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

This article provides a detailed guide on how to lace, loosen, and tighten the "Single" style for dress shoelaces, complete with a video tutorial.

Like the "Parallel" method, "Single" lacing creates a look with parallel bars on the outside. While "Parallel" offers a better fit, the "Single" method provides a cleaner, more streamlined appearance, making it highly suitable for formal wear.

Now, let's take a closer look at the "Single" lacing style.

How to Tie (Lace) Dress Shoelaces in a Single Style

A Look at Single Lacing on Different Shoe Styles

We've laced various types of dress shoes, from dressy to casual, in the Single style.

The lacing method alone can change the atmosphere of a shoe. We hope you find a combination you love.

Jalan Sriwijaya Straight-Tip

The black straight-tip is a formal wear staple, perfect for everything from weddings to business. The Single style is an excellent match for these shoes.

It's a nice touch to change your lacing based on the occasion: Parallel for a better fit in business settings, and Single for a more formal look at ceremonies.

Loake Wingtip

Just like with straight-tips, this style pairs well with Oxfords (balmorals).

On an Oxford where the quarters meet and close completely, there is no visual difference between Single and Parallel lacing. In that case, you might simply choose the one that feels more comfortable.

Raymar U-Tip Derby

With a U-Tip Derby, the inside of the lacing is more visible, which helps to appreciate the clean look of the Single style.

Wheel Robe Straight-Tip Derby

Overlap lacing is standard for American-style shoes, so using the Single style can create a fresh look. You can switch it up depending on your outfit.

Soffice & Solid Plain-Toe Derby

For 3-eyelet shoes, the Single and Parallel lacing methods are identical.

How to Tie (Lace) in the Single Style

Features of Single Lacing

• Creates a formal, neat impression, suitable for formal occasions.
• The laces running underneath all go in the same direction for a clean look.
• The laces on top look the same as the Parallel method.
• Offers less of a hold than Parallel lacing.

Key Points for Single Lacing

• Only one side of the lace is threaded sequentially from the bottom up.
• For a symmetrical look and even tension, lace the left and right shoes as mirror images of each other.

Step-by-Step Lacing Guide

We also have a video tutorial, 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. Leave the "B" side of the lace much longer.
2: Thread the "A1" lace through B5 from underneath, going straight to the top.

3: Thread the "B1" lace through A2 from underneath. Cross it over the lace from step "2".
4: Thread the "A2" lace across to B2 from over the top.

5: Thread the "B2" lace through A3 from underneath.
6: Thread the "A3" lace across to B3 from over the top.

7: Thread the "B3" lace through A4 from underneath.
8: Thread the "A4" lace across to B4 from over the top.

9: Thread the "B4" lace through A5 from underneath.
10: Adjust the lengths, tie a knot, and you're done.

How to Loosen the Single Lace

Loosen the laces one row at a time, starting from the top.

1: Loosen the 4th bar. This will pull on the 5th (top) lace (A5).
2: Loosen the 3rd bar. This will pull on the 4th bar.

3: Loosen the 2nd bar. This will pull on the 3rd bar.
4: Finally, pull the quarters (the sides with the eyelets) apart to loosen the entire lacing.

How to Tighten the Single Lace for Wearing

Tighten the laces one row at a time, starting from the bottom.

1: Pull on the 3rd bar. This will tighten the 2nd bar.

2: Pull on the 4th bar. This will tighten the 3rd bar.
3: Pull on the 5th (top) lace (A5). This will tighten the 4th bar and secure the entire lacing.

Finally: The Shoelaces Used for This Single Lacing Guide

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

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

You can also order many other shapes and types of shoelaces. Find your perfect pair and place a custom order.

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 Parallel Style [With How-to-Loosen Guide & Video!]

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