Mastering the Outside the Collar Tie Knot: A Style Guide

Amy Jul 20, 2026

The outside the collar tie knot, also known as the "Plow Knot," is a unique and stylish variation of the classic four-in-hand knot. This knot not only adds a touch of elegance to your outfit but also draws attention to your sense of style, making it a popular choice among those looking to stand out in a sea of standard knots.

The Art of the Tie Knot: The Prince Albert.   Slim, slightly asymmetrical, and versatile, the Prince Albert knot pairs best with narrower shirt collars like button-down, point, or narrow to medium spread collars.   Start by aligning the narrow end with your 4th shirt button. This ensures the wide end lands right at your belt line when finished.  Have a successful day! Prince Albert Tie Knot, Pin Collar Shirt Men, Kings Knot Tie, Prince Knot Tie, Mens Ties, Prince Albert Tie Knot History, How To Tie A Prince Albert Knot, Tie Styling, Tie Outfits Men
The Art of the Tie Knot: The Prince Albert. Slim, slightly asymmetrical, and versatile, the Prince Albert knot pairs best with narrower shirt collars like button-down, point, or narrow to medium spread collars. Start by aligning the narrow end with your 4th shirt button. This ensures the wide end lands right at your belt line when finished. Have a successful day! Prince Albert Tie Knot, Pin Collar Shirt Men, Kings Knot Tie, Prince Knot Tie, Mens Ties, Prince Albert Tie Knot History, How To Tie A Prince Albert Knot, Tie Styling, Tie Outfits Men

Characterized by its distinctive profile that sits high on the collar and extends beyond it, the outside the collar tie knot is perfect for those with wider or shorter necks, as it helps to balance proportions. It's also a great choice for those wearing narrower or knitted ties, as it helps to show off the fabric's texture and pattern.

How to Tie a Four in Hand Knot
How to Tie a Four in Hand Knot

Learning the Outside the Collar Tie Knot

Before you dive into learning this knot, it's essential to have a good grasp of the basic four-in-hand knot. The outside the collar tie knot is built upon this foundation, so a solid understanding of the fundamentals is key.

ESSENTIAL TIE KNOTS - Four-in-Hand | Pratt (Shelby) | Half-Windsor | Full Windsor.  • Four-in-Hand - slim, slightly asymmetrical. Best for point and narrow collars.  • Pratt (Shelby) - balanced, medium; works with point & semi-spread collars.  • Half-Windsor - medium-large, formal; ideal for semi-spread collars.  • Full Windsor - largest, most formal; best with wide/full-spread collars.  Save this to never pick the wrong knot for weddings, interviews, or suits.   Tag a friend who still wears ... Necktie Length, Ties To Go With Black Suit, Double Windsor Tie Knot, Different Tie Knots, How To Tie A Necktie, Tie Knots Men, Windsor Tie, Double Windsor, Windsor Knot
ESSENTIAL TIE KNOTS - Four-in-Hand | Pratt (Shelby) | Half-Windsor | Full Windsor. • Four-in-Hand - slim, slightly asymmetrical. Best for point and narrow collars. • Pratt (Shelby) - balanced, medium; works with point & semi-spread collars. • Half-Windsor - medium-large, formal; ideal for semi-spread collars. • Full Windsor - largest, most formal; best with wide/full-spread collars. Save this to never pick the wrong knot for weddings, interviews, or suits. Tag a friend who still wears ... Necktie Length, Ties To Go With Black Suit, Double Windsor Tie Knot, Different Tie Knots, How To Tie A Necktie, Tie Knots Men, Windsor Tie, Double Windsor, Windsor Knot

Once you're comfortable with the four-in-hand knot, you're ready to embark on your outside the collar tie knot journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this stylish knot.

Steps to Creating the Outside the Collar Tie Knot

Trinity Knot Tie, Flower Knot Tie, Diamond Knot Tie, Big Tie Knot, Intricate Tie Knots, Infinity Knot Tie, Rose Tie Knot, Unique Necktie Knots, Large Tie Knot
Trinity Knot Tie, Flower Knot Tie, Diamond Knot Tie, Big Tie Knot, Intricate Tie Knots, Infinity Knot Tie, Rose Tie Knot, Unique Necktie Knots, Large Tie Knot

The process begins with the standard four-in-hand knot setup. However, instead of bringing the wide end over the front of the existing knot, you'll bring it up and over, creating a loop or "plow" that sits on top of the knot.

Follow this with a twist and a tuck, and finally, a pull-all-the-way-down to secure the knot in place. The result is a knot that sits high on the collar and extends slightly beyond it, creating a distinctive and stylish appearance.

Mastering the Art of the Outside the Collar Tie Knot

Back to Basics Series: How to do a Half Windsor Knot   SAVE THIS POST - You never know when you need to do a tie knot! Formal Attire Fashion, How To Tie A Tie Tutorial, Mannequin Wearing White Shirt And Tie, Mens Formal Outfit Ideas, White Shirt And Tie Style, How To Fix A Tie, How To Fold Tie, How To Knot A Tie For School, How To Properly Tie A Tie
Back to Basics Series: How to do a Half Windsor Knot SAVE THIS POST - You never know when you need to do a tie knot! Formal Attire Fashion, How To Tie A Tie Tutorial, Mannequin Wearing White Shirt And Tie, Mens Formal Outfit Ideas, White Shirt And Tie Style, How To Fix A Tie, How To Fold Tie, How To Knot A Tie For School, How To Properly Tie A Tie

Like any new skill, mastering the outside the collar tie knot takes practice. Start slow,paying close attention to each step. As you become more comfortable with the movements, you'll find that the knot comes together more quickly and naturally.

Patience and practice are key. Don't rush through the steps or try to skip ahead. Take the time to learn the rhythm of this unique knot. With dedication, you'll soon be tying outside the collar tie knots with ease and impressing colleagues and companions alike.

Styling the Outside the Collar Tie Knot

tips to style your tie👔
tips to style your tie👔

Once you've mastered the outside the collar tie knot, it's time to consider how to incorporate it into your wardrobe. This knot is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Here are some styling tips to help you get started.

This knot looks particularly striking when paired with textured or patterned fabrics. Consider a wool or silk tie in a subtle check or stripe pattern. The outside the collar tie knot helps to showcase these textures and patterns, adding visual interest to your outfit.

In Support of Pinned Collars
In Support of Pinned Collars
Perfect tie in one rule: the tip should hit the middle of your belt buckle.  Too short looks unfinished, too long reads sloppy - and don’t let a skinny blade fight a wide lapel or an oversized knot swallow your collar.  This quick men’s tie length guide shows 'how to wear a tie' properly, nail the perfect tie knot, and keep your business attire balanced every time. 👔✨  #menswear #mensstyle #styletips #suitup #thegroomingmantra Different Types Of Ties For Suits, Tie Length For Suit, Suit Tie Types, Suit Tie Length, Tie Guide For Men, Tie Width Chart, Tie Lengths, Tie Length Chart, Mens Suit Style Guide
Perfect tie in one rule: the tip should hit the middle of your belt buckle. Too short looks unfinished, too long reads sloppy - and don’t let a skinny blade fight a wide lapel or an oversized knot swallow your collar. This quick men’s tie length guide shows 'how to wear a tie' properly, nail the perfect tie knot, and keep your business attire balanced every time. 👔✨ #menswear #mensstyle #styletips #suitup #thegroomingmantra Different Types Of Ties For Suits, Tie Length For Suit, Suit Tie Types, Suit Tie Length, Tie Guide For Men, Tie Width Chart, Tie Lengths, Tie Length Chart, Mens Suit Style Guide
Tie
Tie
Knot by Boris Mocka Formal Attire Tie Ideas, How To Tie A Sword In Sheath Knot, Red Tie With Sword In Sheath Knot, Red Tie With Tie Clip, Unique Tie Knot Style, Big Tie Knot, Cross Tie Knot, Fitted Business Ties With Butterfly Knot, Flower Knot Tie
Knot by Boris Mocka Formal Attire Tie Ideas, How To Tie A Sword In Sheath Knot, Red Tie With Sword In Sheath Knot, Red Tie With Tie Clip, Unique Tie Knot Style, Big Tie Knot, Cross Tie Knot, Fitted Business Ties With Butterfly Knot, Flower Knot Tie
Black men Tie
Black men Tie
Rose Ties for the Win 🌹  @kkingurr did it first & I give credit where it’s due 🤏🏽   But I also wanted to show some direction and details of how to achieve this look. I was inspired by his post to try this out myself and I LOVED THE END RESULT 🤩  It’s such a fun, easy, and unique way to utilize your ties because I know y’all be admiring the fit and this is just another reason why the details matter ✨ The more you look at the fit, the more there is to admire.   Get into it yuh 💅 So give it a tr... How To Tie A Tie Into A Rose, Rose Tie Tutorial, Creative Ways To Tie A Tie, Fashion Tie, Style A Tie, Tie Alternatives, Tie Tutorial, Styling Ties, Rose Tie Knot
Rose Ties for the Win 🌹 @kkingurr did it first & I give credit where it’s due 🤏🏽 But I also wanted to show some direction and details of how to achieve this look. I was inspired by his post to try this out myself and I LOVED THE END RESULT 🤩 It’s such a fun, easy, and unique way to utilize your ties because I know y’all be admiring the fit and this is just another reason why the details matter ✨ The more you look at the fit, the more there is to admire. Get into it yuh 💅 So give it a tr... How To Tie A Tie Into A Rose, Rose Tie Tutorial, Creative Ways To Tie A Tie, Fashion Tie, Style A Tie, Tie Alternatives, Tie Tutorial, Styling Ties, Rose Tie Knot
Learn how to tie the Eldredge Knot
Learn how to tie the Eldredge Knot
9 Tie & Knot Styles Every Gentleman Should Know 👔  A tie knot is more than a formality - it's a statement. From classic confidence to bold charm, each knot says something different. Here's your visual guide to mastering 9 timeless styles:  1. Windsor knot – A wide, symmetrical knot ideal for formal events and spread collars. Shows power and polish.  2. Half Windsor knot – Slightly smaller than the full Windsor, this works great for business or evening dinners. Neat and versatile.  3. Four-in-... Formal Tie Styles, Perfect Tie Length, Necktie Knot, Tie Types, Types Of Neck Tie Knots, Tie Knot Types, Tie Guide For Men, Different Types Of Tie Knot, Styles Of Tie
9 Tie & Knot Styles Every Gentleman Should Know 👔 A tie knot is more than a formality - it's a statement. From classic confidence to bold charm, each knot says something different. Here's your visual guide to mastering 9 timeless styles: 1. Windsor knot – A wide, symmetrical knot ideal for formal events and spread collars. Shows power and polish. 2. Half Windsor knot – Slightly smaller than the full Windsor, this works great for business or evening dinners. Neat and versatile. 3. Four-in-... Formal Tie Styles, Perfect Tie Length, Necktie Knot, Tie Types, Types Of Neck Tie Knots, Tie Knot Types, Tie Guide For Men, Different Types Of Tie Knot, Styles Of Tie
Knotting Tie, Easy Tie Tutorial, Bow Tie With Suit, How To Tie A Tye, Tie The Tie, How To Tie A Tir, Tie A Neck Tie, Tie Wearing, How To Tie The Tie
Knotting Tie, Easy Tie Tutorial, Bow Tie With Suit, How To Tie A Tye, Tie The Tie, How To Tie A Tir, Tie A Neck Tie, Tie Wearing, How To Tie The Tie

Fabrics and Widths

This knot works well with a variety of fabric types and widths. For a classic look, pair your outside the collar tie knot with a standard-width (3 inches) silk or wool tie. For a more contemporary feel, try a narrower tie (2.5 inches or less) in a textured fabric like tweed or knitted silk.

For a truly unique look, experiment with different fabric types and widths. The outside the collar tie knot is forgiving, so don't be afraid to push the boundaries of your tie collection.

Collar Height and Width

The outside the collar tie knot naturally extends beyond the collar, making it an excellent choice for those with wider or shorter necks. It also pairs well with spread and semi-spread collars, as the knot's height helps to balance the horizontal lines of the collar type.

To ensure a polished appearance, make sure your tie is long enough to reach the top button of your trousers when tied in this knot. This typically means that your tie should be around 58 to 62 inches in length, depending on your individual proportions.

Incorporating the outside the collar tie knot into your wardrobe is an excellent way to add a touch of personal style and flair to your outfits. Mastering this unique knot is a testament to your sartorial sophistication, and with a little practice and creativity, you'll find that it's an invaluable addition to your tie-tying repertoire. So go ahead, embrace the unique, and make the outside the collar tie knot a staple in your daily attire.