Tie knots

Hi and Welcome. I would say all of the above but dont forget to add the thickness of the liner as well. Additionaly, remember that Europeans like to tie the ties shorter than we in America so what happens is that thicker part of the tie (closer to the bottom wide end) will be used thereby allowing for a thicker knot. Edit: Not sure how the four in hand knot which is pretty much the least involving (once around, up and through) would make a really thick knot unless it was really short and/or really thickly lined. JJF

This site might help: http://www.tie.com/knots.htm

Try the Prince Albert knot, which is essentially the four-in-hand with one extra time around with the tie when tying. It will give you the four-in-hand shape but with some added thickness.

Yeah... the "Pratt" as it's called on the link above would explain much of what you've seen in Europe. In London, I've heard it called "Italian Style" knot... and for a while, it was something you saw a lot of in The City -- and certainly on New Bond St in places like E. Zegna and Pal Z. Designers like interno 8 also sell ties of incredible thickness, which -- even if you use a simple 4-in-hand -- gives rise to a knot about the size of one's fist. Quite the look -- if you can pull it off; I never could... LJVA

I've pulled the look off, of course one requires a shark-fin collar to allow for all the extra tie room, but it can be done. Jon.

Sometime in the last year there was an article in Details magazine about how to tie a big Italian knot. I meant to save it, but I don't think I did. I'll take another look. I've never actually tried it even though I understand it's been the big thing in Europe for the past few years.

I have always thought that a lot of these big looking knots are actually very loose four-in-hands. I remember seeing footage of Zidane sporting what certainly looked to be an extermely sloppy (and large) four-in-hand at the FIFA World Player of the Year award gala last year. I am not sure if this type of knot is exactly what you are referring to, but I seem to notice an increasing number of footballers wearing it. Here is a picture of Zidane at the event: Zidane/FIFA

I believe he indicated that he used a standard four-in-hand with an additional wrap before going up and down..

Yes, juucerman, this is a standard knot for the "big and tall" who need a bit more amplitude in the knot--but who recoil at the dread "Reagan doorknob."

Looks like I saved that article from Details. It was from August 2003. I scanned it. Here you go: You should probably save a copy of this image.

How is that different from a Prince Albert knot?

This guy claims he invented the knot... yeah right.

Hey...Maybe he IS prince Albert Incognito... JJF

Oh, and the tie won't necessarily be short with this knot. Mine never are. Of course if you're tall or have a shorter tie, maybe, but I've never had an issue with it.