How to Tie the Nicky Knot

Have you heard of it? It's a kind of underestimated problem. And it's rarely mentioned or discussed.

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

This may not be the only tie knot a man should know, but it is certainly on the short list of good knots to practice.

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

The Story of Nicky's Knot

The name "Nicky" is said to have originated from a visit by Nikita Kruschev to Milan, where quick "inverted" knots like the Nicky and the Pratt were commonly used in shop and tailor windows..

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

The owner, Ernesto Curami, even had brochures printed for his customers to explain the knot. What's remarkable about this knot is that you put the tie around your neck upside down—with the lining facing forward (like in an 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 bit 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 "movements" on one side than the other).

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

The smaller structure of the Nicky knot can be concealed under even a thin strip of fabric, while still providing a solid knot in a knitted tie.

Advantages of this knot

• Easy to tie

• It 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

How to tie a Nicky tie step by step

1. Wrap the tie around your collar, with the seam facing outwards and the thick end on your left. It should be about 5 cm lower than the desired final position.

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

3. Fold the thick end over in front of the loop around your collar. Then tuck it into the loop, bringing it out to the left of the thin end.

4. Bring the thick end of the knot horizontally to the front. Slide a finger under the horizontal band you just created at the front of the knot.

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

6. Pass the end 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.