No matter whether you opt for a four-in-hand or a half-windsor, the right neckwear deserves the right dimple: Noticeable yet subtle, practiced yet effortless. Sounds pretty tricky, we know, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, three techniques that are all but guaranteed to make a serious dent in your neckwear game.

Technique 1: The Accidental Dimple
Okay, this one’s hardly a technique at all. Provided you’ve tied things properly, a dimple will form naturally near the center while you’re tying your tie. Hold it in place with your index finger (from below the knot) as you tighten the knot. Once you’ve cinched everything up, it’s time for some cosmetic work. Pinch the bottom of the knot to accentuate the dimple, while puffing up the sides of the tie just below the knot.

NOTE: While a symmetrical half-windsor knot should have a centered dimple, a four-in-hand is a naturally off-kilter knot, and looks best with a dimple that’s slightly askew.

Technique 2: The Pen Trick
Having trouble creating the right crevice for your dimple? Slide a pen or pencil (or a knitting needle, if you live with your grandmother) into the unfinished tie knot, right before that final tightening. Now pull the knot tight while holding your implement of choice a couple inches above the knot itself. This will help the knot create a natural divot, and you’ll have enough slack left in the tie to finesse it into exactly the right spot as you finish tightening your knot. Slide it out, and be careful not to get ink on your shirt or tie.

Technique 3: The Side Dimple (a k a, the “Lino”)
The side dimple is less pronounced than the centered version, with the edge of the tie slightly flipped up and running through the right hand side of the knot. This is particularly endemic to knit ties, and calls to mind the Italian guy at your local café (or on your local men’s style blog) whose daily agenda seems to consist solely of sipping espresso and looking cool. If it doesn’t happen on its own, try this: fold up a small section as you’re tying your tie, and ensure it doesn’t flip down as you tighten the knot.

NOTE: This is strictly a four-in-hand procedure, but then, if you’re wearing a knit tie you should be using a four-in-hand anyway.