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Choice of tie knot (a ^this thread)
Have a gander at these four knot methods:
http://i.imgur.com/uEIHFO7.jpg
^this your preferred method below or add your own (w/ explanation)
I've used the half-windsor for years since I'm too skinny for about anything else, but as soon as I get home today I'm trying the shell knot as I'd not heard of it before.