Plain Knot
Plain Knot is a basic way of tying a necktie in which the wide blade is wrapped around the narrow blade to form a slightly elongated, asymmetrical knot.
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Definition and Overview
Plain knot is a way of tying a necktie that is generally also called the four-in-hand knot. The knot is relatively small, giving a neat vertical impression. It is used widely from business wear to semi-formal wear, and is a basic necktie knot.
Shape and Knot Structure
Wrap the wide blade around the front and back of the narrow blade to make a loop, then pass it through the loop at the neck and tighten it. The knot is close to a triangular shape, but it is not easily symmetrical, and its slight asymmetry is a defining feature. Making a dimple under the knot gives it a three-dimensional look.
When tightening, fasten the shirt to the top button and align the knot so it sits where the gap at the collar is not visible. The tip of the wide blade is generally adjusted to end around belt level. Adjust the length before tying so that the narrow blade does not end up longer than the wide blade.
Relationship Between Materials and Finish
Silk and other supple ties with moderate thickness tend to make the knot easier to shape and the dimple easier to create. On the other hand, thick fabric, ties with a hard interlining, and wide ties produce a bulkier knot, so it is important to check the tightness.
Thin, slippery materials may cause the knot to loosen or lose its shape. Tightening the knot too much can cause wrinkles or changes in sheen in the fabric, so after wearing, untie it and let it rest flat.
Outfit Pairing and Use
Plain knot pairs easily with regular-collar and semi-wide-collar shirts, and is suitable for suit styles, jacket styles, and business settings. Because it creates a small knot, for shirts with a wide collar spread, check the balance with the volume of the knot.
For daytime business and semi-formal wear, it is an easy knot to use with solid, small-pattern, and understated striped ties. However, depending on the invitation requirements or venue customs, evening formal wear may call for a different outfit such as a bow tie.
Differences from Similar Terms
The Windsor knot is a method that wraps more times than the plain knot, creating a more symmetrical knot with width and thickness. The plain knot differs in that it makes a smaller, slightly asymmetrical knot.
Hand tying refers to the overall method of tying a tie on the wearer, rather than a pre-shaped tie. Plain knot is one type of knot made by hand tying. A bow tie is a different kind of accessory that spreads horizontally at the neck, and it is not a normal necktie knot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which collar styles of shirts does the plain knot suit?
It is an easy knot to match with shirts that have a standard collar spread, such as regular collars and semi-wide collars. With a wide collar, the knot may look small, so check the balance between the tie's thickness and the collar spread.
How do you choose between the plain knot and the Windsor knot?
The plain knot is suitable when you want a neat knot or when matching a shirt with a standard collar. The Windsor knot may be used when you want the knot to make a stronger statement or when pairing it with a shirt that has a relatively wide collar spread.
How do you make a dimple in the knot?
Before tightening the wide blade at the end, use your finger to make a shallow crease on the underside of the knot, and tighten while keeping that shape. Tightening too strongly may damage the fabric, so adjust the force according to the thickness and slipperiness of the material.
