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How to Tie a Pratt Knot

Intermediate
👔 Business💼 Formal🎩 Smart

The Pratt knot (Shelby knot) produces a neat, symmetric, medium-width triangle that sits cleanly inside the collar — a great choice for business and dress occasions.

How to Tie a Pratt Knot Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Pratt Knot

  1. Start inside out Drape tie with seam facing outward. Wide end on right, longer.
  2. Wide end under narrow Pass wide end UNDER narrow end (reversed from most knots) and up through neck loop.
  3. Wide end across front left Bring wide end down across the front from right to left.
  4. Around behind and up through neck loop Around back from left to right, up through neck loop second time.
  5. Thread through front band Pass through horizontal front band, tighten, done.

Tips for Tying a Pratt Knot

  • Starting inside-out is the only unique step — after that the Pratt follows a logical progression.
  • The Pratt produces a slightly tighter, more compact knot than the half Windsor.
  • Works best with lighter-weight ties — heavy ties may produce too large a knot.
  • The Pratt lies flatter against the shirt than a Windsor knot — some find this cleaner looking.

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