The Perfect T-Shirt Knot: A Step-By-Step Guide To Tying One

T-shirts are a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down. One way to elevate a basic t-shirt is to tie a knot, which can make it more form-fitting and stylish. Tying a knot in a t-shirt is a simple way to change up your look, and there are several different methods to try, depending on the amount of fabric you have to work with and your personal preference.

Basic front knot

Tying a basic front knot is a great way to spice up your T-shirt and make it more fitted or cropped. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, fold up your T-shirt at the back. This will give you more fabric to work with at the front. Next, gather the leftover fabric at the front of the shirt. Now, you will need to twist this section until it forms a spiral. Then, wrap the spiralled fabric around itself until you have created a ball. Finally, pull the end piece of fabric through the hole in the middle of the ball.

You can also add an optional step to this process to avoid the little end piece of fabric that sometimes pokes through. Simply take the fabric at the end and fold it over the entire knot to make it smooth.

This is a fun and easy way to transform your T-shirt and give it a new look!

Smooth front knot

Tying a smooth front knot is a great way to transform a basic T-shirt into something more stylish and fitted. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather all the excess fabric of your T-shirt into one hand, twisting it tightly into a rope. You can choose where you want the knot to be—at the centre, or to the side. Next, wrap the twisted fabric around two of your fingers, as if you were forming a regular knot. Then, pull the end of the fabric around and underneath, through the hole you've made with your fingers, and pull tight.

If you want to hide the small end piece that pokes through the knot, simply take the fabric at the end and fold it over the entire knot to create a smooth finish. This is an easy fix!

You can also add your own flair to this style by playing around with the placement of the knot. It doesn't always have to be centred—you can tie it loose, tight, or anywhere in between. This whole knotting process is based on your preferences, so feel free to adjust it until your shirt fits exactly how you want it to.

Simple front tuck with a knot

A simple front tuck with a knot is a combination of a tuck and a knot, and it's a low-effort way to shorten a T-shirt and give it a casual, effortless look. It's also a great alternative to tucking your shirt into pants or skirts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, grab a T-shirt that is oversized or has a slight stretch to it, as you will need extra fabric to work with. Begin by grabbing your tee on the sides and shortening it at the back. Then, take a section of the shirt at the front on either side.

Now, you will create the knot. Loosely twist the fabric on one side of the section you have just created. Take the end of the twisted fabric and tuck it into your bottoms, whether that's a skirt, jeans, or shorts. Adjust the fabric until you are happy with the look. You can play around with the placement of the knot and try it at the centre or the side. You can also adjust the tightness of the knot to suit your preference.

If you don't want a knot at the front, you can move it to the back. This will make the shirt more form-fitting and allow you to shorten it to your desired length. To do this, fold up the shirt at the front to your desired length, then gather the extra fabric at the back. Twist the gathered fabric until it forms a spiral, then wrap it around and pull the end piece through the middle. You can also fold the end piece under the knot to hide it if it is long enough.

There are many ways to tie a T-shirt knot, and you can experiment with different placements and tightness to find the style that suits you.

Back knot

Tying a back knot is a great way to make your shirt look tighter and more fitted in the front. It's very similar to tying a front knot, with only minor changes to the steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tie a back knot:

Step 1: Fold Up Your T-Shirt in the Front

Start by folding up the front of your T-shirt to your desired length. This will create a more cropped look if you fold it higher.

Step 2: Gather the Extra Fabric in the Back

With the front of your shirt folded up, you'll now have extra fabric at the back. Gather this fabric in your hand, creating a section at the back that you'll use to form the knot.

Step 3: Twist the Fabric into a Spiral

Take the gathered fabric and twist it until it forms a spiral shape. You may need to twist it several times to create a tight spiral.

Step 4: Wrap the Spiral to Form a Ball and Pull the End Piece Through

Now, wrap the spiral of fabric around itself, creating a ball-like shape. Then, pull the end piece of fabric through the hole in the middle of the spiral. This will secure the knot.

Step 5: Adjust and Tuck (Optional)

If the end piece of fabric is long enough, you can tuck it under the knot to create a cleaner look. This step is optional, but it can help hide the knot and give your shirt a more polished appearance.

Variations and Tips:

• You can also create a "bunny ears" knot for the back knot. Gather the fabric at the back hemline, creating two sections of fabric, one in each hand. Cross the left section over the right, then pull it under and up through the gap, just like tying shoelaces. Pull on both sections to tighten the knot.
• For a more secure knot, use a rubber band or hair tie. This is especially useful if you're working with a fitted T-shirt that doesn't have a lot of extra fabric.
• Play around with the placement of the knot. You can tie it at different heights or try a double knot on both sides for a unique look.

Side knot

Tying a side knot with your T-shirt is a great way to change up your look without having to try too hard. Here are some simple methods to achieve this style:

Basic Side Knot

• Pull the bottom side part of your T-shirt out.
• Twist and make a simple knot.
• Pull the tail out and cap it over the knot.

This method is perfect for fitted T-shirts that don't have a lot of extra fabric. By tying it with a rubber band or hair tie, you're doing the least amount of damage to your shirt (by avoiding tugging and twisting).

• Pull out the bottom side part of your T-shirt.
• Wrap the rubber band or hair elastic around the bottom.
• Make a bun knot.
• Blouse the knot around the band to hide it.

Belt Loop Variation

Instead of tying the gathered shirt material, feed it through the belt loop of your pants on that side, pointed toward your back. Then, bring the "tail" of the material forward and tuck it into your pants near the front. This creates a classy knot feature right along the top line of your pants.

Rubber Band "Knot" and Tuck

If you find making knots complicated, you can use a rubber band to fake it.

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

Frequently asked questions