July 17th, 2007How Not to Tie a Windsor Knot
Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to wear a suit more often, and each time, I have had to watch a video about how to tie a necktie. I really don’t see why this is so hard for me to grasp, considering how I can envision multi-dimensional data warehouses and then sit down to hammer out the structures within the space of a few hours … but this tutorial on VideoJug has saved me on more than one occasion.
What I have trouble with, though, is not the video … but the reflection in the mirror. I have done my best to follow the instructions shown, but for some reason I just can’t get the darn thing to look exactly like they show on VideoJug. Perhaps this is why clip-ons are so popular.
I know it’s only a matter of time and practise before I can do this properly but, until then, I’ll forever be self-conscious about what people might think of the tie.
Clip-ons are out of the question, as I’ve never seen anyone in Japan use these. Do you have any tips that I could try? Is there some class that I could attend that would teach the nuances of such a simple thing?
What I have trouble with, though, is not the video … but the reflection in the mirror. …
Do you have any tips that I could try?
Background - I never ever wore a tie .. until I was 18. Found myself in Boot Camp where some very particular Drill Instructors were adamant that I learn to tie a Windsor the Marine Corps way.
Needless to say I was very motivated to get it right.
So .. I’ve been doing that particular task going on 22 years. I just thought about it and I no longer have any recollection of a learning curve. I put it on, followed the directions, no doubt received some guidance (Sir, yes Sir!) but .. if it was difficult .. I don’t remember.
My advice is simple; stop looking in the mirror.
I can’t imagine looking at myself in a mirror and doing it right. I tie it up, make sure the length is right, check the bit at the top in the mirror and .. it’s done.
I’d say don’t sweat it too much. It’s like wearing the suit itself - if you’re worried about it, it’s going to show and it will wear badly. Don’t sweat it and it wears just fine.
Hmm … can it be that easy?
I’ll certainly give this a shot
Thanks, Brian. It was that easy
Once I stopped analyzing every little thing about how it’s done, the tie went on as smooth as the silk it’s made from.
Now it’s time to go win that career position!
Once I stopped analyzing every little thing about how it’s done, the tie went on as smooth as the silk it’s made from.
Hooray! Muscle memory rules.
That’s a good video. I’ll give the Windsor a try tomorrow!
This video has certainly paid for itself (not that it cost me anything), as it’s been my template for Windsor’s. Just be sure to follow Brian’s advice and not use a mirror until after you’re done. It’ll save lots of hassle
wow, was it really the mirror that was messing with you? i’ve been able to tie ties on myself and i recall always looking down at it, not into a mirror… i wonder if i looked in the mirror if i would stump myself… not that i’d ever need to wear a tie since, well, i’m a girl…