wear at the start of the 20th century, it’s made a successful comeback in men’s fashion and one of the primary choices for grooms. You can choose to wear the ascot more casually with a loose knot or tighten the knot for a more formal look. If you’re wearing a waistcoat, we suggest you tighten the knot on your ascot.

The under-the-shirt Ascot

If you’ve booked your wedding for July or August, when you’re almost certainly due to experience sweltering heat, this is the tie you want to go for. It is a more casual, loose-fitting ascot, best worn with a slightly unbuttoned shirt. The casualness of the open shirt and loose tie complement each other perfectly.