Tying Trench Coat: Back-Bow Style

The trench coat is a timeless piece that exudes sophistication and style. While it is a wardrobe staple that offers protection from the elements, figuring out how to tie the belt can be a challenge. There are several ways to tie the back of a trench coat belt, ranging from classic wrap-around knots to elegant half-Windsor knots. The type of knot you choose depends on your personal style and how much time you have. You can even practice tying the knot with the coat on a hanger before perfecting it on your body.

Back knot

The back knot is a clean and simple way to secure your trench coat's belt when wearing the coat open. It's also great for cinching in some of the material at the back to create a little shape.

Step 1:

Bring both sides of the belt to the back, keeping the tail end (the side without the buckle) longer.

Step 2:

Cross the belt ends, with the buckle side going underneath the tail end.

Step 3:

Tie a single overhand knot, bringing the tail end upwards as you cinch the belt.

Step 4:

Drop the tail end to let it hang downwards, then guide the tail behind the buckle end, passing it closer to your body. Point the tail end out to the side so that it is perpendicular to the buckle end and parallel to the ground.

Step 5:

Fold the tail end over so that the tip points in the opposite direction, while still holding it parallel to the ground.

Step 6:

Thread the tip of the tail end through the outermost gap that it has created, and pull it tight.

You now have a clean-looking knot with both ends hanging neatly outward. This method can be practised on a hanger or over a chair before you put on the coat. Alternatively, you can tie the knot at the back of the coat before you put it on to get it just right. With some practice, you will be able to tie it while wearing the trench coat.

Side knots

Start by bringing both sides of the belt to the back, ensuring that the tail end (the side without the buckle) is longer than the other side. Cross the tail end underneath the buckle end, creating an 'X' shape. Take the tail end and bring it up and over the buckle end, creating a loop. Pull the tail end horizontally away from your body and thread it through the loop. This will create a simple knot. To secure the belt further, you can repeat the process by threading the tail end through the new loop that has been created. Pull the tail end to tighten the knot.

This method can be done behind your back, or you can practice by tying the knot with your coat on a hanger or draped over a chair. With a little practice, you'll be able to tie side knots with your trench coat on, securing the belt in a quick and stylish way.

Wrap-around knot

First, bring both sides of the belt to the back, ensuring that the tail end (the side without the buckle) is longer than the other side. Then, cross the tail end over the buckle side, creating an 'X' shape. Next, take the tail end and loop it underneath the buckle side, pulling it through to create a single overhand knot. At this point, the tail end should be pointing upwards. Now, drop the tail end so that it hangs downwards, and guide it behind the buckle side, passing it closer to your body. The tail end should now be pointing outwards, perpendicular to the buckle end, and parallel to the ground. Fold the tail end over so that the tip points in the opposite direction, while still keeping it parallel to the ground. Finally, thread the tip of the tail end through the outermost gap that it created and pull it tight to secure the knot.

You can also try a variation of this knot by looping the tail end underneath the horizontal part of the belt between the belt loops during the first overhand knot. This will result in a knot that sits closer to your body.

This classic wrap-around knot is a stylish and practical way to tie your trench coat, adding a polished look to your ensemble.

Half-Windsor knot

The half-Windsor knot is a great way to secure your trench coat belt at the back. It is elegant and very similar to tying a necktie. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this look:

Firstly, bring both belt ends to the back, ensuring the buckle side is longer. Then, crisscross the buckle side over the tail end. Wrap the buckle side behind the tail and bring it out to the side, positioning it perpendicular to the tail end and parallel to the ground. At this point, you should have a horizontal band across your back.

Now, take the buckle side and draw it across to the other side, folding it horizontally over the front of the knot. Finally, guide the buckle side upwards, behind the knot, and thread it down through the outermost gap.

Tug on both ends to tighten the knot, and you're done! The ends should be pointing directly downwards, just like the ends of a necktie.

This method creates a triangular and symmetrical shape, perfect for a classic and elegant look. It is worth noting that this knot works best with wider, medium-weight ties and pairs well with any dress shirt.

Simplified half-Windsor knot

The simplified half-Windsor knot is a quick and easy way to tie the belt of your trench coat at the back. It creates a similar look to the traditional half-Windsor knot but with less effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie it:

• Start with the buckle end of the belt longer than the tail end. Bring both ends of the belt to the back.
• Overlap the buckle end over the tail end in a crisscross manner.
• Guide the buckle end behind the tail and bring it out to the side horizontally. It should be perpendicular to the tail end and parallel to the ground.
• Instead of folding the buckle end over the knot, simply bring it up behind the knot area. The buckle end should cross underneath itself.
• Bring the buckle end towards the front and thread it through the outermost loop.
• Pull down and tug on both ends to secure the knot.

This simplified method involves one less turn than the traditional half-Windsor knot, making it a quicker and easier way to tie your trench coat belt.

Frequently asked questions