How to Tie the Nicky Knot

Have you heard of it? This is kind of an underrated knot. And it is rarely mentioned or talked about.

But despite its relative obscurity, the Nicky knot is actually a versatile tie knot that can serve a number of roles.

It may not be the only tie knot a man needs to know, but it's certainly on the short list of good knots to practice.

And today we're going to show you how to tie the Nicky knot.

History of the Nicky knot

The name "Nicky" is said to come from a visit by Nikita Kruschev to Milan, where quick "upside down" knots like the Nicky and the Pratt were commonly used in store and tailor windows.

In 1989, Pratt's Knot was mistakenly printed in the Daily Telegraph and Nicky's Knot was discovered thanks to this happy error. However, it later turned out that it already existed in Italy! The bow is named after the Nicky store in Milan.

The owner, Ernesto Curami, even had brochures printed for his customers to explain this knot. What's notable about this knot is that you put the tie around your neck inside out - with the lining facing forward (like the oriental knot).

How to wear the nicky knot 

The Nicky knot uses a relatively short length. This makes it a good option for tall men or men whose ties are a little short .

It is slightly thicker than the simple knot . And the Nicky knot has a symmetrical appearance (although in mathematical terms it is not, technically, a symmetrical knot, because it has more "movement" on one side than the other).

In terms of size, the Nicky falls between the single and half Windsor . It can be especially useful for men wearing tight knit ties - a simple knot tied in a skinny tie is so small it seems absurd.

The smaller structure of the Nicky knot can be hidden under even a thin strip of fabric while still providing a strong knot in a knit tie.

Advantages of this node

• Easy to tie

• Detaches automatically, unlike the Pratt knot.

• It takes fewer movements (steps) to tie than the Windsor knot , which is much larger.

• Can be worn over thin ties

Make the Nicky tie knot step by step

1. Place the tie around your collar with the seam facing out and the thick end to your left. It should be approximately 5 cm lower than the desired final position.

2. Cross the thick end under the thin end, making an X under your chin.

3. Flip the thick end in front of the loop around your collar. Then tuck it into the loop, making it emerge to the left of the thin end.

4. Bring the tip of the thick end horizontally across the front of the knot. Slide a finger under the horizontal stripe you just created on the front of the knot.

5. Bring the tip of the thick end up and under the loop around your collar.

6. Pass the tip of the thick end through the horizontal loop you created in step 4.

7. Pull the thick end all the way through the horizontal loop and tighten it.

8. Adjust the knot if necessary by holding it with one hand and pulling on the narrow end of the tie with the other.