There are lots of great resources out there to help you learn different knots. But how do you know which knot to use with a skinny tie?

Here are some things to keep in mind.

1) You want your look to be sleek and modern.

2) You don’t want a bulky knot that will overwhelm your tie or the more narrow collars needed to wear a skinny tie.

3) You want something simple.

While the Half-Windsor and other common knots might suit your purposes well, the best knot to wear with a skinny tie is the four-in-hand. This knot is simple and small, fitting with both the shape and look of the skinny tie. Here’s a handy YouTube video from tieatie showing you how to accomplish the four-in-hand knot.

Skinny ties can either make you look inexpressibly cool or awkwardly geeky. How do you make sure you fall on the right side of the spectrum? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1) Know what looks best on you: skinny ties work best on skinny frames. If you have a lot of bulk, you might want to stay away from anything less than 3 inches. Otherwise, the skinniness of the tie is too pronounced and might end up looking awkward or making you look huge.

2) If you’re dressing for a situation that requires a suit jacket, don’t just grab your dad’s hand-me-downs from the back of your closet. Pick a jacket with a modern fit, and make sure the lapels are not too much bigger than the tie.

A green skinny tie

3) Likewise, stay away from dress shirts with thick collars. Keep it simple. Skinny ties make for a modern, hip look – the goal is to be smooth and well-put together.

4) To that end, make sure the rest of your clothes fit well. Avoid baggy clothes or anything that makes you look too rumpled or too casual. (See Jonah Hill for an example of how not to wear a skinny tie at a formal event).

5) Finally, with skinny ties, length is important. Aim for a couple inches above your belt buckle.

The skinny tie may have its roots in the 1960s, but revivals in the 1980s and 2000s have updated the style. Take a look at some of the famous skinny tie fashions in more recent times…which one inspires you?

The 80s

The new wave 80s look…notice the shorter skinny ties.

Ah, Rick Springfield. So pastel.

Michael Jackson, too…

The 2000s

Recent years have brought a sleeker, less pastel look to the skinny tie.

Patrick Dempsey rocks it with a striped skinny tie.

David Beckham with a very classy and upscale skinny tie-look:

I also like Zac Efron’s checkered shirt on the cover of GQ.

Even the teenage generation is getting into the look. Check out Justin Bieber’s skinny tie in this picture from the Grammys.

Image Credit: MarieClaire.com, aceshowbiz.com, islandevents.com,

tubamindfreak.blogspot.com, manolomen.com, myrelationshipwithfootball.com

The skinny tie is back in, but it certainly hasn’t breached the popularity of its heyday, the 1960s.

The “Rat Pack:” Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop graced stages and screens across the country. Originally, the name was given to a group of actors centered around Humphrey Bogart, including Frank Sinatra. After Bogart’s death, the new “Rat Pack” emerged, though they called themselves “the clan” or “the summit.” The group had a falling out regarding JFK and Sinatra’s ties to the Mafia, but they partially reunited for a tour in the late eighties. They were always dressed well.

Here’s another group of skinny-tie wearers you might recognize:

‘Nuff said. Notice George’s skinny tie with the square end. These don’t seem to be popular now, but they definitely were back in the day.

Sean Connery could make James Bond look good in anything, from his square leg swim suit to the typical Bond attire: slim fitting, conservative suit, slim tie, occasionally a white handkerchief in the pocket. This set pic from the 1962 film Dr. No features one of the first Bond girls, Zena Marshall. Not the first to be seduced by Bond, she was the first to try and betray him. Bond caught her, of course.

When looking at this picture, I can’t keep from wishing modern presidents were a little more…stylish. Yes, I realize one poll voted him “Most Stylish Man.” But c’mon, striped red or blue ties get old.

Ties were by no means part of Elvis’ default wardrobe. As you can imagine, his clothes were typically a little more extravagant. With more popped collars. Nevertheless, the combination of the sleekness of his dress with the rawness of a Harley captures Elvis’ appeal.

Rat Pack photo credit: Loehmanns

Beatles photo credit: Guitarmasterclass

Bond photo credit: Cinema Retro

JFK photo credit: Esquire

Elvis photo credit: SkyBird

This guest article was written by Stephanie Snay.

Ok, guys, I have to say, skinny ties are sexy. And they seem to go well with any look or style. If you’re perfectly and awkwardly adorable like Michael Cera, then you should wear a skinny tie. If you’re more of a manly dudebro, then you should wear a skinny tie. I’m telling you, they go with any style. Skinny ties are known to add a certain geek/chic look. In my opinion, they instantly make you look cooler, more mod, more clean, more put together, etc. In a room full of well-dressed men, most attention would be paid to those rocking the skinny tie.

They can be worn for more of a casual look…

Or more formal…

Whatever the occasion, guys, get a skinny tie. Your girlfriends will appreciate it.

Photo Credit: vstyleblog.com, theage.com.au

Robert Pattinson

Everywhere you look these days, there’s a man in a skinny tie, whether it’s Robert Pattinson, Brad Pitt, David Boreanaz, or Justin Timberlake. But pulling off this look might seem a little tricky – how do you keep it cool and suave and avoid looking like you’re trying too hard?

Don’t worry – we’re here to help you out with the background, tips, and inspiration needed to pull off this oh-so-modern-and-hip look.

Let’s start with the basics:

What makes a skinny tie?

A normal-width tie

Since neckties evolved from the French cravats of the 17th century, the width of the accessory has varied, stretching from barely an inch thick to a ridiculously-wide five inches.  Today, the typical tie  is approximately 3.5 inches wide.

A 2" Skinny Tie

In the 1950s, celebrities such as The Rat Pack and The Beatles were the first to make skinnier ties popular, and in recent years, the style has returned. Most skinny ties now are between 2 and 2.5 inches thick, though some people take it even skinnier.

The result is an updated look that adds a lot more personality and youth to boring old business attire – plus, depending on the style and width of your skinny tie, you can pull off different looks that range from fashion-wise to completely edgy.

Want to learn more? Check out our other articles for advice and insight into making the skinny-tie look your own!

Image Credit: GQ.com