Using ribbon as shoelaces is a creative way to personalize your footwear and add a touch of elegance to your style. This simple yet effective fashion hack can transform the look of your shoes, making them suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual outings to formal events.
Whether you’re looking to refresh an old pair of sneakers or add flair to dress shoes, ribbons offer versatility and charm. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use ribbon as shoelaces, tips for lacing your shoes, and ideas for tying the perfect bow to enhance your overall appearance.
Benefits of Using Ribbon for Aesthetic Purposes
Ribbons offer a myriad of benefits when used for aesthetic purposes, particularly in enhancing the visual appeal of footwear. Firstly, ribbons are available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to customize your look according to your personal style or the specific occasion. This variety can help you coordinate your shoelaces with the rest of your outfit, making a cohesive and polished statement.
Secondly, ribbons introduce a delicate and sophisticated vibe that traditional shoelaces may not provide, making them ideal for both formal and casual events. Additionally, ribbons are typically softer and smoother than standard shoelaces, reducing the risk of damaging your shoes through friction.
Why Use Ribbon as Shoelaces?
Choosing ribbon as an alternative to traditional shoelaces offers numerous advantages that go beyond just aesthetic appeal. One of the key reasons to opt for ribbons is their potential to express individuality and creativity. With so many colors, prints, and textures available, ribbons allow you to showcase your personality and enhance your outfit’s uniqueness effortlessly.
They offer an accessible way to refresh and rejuvenate your footwear without investing in new shoes. Additionally, using ribbons as shoelaces can provide a more comfortable fit, as their softness and flexibility can be adjusted to suit your preference, reducing any discomfort typically caused by tightening standard laces. The versatility of ribbons means they can easily transition from one pair of shoes to another, whether you’re heading to a casual brunch or a formal gathering.
10 Methods How to Use Ribbon as Shoelaces
1. Basic Lacing with a Bow
The simplest way to use ribbon as shoelaces is by mimicking the traditional criss-cross lacing method. Select a ribbon that complements or contrasts with your shoes, depending on the look you’re going for. Start by threading the ribbon through the eyelets just as you would with standard laces.
Make sure the ribbon is flat and untwisted as you lace through each hole to keep the clean, elegant look. Once you’ve reached the top, tie a neat bow instead of a knot. The ribbon’s softness will allow the bow to look voluminous and eye-catching, perfect for adding a delicate, feminine touch to casual or dressy shoes.
2. Ladder Lacing
Ladder lacing offers a structured and uniform appearance that works exceptionally well with wider ribbons. To achieve this method, start by pulling the ribbon through the bottom eyelets and pulling it up equally on both sides. Cross each end to the next set of eyelets, but instead of threading them across as you normally would, bring each ribbon end through the previous loop before crossing again.
This creates a ladder-like effect. When you finish, tie a bow or tuck the ends inside for a more polished look. The ladder pattern showcases the ribbon’s texture, making it ideal for occasions where you want a more defined, symmetrical aesthetic.
3. Bar Lacing
If you’re after a minimalist look, bar lacing is an ideal method. It creates horizontal bars across the shoe without crossing the ribbon over, which can make the pattern appear sleek and clean. To bar lace with ribbon, begin by threading the ribbon through the first eyelets at the bottom of the shoe, making sure both ends are even. Instead of criss-crossing, bring one end straight up to the next eyelet on the same side, while the other end is fed through to its corresponding side on the same row.
Repeat this process until all the eyelets are filled with straight bars of ribbon. The result is a refined, modern look perfect for both sneakers and formal shoes.
4. Double Bow for a Flamboyant Look
For those who love to make a bold statement, the double bow method is a fantastic option. Start by lacing the shoes in a basic criss-cross pattern, but choose a wider ribbon to allow for a more substantial bow. Once you’ve reached the top, instead of tying one bow, make two: one smaller and tighter, the other larger and looser. This creates a tiered effect with the bows, adding volume and drama to your shoe. The double bow technique works particularly well with colorful or textured ribbons, drawing attention to your shoes in a playful, extravagant way.
5. Corset Lacing
For a high-fashion look, corset lacing with ribbon is both functional and stylish. This method works particularly well with shoes that have numerous eyelets. Begin by threading the ribbon as you would with basic criss-cross lacing, but as you get to the top, leave the ends long. Once the ribbon is completely laced, pull the ends tight and wrap them around each other in a twisting motion before tying them at the top, creating a corset-like appearance. Corset lacing adds an element of elegance and sophistication, making it ideal for formal occasions or even turning an ordinary pair of boots into a statement piece.
6. Diagonal Lacing
Diagonal lacing with ribbon is another chic option that’s relatively simple to execute. Start by threading the ribbon through the bottom eyelets, but instead of crossing it over to the opposite side for the next row, bring one end diagonally across to the third eyelet, skipping one. Do the same for the other side. Continue this method all the way up the shoe, creating a diagonal pattern. This method showcases a more geometric design, perfect for adding an avant-garde twist to your footwear. The diagonal lacing also leaves more room for the ribbon to be visible, making it an excellent choice if you’re working with printed or textured ribbons.
7. Ribbon Weave
The ribbon weave technique is intricate and best suited for special occasions or when you really want your shoes to stand out. To create a woven effect, you’ll need two different ribbons—preferably in contrasting colors. Start by threading both ribbons through the eyelets as you normally would. Once they’re threaded through, alternate weaving the two ribbons over and under each other as you lace up. The result is a unique, layered effect that adds depth and complexity to your shoes. This method looks especially stunning on flats or sneakers where the weave can be fully displayed.
8. Hidden Bow
For a subtle, polished look, try the hidden bow technique. Start by lacing the ribbon through the eyelets, but leave the ends long after lacing to the top. Instead of tying a bow outside of the shoe, tuck the ends underneath the shoe’s tongue or inside the shoe itself. This method works best with thinner ribbons and gives the appearance of a continuous, uninterrupted ribbon throughout the shoe. The hidden bow technique is excellent for more formal settings, where you might want the ribbon to serve as an accent rather than the focal point.
9. Multi-Layered Ribbon Lacing
This method involves using multiple ribbons of different colors or textures to create a layered look. Start by lacing one ribbon in the standard criss-cross method. Once you’ve reached the top, take another ribbon and repeat the lacing over the first ribbon, threading it through the same eyelets or alternate ones, depending on your preference. The result is a layered look that adds both color and texture to your shoes, creating a visually interesting and complex design. This method works particularly well for statement sneakers or boots where you want the ribbons to be a central part of the design.
10. Half and Half Lacing
Half and half lacing involves using two different ribbons—one for the bottom half of the shoe and one for the top. Start by threading one ribbon through the bottom eyelets and lace it up until you reach the middle of the shoe. Tie it off or tuck the ends inside, then take the second ribbon and start lacing from the middle up to the top. This method creates a color-blocking effect that can be striking when done with contrasting or complementary colors. It’s a fun way to add an unexpected twist to your shoes, and the split-color look offers a bold, contemporary style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ribbon lacing offers a versatile and creative way to personalize your footwear, allowing you to express your style and make a statement. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, minimalist appearance or prefer something more flamboyant and eye-catching, there’s a ribbon lacing technique to suit every taste and occasion. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to use ribbon as shoelaces!
