How to Tie (Lace) Dress Shoelaces in a Parallel Style [With How-to-Loosen Guide & Video!]

This article provides a detailed guide on how to lace and loosen the "Parallel" style for dress shoelaces. Parallel is the fundamental lacing method for dress shoes, so it's a great one to master.

While the "Single" method provides a similar look, we recommend Parallel because it offers a superior fit.

How to Lace in the Parallel Style

A Look at Parallel Lacing on Different Shoe Styles

We've laced various styles of shoes, including Oxfords (Balmorals) and Derbys (Bluchers), using the Parallel method.

There are no strict rules for lacing, so you can expand your style and enjoy your shoes more by changing the lacing to match your fashion.

Jalan Sriwijaya Straight-Tip

Black straight-tips, suitable for formal occasions, are a perfect match for Parallel lacing. While there is another method called "Single," Parallel provides a more secure hold on the instep and superior comfort.

Loake Wingtip

It also suits the more casual wingtip style. Of course, you can add a playful touch with a more casual method like Overlap lacing.

Raymar U-Tip Derby

It's a great match for U-Tip Derbys as well. Edward Green's famous "Dover" model is also laced in the Parallel style.

Wheel Robe Straight-Tip Derby

While Single lacing works, American-style shoes and those with exterior eyelets are a good match for Overlap lacing. There are no strict rules, so feel free to use your preferred method.

Soffice & Solid Plain-Toe Derby

Plain-Toe Derbys also look sharp with Parallel lacing. (Note: For 3-eyelet shoes, the Parallel method becomes identical to the Single method.) Additionally, 3-eyelet Derbys also look well-balanced with Underlap lacing.

How to Lace in the Parallel Style

Features of Parallel Lacing

• Creates a formal, neat impression.
• It's easy to tighten and loosen, yet provides a secure hold on the instep. I use this method for most of my shoes.

Key Points for Parallel Lacing

• You will be skipping rows as you lace.
• For a cleaner look, cross the lace from one direction consistently over the other underneath.

Step-by-Step Lacing Guide

We also explain this clearly in a video, so please watch it as well.

This is what it looks like when finished. Let's go through the steps in detail.

1: Thread the lace through A1 and B1 from the outside in.
2: Leave the "B" side of the lace slightly longer.

3: Thread the "B1" lace through A2 from underneath.
4: Thread the "A2" lace across to B2 from over the top.

5: Thread the "A1" lace through B3 from underneath. For a cleaner look, pass it underneath the lace from step "3".
6: Thread the "B3" lace across to A3 from over the top.

7: Thread the "B2" lace through A4 from underneath. For a cleaner look, pass it over the lace from step "5".
8: Thread the "A4" lace across to B4 from over the top.

9: Thread the "A3" lace through B5 from underneath. (The top eyelets must always be threaded from underneath.)
10: Thread the "B4" lace through A5 from underneath.

11: Adjust the lengths, tie a knot, and you're done.

How to Loosen the Parallel Lace

Because the lacing works by skipping a row, keep this in mind when loosening.

1: Loosen the 4th bar. This will pull on the 5th (top) row of laces.
2: Loosen the 2nd bar. This will pull on the 4th bar that you just loosened.

3: Loosen the 3rd bar. This will pull on the 5th (top) row of laces.
4: Finally, pull the quarters (the sides with the eyelets) apart to loosen the entire lacing.

How to Tighten the Parallel Lace for Wearing

Because the lacing works by skipping a row, keep this in mind when tightening.

1: Pull on both laces at the very top. This will tighten the 3rd and 4th bars.
2: Pull on the 4th bar. This will tighten the 2nd bar.

3: Pull on the 3rd bar. This will tighten the 1st (bottom) bar.
4: Pull on both laces at the top again to tighten everything up.

Finally: The Shoelaces Used for This Parallel Lacing Guide

We used the "Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2.5mm" in Light Beige from MONDSHOELACE.

Purchase "Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2.5mm" from MONDSHOELACE

You can custom-order many other types of shoelaces, so you're sure to find the perfect pair for your shoes.

For other lacing methods, please see these articles.

【With Videos!】A Guide to Lacing and Tying Dress Shoelaces

How to Tie (Lace) Dress Shoelaces in a Single Style [With Video!]

How to Tie (Lace) Dress Shoelaces in an Overlap Style [With Video!]

Reference for this article: 7 Ways to Tie & Lace Dress Shoelaces [e.g., Parallel for Business Shoes] | KutsuMedia