The trinity knot is a very special way of tying a tie. At first glance it might seem difficult to replicate, but in reality the steps to follow are quite simple, and with a little practice you can become an expert too. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making the Trinity Knot
Step 1. Put the tie around your neck
The widest part of the tie should be more or less at the navel height, but still consider that this will be the same position it will have once tied the knot so you can adapt it to your preferences. The thinnest part is the one used to tie the knot, and in the end it will have to be very short.
- The trinity knot is considered an unusual or special occasion knot, but it is still quite simple to achieve. The movements you have to do are all in all easy; the only problem is that there are many more steps than the classic knot.
- The trinity knot requires a lot of fabric to make. For this it may be a little more difficult than the classic knot, but it is not as complicated as other special knots, such as the Eldredge knot.
Step 2. Squeeze the sides of the tie with your fingers to create a crease
Ideally you should fold in a position halfway between the first and second button of the shirt.
This is actually not an essential step, but it may help when you are going to loop the thin part of the tie around the wider part
Step 3. Make a ring with the thinnest part
Take the thinnest part of the tie and loop it around the widest part, going over the front first.
Step 4. Slide the thinnest part under the part of the tie that will remain visible
By doing so you basically close the ring around your neck
Step 5. Take the thinner end and pull it over and then through the neck ring
At this point, a V should have formed. To perform the next step, you need to bring the same end behind the widest part of the tie.
Please note that you are not directly editing the ring with this step
Step 6. Bring the thin end to the opposite side of the thicker end, passing it through the front
Step 7. Pull the thin end of the tie under and then through the neck ring in an upward motion
Then bring it back down by passing it through the smaller ring that has just formed.
With this step you will be able to begin to see the knot forming. At this point, and almost to the end of the procedure, try to keep the knot as loose as possible, in order to be able to carry out all the steps better. You will be able to tighten the knot once its basic structure is complete
Step 8. Wrap the thin end around the wider end from the back
Step 9. Then bring the thinnest part up, and pass it through the small ring you just formed
Step 10. Pull the thin end so that there are no bulges
Step 11. Hide what's left of the thin end under the neck ring
Step 12. Pull down the shirt collar
Arrange the tie however you like, and tighten the knot if you feel it is necessary.
Step 13. Finished
- When done correctly, the trinity knot should have a hexagonal shape, with a trilateral symmetry.
- This knot can be worn loose or tight. A loose knot looks bigger, and is easier to see, but the choice depends entirely on your personal taste.
- You will likely need several attempts to figure out how to wear the trinity knot in the way that suits you best.
Part 2 of 2: Getting the Look That Is Right for You
Step 1. Choose a tie decorated with the right pattern
Since the trinity knot is more elegant and particular than the classic knots, you need to choose a tie that highlights the knot. In fact, some reasons could obscure it.
- A solid color tie is probably the best choice, especially if you're new to the trinity knot. In fact, with a tie of this type you don't have to worry about matching the knot with a particular pattern.
- Once you are comfortable with the trinity knot, you may want to try using a diagonal striped tie. It takes a little practice, but you can tie the knot so that the lines converge in the center like a pinwheel, or arrange them in a triangle.
- Simple patterns, such as small polka dots or diamond shapes, may work well for the trinity knot, but they start to be more challenging and tend to blur the knot.
- Forget more complex motifs, such as paisley. They attract too much attention, distracting it from the knot.
Step 2. Choose a shirt with the right collar
The narrow sail collar is the most suitable, while the wide sail collar is the least suitable.
- A narrow sail collar has a tighter space between the two flaps, so the trinity knot is well framed. A medium sail collar can also work.
- The wider sail, on the other hand, does not suit the trinity knot very much. Therefore avoid wide and rounded sail collars.
Step 3. Make the trinity knot the highlight of your outfit
Dress simply, so everyone will be struck by the elegance of the trinity knot rather than by other accessories or other items you wear.
- Avoid shirts with extravagant colors or patterns. Instead, choose a classic or pastel colored shirt.
- To make the trinity knot stand out even more you could also wear a vest.
Step 4. Flaunt your trinity knot at the appropriate occasion
A trinity knot can make a great style statement, but it should be used at the right time. In general, the trinity knot lends itself well to worldly occasions or in any case not too formal.
- You can use it at work if you wear it casually. This means not wearing it every day but only every now and then, to break the monotony.
- You can also use it on special and cheerful occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, or ceremonies where you are the guest of honor.
- It would be better to avoid wearing it at formal and serious events, such as processes, business dinners, receptions with important people. The knot could be seen as a distraction.
Step 5. Try to become an expert on classic knots before tackling unusual knots
As a general rule it would be best to first learn at least a few classic knots such as Windsor or four-in-hand before trying your hand at more complex knots.
- Classic knots are better suited to everyday life than the trinity knot or other special knots, so they are usually more versatile.
- Furthermore, learning how to make classic knots can prepare you for more complex knots. For example the first part of the trinity knot is very similar to the beginning of the Windsor knot.
