There are several methods to tieing neckties without getting yourself tangled and frustrated. Here are a few step-by-step guides into doing yours without making it look like a noose.

Which knot should I choose? - Try the Double Windsor for thin materials such as silk and for wider ties. Hand knit or woollen ties are generally too thick for the Double WIndsor; use a Four-in-hand when you need a smaller knot.

To start is always the same! Flip up your collar, and put your tie round your neck.

Adjust the length

The standard neck-tie: Some people prefer the ends to be exactly the same length when tied. Unfortunately, ties usually come in one size only, so it's hard to say when the ends will meet up. A tie that only hangs to the belly button looks cheap; one that hangs over your pants fly is also tacky. Even worse - when the broad end of the tie is outdistanced by the narrow end. Instead, the tip of the broad end should extend just to the top of your belt buckle.

Sounds tricky? Fortunately, there's a good general rule to follow. To begin, drape the necktie around your collar so that the seam of the tie is lying along the collar. The broad end should be on the side of your dominant hand - if you are left handed, the broad end should be on your left side. Now for the measuring trick: place the tip of the narrow end just above the fourth button down your shirt (the one above your navel), and eliminate the slack by pulling down the broad end. Again, the tie seam should remain hidden in the back.

Another trick is to let the broad end hang down twice the length as the narrow end. To check if you've done this right, fold the broad end in half up towards your neck. The folded portion should be equal in length to the narrow end.

The Double Windsor takes its name from the double wrap that is part of its construction. Political and business leaders seem to favour this knot, along with foreign royalty. Yout tie it similar to hte Four-in-hand, just duplicate the single wrap of the Four-in-hand. It's a little more difficult to pull together in the tightening stage. So go slowly and be prepared to loosen the knot and re-tighten as neccassary. Finally, the Windsor is a big knot; allow yourself a little more length on the brad end.

Grasp the narrow end about two inches (6cm) down from your neck with your non dominant hand. This is the spot where you will make the knot. Take the broad end with your dominant hand and pass it across and over the spot, and hold it there with your non dominant hand.

Now, pass the broad end around behind once, then out in front, then down through the top of the "Y" and back out to the same side again.

Wrap again the broad end across, behind and up through the back of the "Y". Let the broad end hang down, and then tuck it between the last wrap and the spot you have been holding.

Pull the knot together gently. This is a crucial step with the Double Windsor. There are two actions here; tightening the funnel-shaped knot, and then sliding that knot up to your collar.

Whilst the knot is still loose, remove your non-dominant hand from the innards of the knot. Use it to grasp the bottom of the broad end. Then while pulling on the broad end, use your dominant hand to squeeze and jostle the funnel-shaped knot into the right form. Make sure the first, smaller wrap of the knot doesn't slip down the narrow end. Instead coax it into the larger outer wrap. Now slide the almost finished knot up towards your collar. At this point you can tighten the knot more firmly by pulling on the narrow end. Ideally there is a dimple created just below the pointed end of the funnel-shaped knot.

Look at the tie in the mirror. Is it straight? Does the broad end hang down too far or not far enough? Loosen the tie if need be, and re-adjust the length of the narrow end as needed so that your tie will be the proper length when the knot has beeen tightened. The knot should be smoothly wrapped, not wrinkled or folded over on itself. If you need to, take a moment to fuss with the knot so it looks even, and so the rest of the tie hangs down straight.

THis is the basic knot fashion. Master this one and you'll be prepared for most semi-formal events.

Grasp the narrow end about three inches (8cm) down from your neck with your non-dominant hand. This is the spot where you will make the knot. Take the broad end with your dominant hand and pass it across and over the spot, and hold it there with your non-dominant hand.

Bring the broad end around behind the spot, then around and over again. Then pull the broad end behind the spot and up through the "V" at the top.

Let the broad end flop over and hang down. Now tuck it between the top wrap of the tie and the place you have been holding. Use both hands to tighten the knot and pull it tight.

Pull the knot gently but firmly. Look at the tie in the mirror. Is it straight? Does the broad end hang down too far or not far enough? Loosen the tie if need be, and re-adjust the length of the narrow end as needed so that your tie will be the proper length after the knot has been tightened. The Four-in-hand knot will be slightly larger on one side than the other. THe knot should be smoothly wrapped, not wrinkled or folded over on itself. If you need to, take a moment to fuss with the knot so that it looks even and the rest oft he tie hangs down straight.

Oh, and don't forget to turn your collar down, buttoning the collarbone buttons down if present.