How to Tie a Tie Jayson Tatum Style: The Viral Method That Actually Works

If you’ve spent any time in the deep corners of NBA Twitter or followed the Boston Celtics’ rise to a championship, you’ve probably seen it. A grainy, 2013-era video of a 15-year-old Jayson Tatum—long before the All-NBA nods and the Jordan Brand signature deals—patiently explaining how to prep for a school dance.

It’s honestly one of the most wholesome artifacts in sports history.

But here’s the thing: people actually use it. During the 2024 Olympics, Celtics teammate Derrick White admitted he learned how to tie a tie by watching JT’s old tutorial. It’s not just a meme; it’s a functional piece of internet history. If you're looking to master how to tie a tie Jayson Tatum style, you aren't just looking for a fashion tip. You're looking for that specific, simple, four-in-hand knot that a future superstar taught the world from his childhood bedroom in St. Louis.

The Viral "JT Method" Breakdown

Most people overcomplicate neckties. They think they need a Double Windsor to look like a pro, but Tatum's original video focuses on the Four-in-Hand knot. It’s the most versatile knot in existence. It’s slightly asymmetrical, which gives it a more "lived-in" and modern look. Perfect for when you're 15 trying to get to homecoming, or 26 and walking into the Garden.

Here is the exact sequence Jayson laid out in his legendary YouTube debut:

1. The Setup: Drape the tie around your neck. You want the wide end on your right side and the narrow end on your left. JT’s pro tip? Make sure that wide end is hanging significantly lower—usually about 12 inches below the narrow side.
2. The Cross: Take the wide end and cross it over the narrow end. Hold that intersection with your thumb and forefinger.
3. The Loop: Bring the wide end under the narrow end. Then, bring it back across the front again. You've basically wrapped the wide end around the skinny part twice.
4. The Pull-Through: This is where people usually mess up. Take the wide end and push it up through the loop near your neck (from the back).
5. The Finish: Tuck the wide end down through the small loop you just created in the front. Pull it tight while holding the narrow end to slide the knot up to your collar.

It's fast. It’s efficient. It’s basically the basketball equivalent of a transition layup.

Why the Four-in-Hand Knot Still Wins

Look, fashion changes. We went from the baggy suits of the 2003 Draft to the ultra-slim fits of the 2010s, and now we’re in this weird, cool era of oversized-but-tailored tunnel fits. Through all of that, the Four-in-Hand knot has stayed relevant.

The reason Jayson Tatum’s 15-year-old self was right is that this knot doesn't create a massive, bulky triangle at your throat. It’s slender. If you’re wearing a button-down with a narrower collar, a Windsor knot is going to look like a literal grapefruit under your chin. The JT method keeps things proportional.

Honestly, the "perfectly symmetrical" knot is kinda overrated anyway. A little bit of lean in the knot shows you actually tied it yourself and didn't just clip it on.

The Legend of the YouTube Tutorial

There’s a funny layer to this story. Tatum didn't just make that video because he loved fashion. He actually created it for a web design class back in high school. He had to upload something to YouTube to show he knew how the platform worked. He chose tie-tying.

Years later, when he became a household name, fans dug it up. It currently has millions of views. It became so popular that in 2024, Tatum decided to give the fans a sequel. Instead of a tie, he did a "How to Tie a Shoe" tutorial using his signature Jordan Tatum 2 "Vortex" sneakers.

He’s basically the unofficial orientation leader for the NBA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• The Length Issue: If the skinny end is longer than the wide end when you're finished, you started too high. The tip of your tie should just hit the top of your belt buckle. No higher, no lower.
• The Tightness: Don't strangle yourself. A tie should be snug enough to close the collar gap, but you should still be able to breathe.
• The "Dimple": If you want to look like a real stylist, pinch the fabric right under the knot as you're tightening it. This creates a "dimple" that makes the tie hang with more depth. 15-year-old JT didn't emphasize the dimple, but 2026 JT definitely knows the vibe.

From School Dances to Championship Parades

Watching that old video today is wild because you see the same composure Tatum has on the court. He’s calm, he’s direct, and he’s helpful. It’s no wonder guys like Derrick White still reference it. It’s a bridge between the kid who was just trying to pass a class and the man who led the Celtics to Banner 18.

If you’re struggling with your tie right now, just remember: one of the best basketball players on the planet once sat exactly where you are, probably feeling just as awkward in a dress shirt, trying to get the loop right.

Actionable Next Steps

To truly master the look, grab your favorite silk or knit tie and stand in front of a mirror without your shirt tucked in first. It gives you more room to move. Practice the "over-under-around" motion three times until it's muscle memory. Once you've got the knot down, focus on the "slide." Holding the narrow tail while pushing the knot up is the secret to a crisp finish that doesn't loosen up by lunchtime. If you're wearing a spread collar, you might want to pull the knot slightly wider; if it's a button-down, keep it tight and narrow.