Windsor Knot

The Windsor knot, also referred to as a Full Windsor or as a Double Windsor to distinguish it from the half-Windsor, is a method of tying a necktie. The Windsor knot, compared to other methods, produces a wide symmetrical triangular knot. The knot is often thought to be named after the Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII after his abdication). It was, however, likely invented by his father George V. The Duke preferred a wide knot and had his ties specially made with thicker cloth in order to produce a wider knot when tied with the conventional four in hand knot. The Windsor knot was invented to emulate the Duke's wide knot with regular ties. The Windsor knot is especially suited for a spread or cutaway collar that can properly accommodate a larger knot. For correct wear the tie used for a windsor knot should be about 4 centimetres or 1.6 inches longer than a conventional tie. The Windsor knot is the only tie knot that is to be used by all personnel in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Cadets (ATC and CCF(RAF)) in the UK when wearing their black tie while in uniform. The Windsor knot is the tie knot used by the Canadian Forces, regardless of service.