The Mystery of the Windsor Tie Knot revealed. Learn how to tie the most fashionable tie knot

The Windsor Tie knotting diagram and lesson link is below - You are welcome to print the diagram for later use if you like ( drawn in reverse for mirror viewing )

The Duke of Windsor was given credit for the stylish necktie knot that was so attractive it caused a fashion phenomenon that more than 70 year later still has heads turning. The most popular necktie knot "The Windsor Knot" was named after the Duke of Windsor against his wishes. Folklore has it that his father King George V passed down this very stylish tie knot along with the crown jewels.

His unique tie knotting was confusing as illustrated in a photographic sequence that has discouraged men from trying it ever since. However, there is an easier way to accomplish this symmetrical and very beautiful necktie knot. What could be one of the greatest hoaxes of last century, save the Beatles and Paul McCartney being dead, the Duke made the tie knotting difficult in the photographic sequence by changing a key move when completing the knot. Presumably, he must have been motivated by the fact that the no one should be so handsome and distinguished as the Blue Blood Royals. The symmetrical shape and that elusive dimple that is nearly impossible with any other tie knotting made it so appealing that it became a fashion craze.

In 1936, after just a one year reign as King of Britain, Edward the VIII abdicated his throne to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson an American divorcee – a women he was rumored to been having an affair with. His brother took his throne and the title of Duke of Windsor was given to him. The dashing gentleman captivated the world with his sacrifice of the throne for love. During the Paparazzi media frenzy he sported the symmetrical necktie knot that American journalists adorned and inadvertently gave him credit for.

The never waning fascination with the Royal Family, especially in America, and the scandal that enveloped two people in love became a modern day fairy tale of sorts. With honor and great character the Duke of Windsor followed his heart and showed the World what was most important to him. To abandon and ignore his love to be King would not have been possible for him. No doubt there were few women alive that were not spellbound by their romance and the Dukes charm. It was just as perfect a medicine as possible that the weary World needed as the great depression continued.

Fashion and style sometimes has a unique origin, If the Duke of Windsor had never fallen in love with a married American woman the tie knot that only a few select gentlemen were accustom to may never have become discovered. In the corporate World and in the sales room or car dealership car lots the real shakers and movers tie the Windsor. In fact, at a job interview you may not get past the greeting hand shake very easily if your tie knot does not have symmetry. And as far as love goes women just seem become intrigued a lot faster if that adorable dimple in the fabric is just so elegantly revealing itself. Ties are the only thing that a man can wear to express himself artistically unless of course you are a rapper and your pants are hanging so low that your buttocks crack is visible and as well your boxers. That is a different kind of expression though, one that will have mixed reactions. For sure it is safer to go with a tie and the Windsor.

The easy instructions to mastering the Windsor Tie Knot is below

When you tie this knot this way it goes on and off easy - no inner knot remains when you loosen this knot by carefully pulling the knot down the narrow tie length. Step # 7 & 8 are going the opposite direction from how the Duke of Windsor demonstrated it in 1936. That reverse of direction makes the difference. Hoax, or just a way to complicate the steps so not every man could look as handsome as the "Blue Bloods" the awkward necktie knot is easily tied now if you have our diagram.

The wide blade of the tie does all of the work. Start by turning your collar up and drape the tie over your neck with the wide tie blade near your knee. ( this will calibrate the length of the tie so the wide blade covers your waist band when you are finished ). The tie's slip stitching is against your chest with the front or face of the tie showing. You may need to practice several times so you are starting at the right point. Carefully fold the tie without twisting and after the final step just draw the knot up to your collar while holding the narrow blade of the tie. This diagram is reversed so you can tape it to a mirror and follow it step by step. In no time at all you will master this refined gentleman’s necktie knot and have a greater respect for the way you dress.

by Jeffrey Hunter