Menswear experts say that any of the standard knots for a tie may be used for a silk tie. Since a silk tie is more formal and stunning, however, you should opt for a more elaborate knot. One of the favorite knots for a long silk tie is the classic Windsor. This triangular knot works best with a spread collar dress shirt.

To tie a Windsor knot, position the tie so that the thicker end (A) is a few inches longer than the narrow end (B) and cross A over B, creating a loop. Bring A up through this loop, then back down, drawing A underneath B to the left, then back through the loop. Bring A across the front from left to right, up through the loop again, then down through the front knot. Tighten the knot and guide it up to the collar.

Although good silk is strong, one key to follow when learning how to tie a silk tie is to be gentle. Take your time and do it right - there is no point in having a beautiful and expensive tie if you are going to stress the fabric through hasty tying.

Once you know how to tie a silk tie, you're good to go for all your dressy occasions, right? Not at all. First, you must avoid one of the worst mistakes you can make with a silk tie. Many men who don't have confidence in their tying consistency opt to simply loosen a knotted tie enough so that they can slip it over their head after wearing and hang it up; then it's ready to be slipped over the head and tightened on the next occasion. This will ruin a silk tie, which needs proper air circulation to remain fresh. It is best to store your tie either flat or rolled in a ball. Roll it from the thin end, as this helps to prevent wrinkles. If you must hang it (straight!), then make sure it has enough space to breathe.

No matter how careful you are, wrinkles will sometimes happen even to the best of ties. Whatever you do, do not press an iron to the tie! Instead, fire up the steam and guide the iron a few inches above the tie, letting the steam do its job. This is especially important with a vintage or hand-painted tie, as these are easily damaged. In fact, for these, you should hold the steaming agent as far away as possible from the tie and only bring the steam closer if the wrinkles are refusing to come out. When in doubt, take it to a high-end dry cleaner that specializes in formal wear or vintage clothes.

Then there is cleaning. For the most part, you want to avoid trying to clean your silk tie unless there has been a disaster involving food or lipstick or something similar. Whatever you do, don't let anyone come near you with seltzer! That's great for a lot of stains, but water is death to a silk tie. Try dabbing gently with a handkerchief or napkin first. A grease stain might respond to a sprinkling of talcum powder or corn starch. Let it sit overnight and gently brush off - you may need to repeat. And you can certainly take it to the cleaners, but again, make sure it's a high-end place that knows how to handle quality fabrics.

That said, if you have a few great vintage silk ties, don't be afraid to wear them often - silk always looks great.

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