How To Tie A T-Shirt: Two Easy Ways!

I almost exclusively wear my t-shirts tucked in or tied. I just think they look better and flattering on me that way, no matter how big or small they are on me to begin with. A bunch of you have asked me recently if I have any tips on how to to tie a t-shirt and the answer is YES! I actually have two methods I use depending on how much fabric I have to work with. They aren’t super revolutionary but they work like a charm and totally transform a t-shirt! Here’s how I do it.

How To Tie A Classic, Unisex or Boxy T-Shirt

Use a regular knot when you have a t-shirt that has a good amount of excess fabric. Those may include classic, unisex or boxy style t-shirts and tying a regular knot works perfectly to make them more fitted or cropped. 

On these style t-shirts, I often like to cuff the sleeves to make them more fitted and finished as well. You can learn more about how and why to cuff the sleeves of a t-shirt here.

If you have a lot of extra fabric, you can simply tie the t-shirt into a classic knot. Here’s how:

1. Gather ALL the extra fabric into one hand, on one side of your body.
2. Twist the gathered fabric until it’s twisted in a tight rope.
3. Wrap the twisted fabric around two of your fingers, just like how you’d start to form any knot.
4. Pull the end of the fabric around and underneath, through the hole you’ve made with your two fingers. Pull tight.

How To Tie A Fitted T-Shirt

If you’re looking to tie a more fitted t-shirt, you won’t have as much fabric to work with which makes it difficult to tie a regular knot. Even if you can tie a regular knot, it likely won’t be as secure since the fabric will be stretched further than it should be.

Instead, I recommend making a faux knot using a small rubber band or hair tie. This trick lets you make the knot anywhere you want and thus, make the length of the tied t-shirt any length you want!

If you have do NOT have a lot of extra fabric, use a small rubber band (I like the small ones that I use for my hair since I always have those on hand!) to help tie a faux knot. Here’s how:

1. Gather the extra fabric in one hand.
2. Twist the fabric into a tight “rope” of fabric.
3. Fold the rope of fabric in half.
4. Wrap the rubber band twice over the folded rope.
5. Slightly pull and adjust the fabric at the end of the “loop” you just made to cover the rubber band.

Where To Tie Your T-Shirt

In both of these examples, I tied the knot on one side of the shirt. I tend to prefer look of a knot on the side when paired with jeans.

However, you can also tie your shirt right in the middle! This looks great paired with joggers or a tracksuit, or even paired with a pantsuit. 

How To Style A Tied T-Shirt

Tying a t-shirt often-times makes it more cropped, so they look great with high waisted pants. Try pairing the shirt with high waisted jeans, trousers or even joggers! 

Layering also is a great option to change up the look of a tied t-shirt. Add a chunky cardigan, colorful blazer or jean jacket to finish your outfit in the cooler months.

Other Style Shirts to Tie

I also love tying button down shirts to give them a more casual look. It allows you to wear something you may have previously only worn in an office outside of it! 

Check out this post for ideas on how to style a button down t-shirt outside the office!

Photos by Jeff Mindell

If you have another tee tying method, leave it below!

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