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

This article provides a detailed guide on how to lace dress shoelaces in the "Overlap" style, complete with a video tutorial.

The Overlap method pairs well with shoes that have a casual vibe. We also share tips for getting a cleaner look, so we hope you'll give it a try on your own shoes.

How to Tie (Lace) Dress Shoelaces in an Overlap Style

A Look at Overlap Lacing on Different Shoe Styles

We tried this method on various types of dress shoes. While it's often associated with Derbys (bluchers), using Overlap lacing on Oxfords (balmorals) can be an interesting choice.

Please use these photos as a reference and try it on your own shoes.

Jalan Sriwijaya Straight-Tip

While Single or Parallel lacing is a more natural fit for black straight-tips, using this method as an accent on a more decorative shoe like an Adelaide could be an interesting touch.

Loake Wingtip

For Oxfords (balmorals), Single or Parallel lacing tends to look more natural.

In the photo, we used laces that are close in color to the leather. However, if you're using Overlap on an Oxford, I recommend using colored or lighter-colored laces to give the lacing a more casual feel.

Raymar U-Tip Derby

For dressy Derbys like this, both Overlap and Parallel lacing look great.

Wheel Robe Straight-Tip Derby

Overlap lacing is a great match for American-style shoes that feature blucher (open) lacing, exterior eyelets, and a rounded toe.

Soffice & Solid Plain-Toe Derby

For 3-eyelet shoes, there are fewer rows of lacing, and the top lace is threaded from underneath, so the Underlap method often looks more balanced than Overlap.

How to Lace in the Overlap Style

Features of Overlap Lacing

• Casual impression
• Excellent hold
• Can be tied tightly
• Also used for sneakers, athletic shoes, and hiking boots

Key Points for Overlap Lacing

• Thread the laces over the top of the eyelets.
• For a clean look, consistently cross the lace going towards the outside of the shoe over the other.

Step-by-Step Lacing Guide

Please watch the video 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: Make sure the left and right sides of the lace are the same length.

3: Thread the lace from B1 to A2 from over the top.
4: Thread the lace from A1 to B2 from over the top. Repeat steps 3-4.

5: Thread the lace from B2 to A3 from over the top.
6: Thread the lace from A2 to B3 from over the top.

7: Thread the lace from B3 to A4 from over the top.
8: Thread the lace from A3 to B4 from over the top.

9: Thread the lace from B4 to A5 from underneath.
10: Thread the lace from A4 to B5 from underneath.

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

How to Loosen the Overlap Lace

Loosen one row at a time from the top.

1-2: Pull on the 4th row of laces. (This will pull on the 5th row.)

3-4: Pull on the 3rd row of laces. (This will pull on the 4th row.)

5-6: Pull on the 2nd row of laces. (This will pull on the 3rd row.)

7: Finally, pull the quarters apart to loosen the entire lacing.

How to Tighten the Overlap Lace for Wearing

Tighten one row at a time from the bottom.

1: Pull on the 2nd row of laces. (This tightens the 1st row.)
2: Pull on the 3rd row of laces. (This tightens the 2nd row.)

3: Pull on the 4th row of laces. (This tightens the 3rd row.)
4: Finally, pull on the laces at the very top to tighten the entire lacing.

Finally: The Shoelaces Used for This Overlap Lacing Guide

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

You can custom-order from a wide variety of shoelace types, aglet colors, and lengths.

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

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 an Underlap Style [With Video!]

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