The Prince Albert Tie Knot is a lesser-known knot used to tie a tie. It’s easy to tie and forms a medium-sized, square-like knot.
It’s named after Prince Albert and is a variation of the Victoria Tie Knot. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Double Four-in-Hand Tie Knot.
Quick Guide: Tying the Prince Albert Tie Knot
To tie the Prince Albert Tie Knot, lay out the tie on your neck with both ends in front. The wide end should be 13 inches (33 cm) lower than the narrow one.
Then pass the wide end over the narrow end (step 1). Now make two full turns around the narrow end (steps 2-5). Take the wide end over the top of the knot from the back (step 6). Finally, pass the wide end through both front loops (step 7).
As you tighten the knot, dress it with your other hand so that it looks neat and professional. Of the two front loops, the bottom one should be hidden from sight.
About the Prince Albert Tie Knot
The Prince Albert Tie Knot is easy to tie and remember. You just need to wrap the wide end around the narrow end twice, and then pass it through both formed loops. But despite its ease of use, it isn’t a very commonly used knot.
This knot has a square-like appearance, which makes it stand out from other knots that are more triangular. The two front loops also give it an interesting look. It works very well with narrow-collar shirts and slimmer ties. You can wear it anytime you want to impress someone.
The main downside of the Prince Albert Tie Knot is that it’s hard to dress. The trick is that you need to keep the two loops very loose so that it’s easier to pass the wide end through them as you finish the knot. But even then, it takes a few seconds to dress this knot perfectly.
It also isn’t perfectly symmetrical because it wraps only around one side of the knot. That’s why it’s better used for stylish and informal occasions.
Knots Like the Prince Albert Tie Knot
Four-In-Hand Tie Knot: This knot is tied identically to the Prince Albert Tie Knot, only with one less turn. It has a simpler look and it forms a smaller knot. This knot is often used by people who are new to using ties due to its simplicity.
Kelvin Tie Knot: A simple knot that’s tied very similarly to the Prince Albert Tie Knot. Its only difference is that it starts with the tie inverted and loops through only a single loop (even though two are tied). It has a similar appearance to the Prince Albert Knot.
Half Windsor Tie Knot: Another easy knot with a more symmetrical and triangular appearance. This knot is very commonly used by people who are required to wear suits to the office.
Full Windsor Tie Knot: The most common tie knot, which forms a symmetrical, bulky, and triangular knot. It’s more difficult to tie but easy to remember once you learn it. It’s better used for formal occasions and with wide-collar shirts.
Pratt Tie Knot: A knot that’s very similar to the Half Windsor Tie Knot in every aspect. It’s more symmetrical and triangular compared to the Prince Albert Tie Knot
Balthius Tie Knot: One of the bulkiest tie knots, tied similarly to the Full Windsor Tie Knot, but with one more turn.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Tie the Prince Albert Tie Knot
A step-by-step guide on tying the Prince Albert Tie Knot.
Step 1:
Place the tie as illustrated above, with the wide end about 13 inches (33 cm) longer than the narrow one.
Step 2:
Wrap the wide end around the narrow end.
Step 3:
Keep the first turn somewhat loose. Then wrap it around the narrow end one more time.
Step 4:
Finish the second turn around the narrow end.
Step 5:
Pass the wide end over the top of the knot from the backside.
Step 6:
Pass the wide end through both formed loops.
Step 7:
Dress the knot while tightening it.
Step 8:
The Prince Albert Knot is finished.
