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Power Ties: The Windsor Knot Becomes a Symbol of Authority in Washington and Beyond
Amidst a flurry of reports regarding the Trump administration’s discussions via Signal group chat concerning potential military actions, Kash Patel, the then F.B.I. director, appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday. His demeanor resembled that of a student facing disciplinary action.
His striped necktie was notably askew, and the upper button of his dress shirt was conspicuously undone, seemingly too restrictive around his neck.
However, within the context of President Trump’s cabinet, Mr. Patel’s Dorito-shaped tie knot was not out of the ordinary. In fact, the wide Windsor knot, a symmetrical loop approximating the size of a Labrador’s paw, has become a prevalent style within the administration. This trend in power dressing highlights a specific tie style gaining traction.
Notable Adherents of the Windsor Knot
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a central figure in the Signal group chat controversy, prefers voluminous knots lacking a dimple, resembling a tie knot rendered by a child. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former E.P.A. administrator Lee Zeldin also favor knots sized between meatballs and dinner rolls. These examples underscore the Windsor knot’s adoption as a power tie within the Trump administration.
Extending Beyond the Cabinet: The Windsor Knot in Broader Circles
For Mr. Trump’s congressional address in early March, Elon Musk, the DOGE figurehead, traded his usual casual attire for formal wear, sporting a silky blue tie tied in a wide, flattened knot. While not officially a cabinet member, Musk evidently understood the prevailing White House dress code that evening, further illustrating the Windsor knot’s style influence.
This tie style is not confined to the West Wing. Official portraits of Senators Jim Justice of West Virginia, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma reveal their preference for a flared, V-shaped tie, demonstrating the Windsor knot’s bipartisan appeal in political circles. While less common on the other side of the aisle, some Democrats have long favored the Windsor. Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Chris Coons of Delaware, for example, display notably large, substantial knots, showcasing the Windsor knot as a style choice across the political spectrum.
Expert Opinion on the “Power Look”
“It’s the new power look,” asserted G. Bruce Boyer, former fashion editor for Town & Country magazine, emphasizing the Windsor knot’s role in contemporary power dressing.
The Windsor Knot: History and Usage
The 1999 publication “The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie” details numerous less common methods for knotting a necktie, yet only a handful of knots are typically used today. The Windsor, along with its more robust variant, the double Windsor, occupy the more formal end of this spectrum, according to Michelle Kohanzo, president of The Tie Bar in Chicago. (The Windsor knot is named after the Duke of Windsor, although he himself did not actually use this knot, instead preferring thicker ties.) This provides historical context to the Windsor knot and its association with formality in tie styles.
“Historically, it was reserved for very formal or significant occasions,” Ms. Kohanzo explained. However, in contemporary society, as even former presidents frequently appear in public without ties, most men now wear a tie primarily for formal events or in workplaces that maintain traditional dress codes. Consequently, the Windsor has become a prevalent, default choice.
A Shift in White House Tie Styles
This was not always the norm in the White House. In 2001, The Los Angeles Times observed that George W. Bush wore “his necktie with a more slender knot that creates a dimple, a hallmark of modern attire.” Similarly, Barack Obama and Joseph R. Biden favored thinner, asymmetrical knots that did not fully occupy the space within their shirt collars, contrasting with the current trend toward the Windsor knot and its bolder statement.
Outliers and Generational Trends
There are exceptions within Mr. Trump’s cabinet, notably among individuals who came of age when preppy styles were prominent. The slim ties worn by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary, for instance, are tied in a tight knot, approximately the size of a small tulip bud, showcasing a different approach to tie styles.
However, among the younger members of the Trump administration – those roughly 55 and under – a prevailing notion seems to exist that wider knots project authority. This generational aspect suggests a link between tie styles and perceptions of power and authority.
The Freudian Element of Tie Knots
“There’s an audacity to this style that subtly conveys, ‘We’re taking charge, and what can you do about it?’” Mr. Boyer commented. He even suggested a “Freudian” dimension to these tie knots, quipping, “Mine is bigger than yours.” This adds a layer of psychological interpretation to the Windsor knot’s adoption as a power dressing choice.
Mr. Boyer, recalling the stir caused by John F. Kennedy’s cabinet wearing tweed jackets, believes the only truly necessary tie style is the understated four-in-hand knot, favoring classic simplicity over ostentation.
While Mr. Trump himself may not wear the widest ties in Washington, he favors large, plain, vibrant clothing reminiscent of the 1980s, aligning with broader fashion trends in power dressing.
“These ’80s and ’90s power dressing trends are resurging,” Ms. Kohanzo noted. When men opt to wear ties, they are embracing them on a grand scale, akin to Gordon Gekko’s iconic style, suggesting a resurgence of bolder tie styles.
Market Trends Reflecting Tie Style Preferences
The Tie Bar’s top-selling item is a three-inch “medium-width tie,” Ms. Kohanzo stated, and the company is increasingly selling even wider ties, as well as shirts with prominent collars, reflecting current fashion trends and consumer demand for bolder tie styles.
Business leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai sported Windsor knots when attending Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January. Mr. Bezos seldom wears a tie publicly, but when he does, he tends to favor the Windsor. On NBC, sports commentators like Tim Howard are also seen employing this knot. And Jamie Dimon’s tie knot bears resemblance to those prevalent in the White House, demonstrating the Windsor knot’s broader adoption beyond politics.
“There’s a lack of subtlety,” Mr. Boyer concluded. “The style lacks subtlety; everything is somewhat oversized, glossy, ostentatious, and shiny,” summarizing the overall aesthetic of this power dressing trend and the Windsor knot’s role within it.