I almost always wear my t-shirts either tucked in or tied. To my eye, they look more flattering and intentional that way, regardless of their original fit. Many readers have asked for tips on tying a t-shirt, and I use two simple methods depending on how much fabric there is to work with. They’re quick, reliable, and can completely change the look of an ordinary tee. Below I explain both techniques and offer styling suggestions.
How to Tie a Classic, Unisex, or Boxy T-Shirt
When a tee has plenty of excess fabric—like classic, unisex, or boxy styles—the simplest solution is a regular knot. This instantly creates a more fitted or cropped silhouette.
I also like to cuff the sleeves on these styles to make the overall fit look cleaner and more tailored. Cuffed sleeves pair nicely with a knotted front for a polished casual look.
If you have a lot of extra fabric, tie a classic knot:
1. Gather all the extra fabric on one side of your body into one hand.
2. Twist the gathered fabric into a tight rope.
3. Wrap the twisted fabric around two fingers to form the start of a knot.
4. Pull the end through the loop you created and tighten until the knot feels secure.
How to Tie a Fitted T-Shirt
Fitted tees don’t offer much fabric for a traditional knot, and forcing one can overstretch the material. A neat workaround is a faux knot secured with a small elastic or hair tie. This lets you place the knot exactly where you want it and control the finished length.
If you have limited extra fabric, use a small rubber band or hair tie to create a faux knot:
1. Gather the small amount of extra fabric into one hand.
2. Twist the fabric into a tight rope.
3. Fold the rope in half to create a loop.
4. Wrap a small elastic or hair tie twice around the folded rope, at the base of the loop.
5. Tug and arrange the exposed fabric to hide the elastic and shape the faux knot.
Where to Tie Your T-Shirt
I usually knot on one side because I like how it looks with jeans, but you can place the knot in the center for a different vibe. Center knots work particularly well with joggers, tracksuits, or even under a structured blazer for a modern, relaxed look.
How to Style a Tied T-Shirt
A tied tee often reads more cropped, so it pairs beautifully with high-waisted bottoms: jeans, trousers, skirts, or joggers. Try a knotted tee with high-rise denim for an easy everyday outfit or tuck it slightly into tailored pants for a sharper contrast.
Layering changes the feel of a tied tee too. Add a chunky cardigan, colorful blazer, or denim jacket to adapt the look to cooler weather and give the outfit more dimension.
Other Shirts That Work Well Tied
Button-down shirts are another favorite to knot. Tying a button-down instantly makes it more casual and wearable outside the office—great for weekend looks and easy layering.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
If you have another tee-tying trick, share it below—I’m always up for new ideas!