How to tie a tie, The Pratt Knot

The Pratt Knot, also known as also known as the Shelby knot and the Pratt-Shelby,
was invented by Jerry Pratt, an employee of the US Chamber of Commerce. He had been wearing his tie in the Pratt knot for some twenty years before it became popular after TV personality Don Shelby wore it on air. The New York fashion press then promptly (and mistakenly) attributed the invention of the knot to Shelby.

Slightly wider than the Four-in-Hand knot, the Pratt-Shelby gives a slightly more formal, symmetrical and tidy knot. Note that unlike the other knots, the Pratt Shelby has its reverse side turned out when beginning to tie the tie. The Pratt Shelby isn’t lopsided like the four in hand, and gives a symmetrical, triangular knot. In terms of thickness, it’s somewhere between the thick Windsor knot and the narrow Four-in-Hand. The Pratt knot looks neat and is suitable for most shirts and occasions.

How to make a Pratt Knot, Step by Step:

1. Start with the tie inside out, end “A” (wide) under end “B” (narrow).

2. Bring the wide end up to Center and then down to Left.

 

3. Pull the loop down and tighten.

 

4. Bring the wide end over the knot to Right.

 

5. Bring the wide end under the narrow part from Right to Center.

 

6. Bring end “A” through the knot and tighten. The tip of “A” should touch your belt buckle. That’s the Pratt Knot.

 

Sources: 1st in how to tie a tie

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