Two Cambridge University physicists found that there are 85 ways to tie the conventional necktie. And despite the fact that you only really need to know how to tie one, here's a breakdown of the four most favored by American men.
Looks like: A small, tight asymmetrical knot.
Wear with: Almost anything. Button-downs, point and medium-spread collars.
Looks like: A fat, wide knot with an air of British dandyism.
Wear with: Spread collars.
Looks like: A knot shaped like an upside-down triangle.
Wear with: Medium-spread and point collars.
Looks like: A smaller less severe looking Windsor knot.
Wear with: Narrow collared shirts. Though you might as well use the half-windsor.