Windsor knot
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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 before his abdication). It is, however, likely that it was 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 ties made from normal thickness cloth.
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. However, the Windsor Knot is often frowned upon in other Armed Services or Regiments of the British Forces through its association with the Duke of Windsor, who became a potential pretender to the throne following his abdication. The Windsor and four-in-hand knots are authorized for use by all services of the Canadian Forces.
When tied correctly the knot is tight and does not slip away from the collar during wear. It is very comfortable to wear, as the knot itself will hold the tie firmly in place while still keeping space between the collar and the neck.
The knot is symmetrical, well-balanced, and self-releasing (i.e., it can be undone entirely by pulling the tie's narrow end up through the knot). It is a large knot, which amply displays the fabric and design of the tie when wearing a closed jacket or coat, and helps keep the throat area warm during the colder winter months.
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