The Ultimate Tartan Tie Style Guide

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Stewart Hunting Weathered Tartan Tie
Albany Bow Tie

Where did the tie originate?

There are different opinions regarding the origin of the necktie. As one of the earliest predecessors, the Roman necktie from around 200AD is most frequently referenced. It depicts a Roman legionnaire bearing a cloth around his neck. It was probably used both as a protection against the cold and as a handkerchief. The history of the modern necktie has its origin in France. However, it is not a French invention but something that the Croatian soldiers used during the Thirty Year War.

How should you tie your tartan tie?

Have you just bought yourself a new plaid neck tie and feeling a bit stumped on how you should tie it? Well not to worry, as we bring you 5 different ways you can tie a blade neck tie. That's almost one for each day of the week!

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The Four In Hand Knot

The four in hand knot is today's most popular tie knot and has become a menswear staple. It ticks all the boxes as it's very easy to tie as well as being both stylish and comfortable. The knot works really well if you have a shorter neck, as it is quite narrow and elongated, which helps to stretch the perceived height of the neck. If you aren't familiar with this knot, then check out our helpful guide.

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The Pratt Knot

The Pratt knot is a medium sized knot, somewhere between the size of the Four in hand knot and the Windsor knot . Due to it's size this is quite a versatile knot and will work well with most dress shirts.

The Pratt knot is a great knot for perfecting the tie dimple, a style statement and the final detail to top off any outfit. This finishing touch conveys that you are someone who really cares about the details. Head to our guide for the steps to tying a Pratt Knot.

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The Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is inspired by the Duke of Windsor in the 1930's and this popular tie knot is now described as a tie knot that projects confidence. The right combination of shirt collar and tie knot can add the perfect finishing touches to your outfit and this style is best suited to a spread shirt collar. Looking for a step-by-step guide on how to create this knot? Then head to the Tartan Blog.

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The Oriental Knot

The Oriental Knot is very simple to tie and has less steps to learn than many other popular tie knots, perfect if you are just starting to explore the world of tie tying. The Oriental Knot is hugely popular across Asia but is relativity unknown in the West so this is your chance to set a new trend. Head to the Tartan Blog to find out how to tie this knot.

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The Half Windsor Knot

It is believed that the Half Windsor knot was originally created as a way of simplifying the slightly more advance Windsor Knot. The Half Windsor started to gain popularity in the 1950's, worn with the grey business suits of the time. Interestingly, the knot isn't actually half the size of the Windsor Knot, but closer to 3/4 the size instead.

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The Self Tie Bow Tie

The Self Tie Bow Tie is becoming a lot less common these days, as the pre-tied Bow Tie is so readily available, however there are still reasons to choose a Self Tie Bow Tie. The first one being that the skill of tying a bow tie is one that will be useful for life. Just like learning how to ride a bike, once you have mastered it you will never forget. Secondly the self tie is very versatile, giving you the flexibility to style your piece of plaid in whichever way you choose. And of course it is very cool to be able to show off that you can tie a bow tie! Learn this special skill with our easy to follow guide.

Matching Accessories

If you're looking for some accessories to style with your tie then we have quite the collection for you. You can have them custom made in a plaid to match your tie, or if you're feeling bold then go for a contrasting tartan to really make a statement.

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