A Guide to Dress Shoelace Etiquette: Weddings, Funerals & Proper Removal

From the perspective of a dress shoelace brand, we've put together a guide on dress shoelace etiquette.

• Should you wear laced shoes to a wedding?
• Should you wear laced shoes to a funeral?
• Should you untie your laces when taking off your shoes?
• Is there a proper etiquette for lacing?

This article is for anyone with these questions. We hope you find it helpful.

Shoelace Etiquette for Formal Occasions & Business

Laced Shoes are Proper Etiquette for Weddings

When attending a wedding, formal suits are standard, which means formal dress shoes are also required.

Generally, a formal dress shoe meets the following criteria:

• Laced styles like Oxford straight-tips or wholecuts
• No decorative perforations (brogueing)
• Black in color
• Made of smooth leather

Shoes that meet all these conditions are the best choice.

Conversely, shoes that could be considered a breach of etiquette include:

• Loafers or boots
• Shoes with heavy ornamentation
• Suede or exotic leathers

These styles should be avoided.

Laced Shoes are Proper Etiquette for Funerals

Mourning attire is required for funerals, so just as with weddings, it is proper etiquette to wear dress shoes that meet the following conditions.

• Laced styles like Oxford straight-tips or wholecuts
• No decorative perforations (brogueing)
• Black in color
• Made of smooth leather

For Business, Laced Shoes are Better with a Suit

In a business context, dress code etiquette can vary depending on the situation and who you're meeting, so it's difficult to state a single rule. However, when wearing a suit, laced shoes are the better choice.

In this context, a "suit" refers to one that is:

• Properly fitted to your body
• Made of a fabric and style suitable for formal occasions
• Made of the same fabric for both jacket and trousers
• Worn with a dress shirt and tie

We are using the term "suit" to refer to an outfit that meets these criteria.

In short, laced shoes are best for a proper suit style.

However, unlike weddings or funerals, you don't need to be strictly formal with Oxford straight-tips or wholecuts. Depending on the place and company, wearing brown shoes or shoes with more decoration should be acceptable.

If you're wearing a blazer and trousers instead of a full suit, loafers or even sneakers may be permissible.

While "business" covers a wide range of options, always choose your footwear with consideration for the people you will be meeting.

Elastic-Sided Shoes are OK Even When Laced Shoes are Required

Source: REGAL

For formal occasions like weddings and funerals where laced shoes are the norm, we recommend elastic-sided shoes for those who find it difficult to bend down to tie their laces.

Elastic-sided shoes are a type of shoe with elastic panels on the sides.

Although they are not laced, they come in formal designs and can be a suitable substitute for Oxford straight-tips or wholecuts.

Shoelace Etiquette for Putting On and Taking Off Shoes

Untie Your Laces to Take Off Your Shoes, and Tie Them When You Put Them On

When you need to take off your shoes outside your own home—at a friend's house, a traditional inn, or a restaurant—it is proper etiquette to "untie the laces to take them off" and "tie the laces after you put them on."

If you can slip your laced dress shoes on and off without untying them, it likely means either:

• Your shoes are too big
• You aren't lacing them tightly enough

In this case, you are not wearing your shoes correctly in the first place, which is a problem that goes beyond simple etiquette.

Also, when you take off your shoes, tucking the laces inside is a smart way to keep them from getting in the way of others.

And when you put your shoes on, use a shoehorn and be sure to tie the laces securely.

More Importantly, Keep Your Shoes Clean and Polished

While minding your manners when taking shoes on and off is important, it is even more crucial to ensure your shoes are clean when visiting a friend's home or an establishment.

At a minimum, make sure they are polished and free of dust and dirt.

Etiquette for Shoelace Lacing Methods

Parallel or Single Lacing is Better for Formal Occasions

For occasions that demand formal dress shoes, like weddings and funerals, it is better to use the Parallel or Single lacing method.

Methods like Overlap or Underlap can give a casual impression, but Parallel or Single lacing is a safe choice because the horizontal bars create a neat, formal impression.

For more details on these lacing methods, please see the articles below.
Parallel Lacing Method / Single Lacing Method

Summary of Dress Shoelace Etiquette

• For weddings and funerals, wear laced shoes, specifically Oxford straight-tips or wholecuts.
• For business suit styles, wear laced shoes.
• Untie your laces to take your shoes off, and tie them when you put them on.
• For occasions requiring laced shoes, use the Parallel or Single lacing method.

If you follow these points, you should be well-covered when it comes to dress shoelace etiquette.

Etiquette is about showing consideration for others. Let's dress smart and act smart.