A tie does more than complete an outfit. It introduces you before the conversation begins.

Formal. Relaxed. Artistic. Traditional. Contemporary.

The type of tie you choose and the way you knot it,can completely transform your style.

From classic silk neckties and modern skinny ties to Indian handloom ties, hand-painted art ties and elegant cravats, men’s neckwear today is no longer limited to the boardroom.

At Knottylooms, we see the tie differently.

For us, it is a canvas where Western style meets Indian craft.

Here is our guide to different types of ties, popular tie knots and the best ties to wear for formal and casual occasions.

1. Classic Silk Ties for Formal Occasions

The classic silk necktie remains one of the most popular types of ties for formal dressing.

Smooth, elegant and structured, a silk tie pairs beautifully with a tailored suit and crisp formal shirt.

Best Tie Knots

Windsor Knot

The Windsor is a broad, symmetrical tie knot that creates a strong and polished appearance. It works particularly well with spread-collar shirts.

Half-Windsor Knot

Slightly smaller than the Windsor, the Half-Windsor offers a balanced and elegant look suitable for everyday formal dressing.

Best Occasions to Wear a Silk Tie

Corporate meetings, business conferences, formal dinners, official ceremonies, diplomatic events and embassy gatherings.

Style Tip: Choose deeper colours and subtle patterns when dressing for highly formal occasions.

2. Handloom Ties for Smart-Casual and Cultural Style

Indian handloom ties bring texture, craftsmanship and individuality to contemporary men’s fashion.

Ikat, Banarasi, Ajrakh and other traditional Indian textiles create ties that feel distinctive without losing the elegance of classic neckwear.

Best Tie Knot

Four-in-Hand Knot

The Four-in-Hand is a narrow, slightly asymmetrical knot. Its relaxed structure allows the texture and weave of a handloom tie to remain visible.

Best Occasions to Wear a Handloom Tie

Cultural events, destination weddings, creative business meetings, art exhibitions, festive gatherings and smart-casual occasions.

Style Tip: Pair an Indian handloom tie with a linen shirt, neutral blazer or contemporary suit.

The result is effortlessly Indo-Western.

3. Hand-Painted Art Ties: When Your Tie Becomes the Conversation

Some ties complement an outfit.

Others become the story.

Hand-painted ties featuring traditional Indian art forms such as Madhubani, Gond, Warli and Pattachitra transform the necktie into wearable art.

Because every brushstroke carries detail, the artwork should remain the focal point.

Best Tie Knots

Simple Knot

Four-in-Hand Knot

Avoid oversized knots that may hide important elements of the artwork.

Best Occasions to Wear a Hand-Painted Tie

Museum events, embassy gatherings, diplomatic gifting occasions, cultural evenings, art festivals, special dinners and heritage celebrations.

Style Tip: Wear an artistic tie with a plain white, black, beige or pastel shirt. Let the art speak.

Art you don’t hang on the wall. You wear it.

4. Skinny Ties for Modern and Casual Occasions

Skinny ties bring a youthful and contemporary edge to men’s fashion.

Best Tie Knot

Four-in-Hand Knot

A smaller knot keeps the proportions of a skinny tie balanced.

Best Occasions to Wear a Skinny Tie

Casual parties, date nights, creative workplaces, college events and evening gatherings.

Style Tip: Pair a skinny tie with chinos, a fitted shirt and rolled-up sleeves for a relaxed smart-casual look.

5. Textured Ties for Effortless Smart Dressing

Textured ties sit perfectly between formal and casual style.

The natural texture of woven or handcrafted fabrics adds visual depth to even a simple shirt and jacket.

Best Tie Knot

Four-in-Hand Knot

Keep the knot compact and slightly relaxed.

Best Occasions to Wear a Textured Tie

Weekend brunches, informal meetings, semi-formal lunches, travel and smart-casual events.

Style Tip: PTry a textured tie with an Oxford shirt, linen blazer or tweed jacket.

6. Bow Ties for Celebrations and Statement Style

Bow ties have always carried a certain charm.

A classic black bow tie represents timeless evening elegance, while colourful, printed and handcrafted bow ties offer a more playful approach to men’s accessories.

Best Bow Tie Style

Self-Tied Bow Tie

The slight imperfection of a self-tied bow tie gives it character and personality.

Best Occasions to Wear a Bow Tie

Black-tie events, weddings, cocktail evenings, festive celebrations and themed occasions.

7. Cravats: Heritage Elegance for the Modern Gentleman

The cravat is expressive, elegant and wonderfully individual.

Once associated with European aristocratic dressing, the cravat has found a new place in modern Indo-Western fashion.

It can be loosely styled inside an open-collar shirt or worn under a jacket, waistcoat or bandhgala.

Best Cravat Style

Loose Cravat Knot

The cravat should look naturally elegant rather than overly structured.

Best Occasions to Wear a Cravat

Weddings, heritage events, destination celebrations, cultural evenings and sophisticated casual gatherings.

Style Tip: Pair a handcrafted cravat with a bandhgala or linen jacket for a distinctive Indo-Western look.

Which Tie Knot Should You Wear?

Choosing the right tie knot depends on both the occasion and the fabric of your tie.

For a formal business meeting, choose a classic silk tie with a Windsor or Half-Windsor knot.

For a semi-formal occasion, wear a handloom or textured tie with a Four-in-Hand knot.

For a casual evening, choose a skinny or artistic tie with a relaxed knot.

For a cultural or heritage event, allow an Indian handloom or hand-painted tie to become the centre of your outfit.

For a wedding or celebration, experiment with a cravat, bow tie or richly woven necktie.

One simple style rule always works:

The more expressive the tie, the simpler the knot.

Indian Handmade Ties: A New Language of Men’s Style

The necktie may have Western origins, but contemporary style has no borders.

Indian textile traditions carry centuries of colour, craftsmanship and storytelling.

At Knottylooms, Madhubani paintings, Gond art, Warli stories, Pattachitra traditions, Ikat weaves, Ajrakh printing and Banarasi textiles find an unexpected new canvas—the necktie.

The result is not simply a men’s accessory.

It is Indian heritage reimagined for contemporary wardrobes.

A meeting of cultures.

A conversation between craft and style.

A Western silhouette with an Indian soul.

Knottylooms : Wear Western with an Indian Soul.

Because art isn’t always meant to hang on a wall.

Sometimes, you wear it.