How to get the center dimple in a tie?

[Despos]

Originally Posted by Manton

Make sure the part of the front blade that is inside the knot is spread out and smooth, without any folds.

This is the most important step.

 

[knittieguy]

Originally Posted by Manton

I can't believe it took nine hours for someone to post this. Still, at least it was done ...

what exactly is that?

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by knittieguy

what exactly is that?

Because every time this question comes up (and it comes up a lot) within seconds someone posts "The Dimpler".

 

[Ivan Kipling]

Absolutely true about the 'tightening' aspect. I have a tendency to pull things tight, whether doing a tie knot, or wrapping a package. This dimple business is part of why I detest neckties.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Manton

I can't believe it took nine hours for someone to post this. Still, at least it was done ...

You're right. Good point. Sorry we couldn't get that to you sooner !

 

[Sartorian]

Related question:

What's the secret to getting the knot to stand away from the collar and give the front of the tie some billow? Is it:

collar stays/bars
the knot itself
special tightening
having something to tuck the front of the tie behind to push it upwards

...what?

 

[Manton]

Sartorian, it's really the thickness/heft of the silk, and the quality of the lining. A hefty tie with a good lining will arch naturally, and stay that way for a long time. A flimsy, droopy tie just won't. A tie clip helps maintain the arch, but a lot of guys find them dorky, the kind of thing an IRS clerk would have worn in the '60s. (I love mine, FWIW, and Astaire loved his ...)

 

[Despos]

Originally Posted by Sartorian

Related question:

What's the secret to getting the knot to stand away from the collar and give the front of the tie some billow? Is it:

collar stays/bars
the knot itself
special tightening
having something to tuck the front of the tie behind to push it upwards

...what?

There was a thread that described a method of twisting the tie before finishing the knot and produce exactly the effect you want. If not here on SF check out AA.

 

[J'aimelescravates]

Originally Posted by Manton

To make a decent dimple, I find it works best to tie the tie loosely, as noted above. Don't cinch the knot tight and then pull it up into the collar. When you put the front blade through to form the knot, leave it loose. Make sure the part of the front blade that is inside the knot is spread out and smooth, without any folds. If you pull up the knot and there are already folds in there, they will set and make a centered dimple impossible.

Gently pull the knot up into the collar before you tighten it. Then work in the dimple as you tighten and fix in place the knot. Basically, all you need to do is press an impression into the tie, just below the knot, with your index finger. Make sure to center the impression. Then, as you gently tighten the knot, keep your index finger there and use your thumb and middle finger to hold the sides of the dimple even. Don't over tighten. If your knot ends up looking like something worn by the cast of LA Law, it's too tight.

+1...It's really simple just try it a couple of times. Pinch the tie between with your index finger between your thumb and middle finger before you tighten the knot. Hold the pinch as you tighten and move the knot up to your collar.

 

[YOgun27]

What's wrong with "The Dimpler" besides the $15 price tag? It seems like a practical device worth about $2.

 

[spertia]

Originally Posted by YOgun27

What's wrong with "The Dimpler" besides the $15 price tag? It seems like a practical device worth about $2.

It's cheesy and unnecessary. Why use a tool when your hand works just as well?

 

[mikej77]

This site is pretty good, they have some videos on tie knot techniques.

http://www.krawattenknoten.info/kraw...n/tieknot.html

 

[lpwb32]

one common mistake that makes dimples nearly impossible is pulling the tie down as opposed to pushing the knot up.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by spertia

It's cheesy and unnecessary. Why use a tool when your hand works just as well?

It's like the Pasta Express. Step 1: Boil some water in a pot. Step 2: Pour the water in the Pasta Express. Step 3: Add pasta. Step 4: Wait for 10 minutes for half-cooked pasta. Step 5: Wash pot and Pasta Express.

Why not just put the pasta in the pot?

 

[lee_44106]

A little off the original post, but I personally do not like the "perfect" dimple. Looks too contrived, in my opinion.

I find thicker ties dimple better. Instead of the "Dimpler" device, I've also sometimes just use a pen or a smooth stick.