10 Ways to Tie a Shirt Knot for an Instant Outfit Upgrade

The white T-shirt and jeans look can be incredibly chic. It’s timeless and easy for almost anyone to pull off. But if you’re looking for a fun detail that makes the look feel more like you, we’ve tested 10 ways to tie a shirt knot for a style upgrade. If you want your tee or blouse to fit a bit differently or have the hemline hit at a different point on your waist, tying a knot is an easy way to make that happen without a trip to the tailor.

You’ll want to start with a slightly oversized t-shirt so that you have enough fabric to work with. Most of these knots can be done with just the shirt itself, but you can also use a rubber band to keep things secure.

Once you’ve learned the basics of shirt knotting, it’s time to get creative. You can loop a decorative scarf around your knot, securely tie a charm bracelet around it for a little sparkle, or add your own stylish touch to the look.

Below, we’ve got step-by-step instructions for tying shirt knots. If you’re looking for more tips on elevated basics, read up on the white t-shirts and the tank tops our style pros love.

Front Knot

Changing your T-shirt's style can be as easy as creating a knot in the front. Let the knot hang as low or high as you want, all while making sure the knot is tight for a fitted look.

1. Fold up the T-shirt in the back.
2. Grab a section of your shirt's fabric in the front.
3. Twist the front section into a spiral.
4. Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.

Back Knot

Consider a back knot if you want the shirt to look tighter and more fitted in the front. It's just as easy as a front knot, with only minimal changes to the steps.

1. Fold up your T-shirt in the front.
2. Grab a section of the shirt's fabric in the back.
3. Twist the back section into a spiral.
4. Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.

Two Side Knots

It's double the knot and double the style! Create a simple knot on both sides of the shirt. If you create the knots in your midsection or higher, it'll give you a cropped look that's perfect for summer.

1. Separate the shirt into two.
2. Create a knot on both sides similar to the front knot by following these instructions:

• Twist the section until it forms a spiral.
• Wrap it around the ball and pull the end piece through.
  

Optional: Rubber bands will help keep your knots in place.

Pretzel Knot

We call this a pretzel knot because the shape reminds us of the salty chip itself. It's a style that works well with different types of shirts, including long-sleeved picks that need a bit more oomph.

1. Grab both sides of your shirt.
2. Pull the sides to the front and create a basic knot:

• Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
• Insert one end of the shirt into the loop or hole.
• Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
• Tuck the ends into the shirt for a cleaner look. The ends should not be sticking out.

Side Knot

It's like the front and back knot, except this time it's on the side of your waist. Follow the same instructions to create a basic knot. Remember, these knots can be made as high or low as you'd like.

1. Focus on the side of your shirt.
2. Create a knot similar to the spiral method used for the front and back:

• Grab a section of your shirt's fabric in the back.
• Twist the back section into a spiral.
• Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.

Optional: Leave the end sticking out of your knot or tuck it in for a cleaner look.

A Simple Knot and Scarf

Use a decorative scarf to give any of your knots a boost of color or visual appeal.

1. Create a knot similar to the first knot instructions.
2. Wrap a decorative scarf around your knot.

Optional: Based on your preference, keep the scarf's tails hanging or continue wrapping them around your knot until hidden.

Button-Down Shirt Knot

Here's a knot idea specifically for your button-down shirts. For cooler weather, you'll want to find creative ways to give long-sleeve shirts some flair.

1. Button your shirt but leave the two ends out.
2. Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
3. Insert one end of the shirt into the loop or hole.
4. Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.

Ruffled Side Knot

This may be one of the cutest knots on our list. It's a unique ruffled look that you can recreate with your own T-shirt rather than going for a store-bought version.

1. Take two pieces of the material mid-tummy on both sides.
2. Pull those two pieces to the side of your choosing.
3. Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
4. Insert one end of the shirt into the loop.
5. Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.

Rubber Band "Knot" and Tuck

If knots aren't your forte or you find these ideas to be complicated, then use a rubber band to fake it.

1. Take one side of your shirt and wrap the end with a rubber band.
2. Tuck the extended piece underneath your shirt to hide the "knot."

Criss-Cross Shirt Tie

Here's another shirt idea that'll look like it's knotted, but in reality, your tee is just crisscrossed and tucked!

1. Cross your arms and grab both sides of your shirt.
2. Cross the sides over.
3. Tuck the ends underneath your shirt.