How Do You Tie an Eldredge Knot?

Q: “I stumbled upon this image recently of a tie knot that completely blew my mind. What is this majestic thing and how do I go about tying it?” – Alex J.

That mind-blowing work of tie artistry is called the Eldredge knot (often called an Eldredge tie knot) a bold, braided-looking knot that's made almost entirely with the narrow end (tail) of the tie. If you're looking for a statement knot for weddings, black-tie-optional events, or a day you want compliments from strangers, here's how to tie the Eldredge knot step by step.

A: This mind-blowing work of tie artistry is called the “Eldredge knot”. Its origins are uncertain (more on this later), but we do know it's been gaining a lot of popularity through images going viral on sites like Tumblr and Pinterest. And yes, the tie is as tricky to tie as it looks. So, grab your favorite tie, a cup of coffee, perhaps a towel and a heavy dose of patience…because this one might have you working up a sweat.

Shop solid ties for the Eldredge Knot - solids and subtle textures show the braided pattern best.

Before You Start: Setup (This Matters)

A clean Eldredge knot lives or dies on setup. Get these three things right before your first pass:

• Start length: Position the wide end so it finishes around the middle of your belt. You will tie the entire knot with the narrow end.
• Collar: Pop your collar and button your top button so you have room to work.
• Fabric: Medium-weight ties are easiest; very thick ties get bulky fast.

How to Tie an Eldredge Knot (Step-by-Step)

Tip: Tighten as you go, except where noted, so the "braid" stays crisp and symmetrical.

1. Make sure the wide end of the tie ends at the midpoint of your belt, because you will tie this entire knot with the little end.
2. While holding the big end in place, create a dimple. Swing the little end over the front of the big end and go around the back.
3. Bring the little end up and over the front of the loop.
4. Bring the little end through the loop and towards the right side. Tighten the knot.
5. Bring the little end over the center of the knot to the other side and back behind.
6. Bring the little end up over the top of the knot. Tighten.
7. Keep this part loose: create a loose knot by bringing the little end behind and through the loop.
8. Pull the little end through and tighten until you have a clean, tight knot.

It's halftime: almost there. Take a deep breath, a sip of Gatorade, and finish strong.

9. Bring the little end behind the loop.
10. Swing it up in front again.
11. Take it over the top towards the back and to the opposite end.
12. Go through the loop (keep it loose) in the same fashion as step 7.
13. Pull through and tighten the knot.
14. Hide the remaining tail of the tie behind your loop.

Congrats! you just completed the Eldredge knot. Now go impress your friends and coworkers.

What to Wear with an Eldredge Knot (So It Looks Intentional)

The Eldredge knot is the focal point of an outfit. Build around it, not against it.

• Choose the right tie. Striped ties won't work as well — the ridges make the knot look busy and out of balance. Stick to solid color ties or ties with subtle, consistent patterns.
• Keep the outfit simple. A solid shirt and a clean suit let the knot do the talking.
• Skip extra noise. Pocket squares and loud lapel pins compete with the knot. Pick one focal point.

Common Eldredge Knot Mistakes (And Quick Fixes)

Problem	Why it happens	The fix
Knot looks messy	Not tightening each pass	Snug it up after steps 4, 6, 8, and 13
Wide end too short or too long	Wrong starting position	Reset so the wide end lands near mid-belt
Bulk under the collar	Tie too thick	Use a thinner tie, or loosen the "keep this part loose" steps slightly, then tighten evenly

Best Tie for the Eldredge Knot

For best results, tie your Eldredge knot with a solid tie like this Solid Gray Tie from Black Lapel. Solid colors let the braided pattern read clearly from across the room.

Who Invented the Eldredge Knot?

We'd like to thank Jeffrey Eldredge, the creator of the Eldredge knot, who contacted us to share that he's been a "long-time fan of Black Lapel." A fan of fitted suits and flashy ties, Jeffrey is a technical instructor in a tie-mandatory workplace, and he came across the knot out of pure boredom and a touch of inspiration.

"Tying a four-in-hand every day got old. So, I looked up how to tie other knots when I happened across this video tutorial for the 'Ediety Knot,' which introduced me to the concept of tying a knot using the tail end of the tie. I didn't do anything special to actually develop the knot save play around with a tie until I found something I liked… In real time it took maybe two years to perfect."

Thanks for the novel contribution to menswear, Jeffrey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Eldredge knot hard to tie? It's more involved than a four-in-hand or half-Windsor, but anyone can learn it in a few attempts. The key is starting length and tightening at the right steps.

When should you wear an Eldredge knot? Statement occasions: weddings, black-tie-optional events, holiday parties, or any day you want the tie to be the focal point of your outfit. Skip it for conservative business settings.

What kind of tie works best for an Eldredge knot? A solid color tie or one with a very subtle, consistent pattern. Stripes and bold prints disrupt the braided look.

How long does it take to tie an Eldredge knot? About 2–3 minutes once you've practiced it a few times. First attempt usually takes 5–10.

Can you tie an Eldredge knot with a skinny tie? Yes, and it often looks cleaner than with a wide tie because the knot stays proportional under the collar.

One More Thing: Make It Look Like You Meant It

The Eldredge knot is a statement, pair it with a well-fitted suit and clean lines. If you're upgrading your rotation, start here: Shop Black Lapel or browse ties that make the knot pop.

Your Turn!

What are your thoughts on the Eldredge knot? Share your comments and questions below.