How to Tie a Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot) Step by Step
The Pratt knot (also called Shelby) starts with the seam facing out, then flips as you tie — ending in a tidy mid-size knot without Windsor bulk.
- Difficulty Intermediate
- Formality Business
- Best collar Semi-spread, point
- Knot size Medium, neat
Watch the knot
When to wear a Pratt knot
Pratt sits between Four-in-Hand and Half Windsor in size. It is excellent for business travel and shirts where you want symmetry without a large formal knot. Because it uses less length than a Windsor, it helps shorter ties reach the belt line.
Steps
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Start inside-out
Drape the tie with the seam facing outward. Wide end on the right, only a few inches lower than the narrow end at the start.
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Cross under
Cross the wide end under the narrow end to your left (an under-cross, not over).
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Up through the neck loop
Bring the wide end up through the neck loop and down to the left — the face of the tie should now show.
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Across the front
Bring the wide end across the front from left to right.
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Up and through the front loop
Pass the wide end up through the neck loop from underneath, then down through the front loop. Tighten and dimple.
Pro tips
- The inside-out start feels wrong the first time — trust the flip on step three.
- Keep the front band smooth; Pratt shows that face clearly.
- Compare with Four-in-Hand if you want something faster for casual days.
Related knots
More formal triangle: Half Windsor. Larger spread collar: Full Windsor.