Half-Windsor Knot
The half-Windsor knot is considered a simpler version of the Windsor knot, and gives a neat, triangular knot. The size of this knot falls in between the four-in-hand- and the Windsor knots. It works particularly well with lighter fabrics.
How to Tie a Half-Windsor Knot:
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The wide end should extend about 30 cm or 12 inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
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Bring the wide end over the narrow end, then under the narrow end.
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Bring the wide end up, then pull it through the main loop(the loop where your neck will be).
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Bring the wide end to the front, over the narrow end from right to left.
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Bring the wide end up and through the loop again.
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Bring the wide end down through the knot in front, then, using both hands, tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.
This alternate version is slightly less symmetric but has the advantage of releasing itself when the narrow end is pulled out:
General Tips:
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Check for symmetry. Adjust the knot so that you achieve optimal bilateral symmetry. Re-tie or upgrade to the Windsor if necessary. A slightly leaning knot can be wriggled with so it looks OK, but a seriously cockeyed knot will have the tie falling down your lapel and just look terrible. There are exceptions to this rule. Some knots are meant to be asymmetrical (often worn in Italy, for example).
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Keep it tight. A properly tied tie will, unfortunately for the wearer, need to be pulled extremely tight against the neck. A tie too loose may convey unprofessionalism.
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The Vicious V. According to the film, Outside Providence, a properly tied tie must possess the Vicious V. This is the sharp V formed by the scruching of the tie where it exits the knot.
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For the tall. Tall people will find that the knot sometimes will end up way "up" on the tie where it is narrow resulting in a small unflattering knot. You may want to look for specially made ties for tall people that will solve this problem.
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Be sure to dimple. Where the wider end of the tie exits the bottom of the knot there should be a clean symmetrical dimple.
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Untie your tie. Untie your tie after you are through wearing it, also untie it the same way you tied it. Your tie will last longer.
Information and diagrams courtesy of:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_knot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necktie
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_To_Tie_A_Tie
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