Frankie: you secure the left rear elastic cord to the left front elastic cord and then the right side as the left...pull them snug around the inner thigh the tie off in a bow or quick release knot also secure the waist cord to help trap the warm air...or you can snap up the rear tie's out of the way with the male and female snaps provided...over all with the nylon liner,it's not really that warm(at least for me)...remember you have to wear cold weather clothing under the parka for it to be real effective...vince g. 11b inf