knotty decisions

As the third-to-last step of my morning routine before leaving for the office each day, I put on a tie. Whether I’m doing that from home or from the gym, I run into the same problem each and every day.

Windsor, Half-Windsor, or Four-in-Hand?

Each and every time I put on my tie, I look in the mirror and I have to reflect on my mood, what I anticipate the day might bring, who I might have to see, and whether the fabric of the tie I’ve chosen for that day lends itself to the knot I’m choosing.

(1) If I’m meeting a client or going to court, I go with the Windsor. Unless the tie is made of thick fabric, in which case a Half-Windsor is in order.

(2) If I’m going to a luncheon or some other semi-professional engagement, but otherwise just sitting at my desk, it’s Half-Windsor time. Unless I’m wearing boots.

(3) If nothing is going on, it’s Four-in-Hand. Unless I just got a haircut.

Those are the three most common permutations of my daily conundrum. Really, they’re the only three situations that I have developed a set protocol for. The real problem is that numerous other variations exist, and I usually waste at least two minutes figuring out which knot to use. And I hate wasting time.

So I’m glad tomorrow’s Friday. I won’t be wearing a tie at all…oh wait, I have a closing tomorrow. Dang.