laces

Laces are cords or strips used to fasten footwear and garments, controlled by threading through eyelets, hooks, or loops and tying, knotting, or cinching. They come in flat and round profiles and vary in length, width, and material, and may be treated for durability or a specific aesthetic.

Common materials include cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends, with finishes such as waxed, braided, or coated for durability or style. Aglets are the metal or plastic tips that prevent fraying and ease threading.

Lace also refers to a separate textile: an openwork fabric produced by bobbin, needle, or machine techniques. It features patterns created by interlacing threads and is used as trim or for decorative coverings on clothing and home textiles.

Manufacture and use: most laces are mass produced by machines; shoe laces are sold by length and come in standard widths, colors, and tip styles. Care involves rinsing or gentle washing and air drying to preserve elasticity and color.

History and context: lacing appears in ancient societies as a fastening method; in Europe, lacing for shoes, garments, and corsets developed during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, expanding with industrial textile production in the 19th and 20th centuries.