Balthus Tie Knot: How to Tie It & When to Wear It

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Plus, get styling tips for this large tie knot

Co-authored by Francisco Xavier Andrades and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: August 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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Tying the Knot

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What is a Balthus knot?

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Styling Advice

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When to Wear

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Other Tie Knots

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Video

Looking to spice up your suit and tie? Try a fun tie knot like the Balthus knot! This is the largest known tie knot, and it’s a great statement piece that shows off your confidence. In this article, we’ll explain how to tie a Balthus knot, what a Balthus knot is, how to style one, and more. Let’s dive in!

Balthus Knot Tying Instructions (Image)

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An illustration showing step-by-step instructions for tying a Balthus knot.

Wear the tie with the underside facing out.
Pull the tie so the wide end is on the right, hanging much lower than the thin end.
Cross the wide end under the thin end.
Pull the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the right.
Then, pull the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the left.
Pull the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the right again.
Wrap the wide end around the thin end and bring it up under the neck loop.
Pull it down through the loop you just made in the front of the tie.
Pull the wide end down to tighten, then adjust the knot.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Tie a Balthus Knot

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1
Drape the tie over your neck with the back side facing forward. The Balthus knot is an inverted knot, meaning it starts with the underside of the tie facing outwards. Arrange the tie so that the thin end is on the left and the wide end is on the right. Pull the wide end down so that it hangs significantly lower than the skinny end.^{[1]
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- What tie should you use? After tying the Balthus knot, your tie will be very short, so it’s best to use an extra-long tie that’s at least 61 in (155 cm) long.^{[2]
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  Research source} Menswear expert Francisco Xavier Andrades suggests opting for a lightweight fabric that is not thick to achieve the best look.^{[3]
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  Francisco Xavier Andrades
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Pass the wide end of your tie underneath the thin end, moving towards the left. Then, pull it up and through the neck loop, and pull it down toward your right side. This will complete the first loop.^{[4]
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Repeat the process by pulling the wide end of your tie up and through the neck loop again. This time, pull it to the left as you pass it through the loop.^{[5]
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Once again, pull your tie up and through the neck loop. Like with the first loop, this time you’ll pull the tie down and to the right.^{[6]
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After the third loop, bring the wide end of your tie around the front of the thin end, toward the left. Pull it up under the neck loop, then down through the loop you just made at the front of the tie.^{[7]
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To tighten the tie, pull down on the wide end. Then, slide the knot up toward your neck to adjust it. Check in the mirror to make sure it looks okay.^{[8]
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Section 2 of 5:

What is a Balthus knot?

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The Balthus knot is the largest tie knot. This knot was invented around 1930 by the Polish-French modern artist, Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski). It’s broad and conical, and because of how many times the fabric is wrapped over itself, the finished look is very short and typically rests just above the belly button. This knot is often considered an artistic statement piece.^{[9]
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- Allegedly, Balthus created the knot because he was bored.

Section 3 of 5:

Balthus Knot Styling Advice

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Because the Balthus knot is so broad, it could overcrowd your neck if your shirt collar is too narrow. Instead, opt for a shirt with a widespread or cutaway collar so it doesn’t look disproportionate.^{[10]
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When you tie a Balthus knot, your tie will be very short, often falling just above the belly button. Because of this, many opt to follow the waistcoat rule: wear a waistcoat or vest to hide how short your tie is. Another option is to keep your suit jacket buttoned at all times.^{[11]
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Opt for a bold, patterned tie. This tie knot is a statement piece, so why not use it to show off some of your favorite ties? Go for a fun pattern, like paisley, or a bold color to really show off your sense of style.
- Since the final length is so short, it’s also best to use a long tie when wearing a Balthus knot.

Section 4 of 5:

When to Wear a Balthus Knot

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Wear the Balthus knot to social events. The Balthus knot may be a statement piece, but it can be worn practically anywhere you’d normally wear a tie. Add some flair to a suit you’re wearing to a wedding, a party, or an art event, or wear it to any event where you want to show off your confidence and style.^{[12]
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- The Balthus knot may be considered too flashy for certain work environments or black-tie events. Consider your dress code before wearing it.

Section 5 of 5:

How to Tie Other Tie Knots

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Unique necktie knots are a fun way to spice up your appearance. Plus, it’s a good idea to know how to tie a tie in general. Check out these other wikiHow articles for more tie knot tutorials: