Learn to Tie a Double Tie Knot The Easy Way With Oliver Wicks
The Double Knot is an elegant, understated tie knot with a little panache and a lot of style. It’s also surprisingly easy to tie, so it’s great for people newer to the world of stylish knots to try out. If you are already familiar with the Four-in-Hand knot, one of the basic tie knots we recommend every man should know, then you’ll recognize many of the steps. In fact, the Double Knot is sometimes called the Double Four-In-Hand or the Prince Albert Knot. Here are some pro tips from the experts at Oliver Wicks on how to make this easy, yet stylish, knot on your own. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, at custom@oliverwicks.com.
The History of the Double Knot
The Prince Albert tie knot is named for the beloved husband and consort of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert himself. Ironically, we have absolutely zero evidence of him having anything to do with it!
It’s likely it was simply someone’s extra take on the Four-in-Hand knot, and grew from there. There’s a long history of naming ties for royalty, imparting a little extra suave and sophistication to the idea, so that’s likely all there is to it. Still, it’s a nice, subtle knot with a little difference, so the history doesn’t really matter, right?
When Should I Wear the Double Knot?
The double knot is a great professional tie knot that you can take almost anywhere. As it dresses down to a smaller knot nicely, you can use it effectively with shirts that have a narrow collar, and it allows you to shake some variety into a Four-in-Hand, Half-Windsor, or Windsor rotation. It’s toned-down, but well-rounded, and will fit into almost any scenario with ease.
It’s relatively easy to tie, too, and doesn’t have the sharp learning curve of many other tie knots. So, if you’re a little intimidated to start learning new ways to tie a tie, give this one a try!
- Collar: It can be used on a wide range of collars, but narrow collars do suit it best.
- Knot size: This is a medium tie knot. Many gentlemen prefer a knot that can be dressed down to a more compact size, and the double knot is a perfect candidate for this.
- Symmetry: The Double knot is asymmetrical, but pleasing to the eye.
- Best used: This is a versatile knot that looks sophisticated enough for formal occasions, but transitions equally well to business casual and lunch dates. Think low-key flair, subdued but classy.
- Pair with: A chunky tie, like a grenadine, works great with this tie knot, as it’s a slender and small one on its own and can use the bulk well. If it’s knitted fabric, make sure it’s a finer weave, though, or the knot may be too chunky. It’s also great for longer ties (or shorter guys) as the double loop eats up a lot of tie. Whether or not you like a pattern on the asymmetry will depend on your tastes, but it can look great. Avoid lightweight ties and skinny ties since they don’t have the flair needed.
How Do I Tie the Double Knot?
It’s time to get tying! You’ll soon be a master of the Double knot. We know it’s sometimes easier to see someone do it with you, so we included this helpful mirrored video for you to follow along, too.
Preparing to Tie a Double Knot
Before attempting any tie knot, make sure to fasten your shirt correctly, as you would wear it - as the Oliver Wicks team says, find The Fit That Suits You! Then, you can pop your collar and lift the stiffened area so you can better work around your neck. Drape the tie around your neck, with the thinner tail end on the left and the other to the right. For this tie, make sure the head is significantly lower than the tail. It should be about a foot (12 inches) lower, but you might play with this a little over time, depending on the final knot you want. Of course, the back or seam side should be face down on your shirt.
How to Tie A Double Knot
When tying the Double, or Prince Albert knot, keep a steady hand and don’t pull too tight. Remember that this is already a tight, smaller knot, so you don’t want it to look stingy and too tight when you’re done. It can be fluffed out a little if necessary, but it’s better to leave just a little slack and tighten it up at the end as required.
- Now it’s time to take the wide end over the narrow side.
- Wrap it smoothly behind the narrow end, and pull straight to the side.
- You now have the wide end ‘caught’ around the narrow, held straight to the side it was originally on.
- Place two of your fingers on the point of intersection to hold a little band or loop open as you cross it back over the same point again.
- Take it around the back once more. So, you’ve effectively done the same thing twice, with your fingers still holding open that little loop at the second cross point.
- Once again, wrap it over that point. Do not remove your fingers.
- This time, guide the head up the back of the knot and through at the neck.
- Pull it through the opening you’ve been holding and pull straight down.
- Now grasp the narrow end gently and push the knot up to sit comfortably in your collar.
- Adjust it as needed. Take your time here - This is the important finishing touch!
While the Double knot is easy in itself, it can take a little practice to get the tension and overall look right. So don’t give up if you need to practice a little! With time, you’ll soon have a classic, elegant knot that’s perfect for work and play. It’s practical, yet a little eye-catching, so it’s worth learning to do properly.
Are you a fan of different tie knots, or do you prefer to stick to one practical knot you can do well? The Oliver Wicks team loves helping men discover how fun styling can be, so don’t be afraid to reach out to us if you’re looking for tips, advice, or the perfect tie for any occasion.
If you’re after a practical guide, with instructional videos, we’d suggest creating an account on our site (free of charge, with no purchase obligations). Here you’ll be able to access our measurement videos, which walk you through every step of measuring in an easy-to-follow process that can have you measured from head to toe in 15-minutes or less.
To learn more, check out the links in this article for more in-depth resources on sizing and measurements from Oliver Wicks.