Lace vs. Braid — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
Lace is a delicate fabric made of thread or yarn, often featuring open designs, while a braid is a pattern formed by interlacing strands.
Difference Between Lace and Braid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lace is characterized by its intricate patterns and openwork, created through techniques like knitting, crocheting, or needlework, making it synonymous with elegance and delicacy. Whereas braid involves intertwining three or more strands of flexible material such as hair, wire, or textile fibers, resulting in a cohesive and often strong structure.
Traditionally, lace is used as a decorative element in clothing, lingerie, and home décor, highlighting its aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship. On the other hand, braids are employed in a variety of applications, from functional uses like ropes and cables to decorative purposes like hairstyles and trimmings, showcasing their versatility.
The production of lace often requires specialized skills and can be labor-intensive, reflecting the artistry and time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Braids, however, can range from simple, easily learned patterns to complex designs, making them accessible to a wide range of skill levels.
Lace is valued for its ornamental nature and is often associated with luxury and sophistication, used in high-end fashion and ceremonial garments. Meanwhile, braids are appreciated for their practicality and aesthetic appeal, finding their place in both everyday and special occasion wear.
Understanding the distinction between lace and braid not only helps in recognizing their unique characteristics but also in appreciating their respective roles in fashion, design, and utility.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Delicate fabric made of thread or yarn
Pattern formed by interlacing strands
Techniques
Knitting, crocheting, needlework
Intertwining of strands
Primary Use
Decorative in clothing and home décor
Functional and decorative
Skill Level
Specialized, can be labor-intensive
Ranges from simple to complex
Associated Qualities
Elegance, luxury, sophistication
Versatility, strength, practicality
Compare with Definitions
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric featuring open designs and patterns, made through techniques like knitting or crocheting.
The wedding gown was adorned with handcrafted lace, adding to its elegance.
Braid
A braid is a complex structure formed by interlacing three or more strands of flexible materials.
She wore her hair in a braid, the strands woven tightly together.
Lace
Lace is often used to add a touch of elegance and delicacy to garments, particularly in bridal wear and lingerie.
The lace trim on the dress gave it a refined and graceful appearance.
Braid
Braiding is a skill that can be easily learned, making it a popular activity for both children and adults.
The children learned to braid using colorful yarns, creating simple bracelets.
Lace
Creating lace requires a high level of craftsmanship, often involving intricate handiwork.
The artisan's skill in lace-making was evident in the detailed floral patterns.
Braid
Braids come in various forms, such as French, Dutch, and fishtail, each offering a different look and style.
For the festival, she chose a fishtail braid, its intricate pattern complementing her outfit.
Lace
There are numerous types of lace, including Chantilly, Alençon, and Venetian, each with distinct characteristics.
The Chantilly lace, known for its fine net background and detailed motifs, was chosen for the veil.
Braid
Braids are used in various applications, from hair styling to the creation of ropes and cables.
The braid on the handle provided a secure grip, preventing slippage.
Lace
Lace has a rich history and is often associated with luxury and status in various cultures.
In historical times, lace was a symbol of wealth and prestige among the European aristocracy.
Braid
Braids can also serve a decorative purpose, adding texture and interest to garments and accessories.
The decorative braid along the hem added a unique touch to the skirt.
Lace
Gold or silver braid ornamenting an officer's uniform.
Braid
A braid (also referred to as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing two or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair. Braids have been made for thousands of years, in many different cultures around the world, for a variety of uses.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by machine or by hand. Generally, lace is divided into two main categories, needlelace and bobbin lace.
Braid
Threads of silk, cotton, or other material woven into a decorative band for edging or trimming garments
Fancy braids
A coat trimmed with gold braid
Lace
A cord or ribbon used to draw and tie together two opposite edges, as of a shoe.
Braid
A length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands
Her hair curled neatly in blonde braids
Lace
A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern. Also called lacework.
Braid
Interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a length
Their long hair was tightly braided
Lace
To thread a cord through the eyelets or around the hooks of.
Braid
Edge or trim (a garment) with braid
Braided red trousers
Lace
To draw together and tie the laces of.
Braid
(of a river or stream) flow into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited earth or alluvium
A braided river carries an enormous burden of sand and gravel
Lace
To restrain or constrict by tightening laces, especially of a corset.
Braid
To interweave three or more strands, strips, or lengths of in a diagonally overlapping pattern
Braided the rags into a strong rope.
Lace
To pull or pass through; intertwine
Lace garlands through a trellis.
Braid
To create (something) by such interweaving
Braid a rug.
Lace
To trim or decorate with or as if with lace.
Braid
To style (the hair) by such interweaving.
Lace
To add a touch of flavor to
"today's chefs love to lace their goods with lively, pronounced flavors" (David Rosengarten).
Braid
To mingle (discrete elements, for example) as if by such interweaving
Braided the ideas into a complex thesis.
Lace
To add a substance, especially an intoxicant or narcotic, to
Laced the eggnog with rum and brandy.
Braid
To decorate or edge (something) with a trim of interwoven strands
Finished the jacket by braiding the collar and cuffs.
Lace
To add or intersperse with something in order to produce a certain effect
"Quacks now lace their pitch with scientific terms that may sound authentic to the uninformed" (Jane E. Brody).
Braid
To fasten or decorate (hair) with a band or ribbon.
Lace
To streak with color.
Braid
To flow, twist, or wind as if interwoven
A stream braiding through the woods.
Lace
To give a beating to; thrash
Laced his opponent in the second round.
Braid
A braided segment or length, as of hair, fabric, or fiber.
Lace
To be fastened or tied with laces or a lace.
Braid
Ornamental cord or ribbon, used especially for decorating or edging fabrics.
Lace
(uncountable) A light fabric containing patterns of holes, usually built up from a single thread. Wp
Braid
A ribbon or band used to fasten the hair.
Lace
(countable) A cord or ribbon passed through eyelets in a shoe or garment, pulled tight and tied to fasten the shoe or garment firmly. Wp
Your laces are untied, do them up!
Braid
To make a sudden movement with, to jerk.
Lace
A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net.
Braid
To start into motion.
Lace
Spirits added to coffee or another beverage.
Braid
(transitive) To weave together, intertwine (strands of fibers, ribbons, etc.); to arrange (hair) in braids.
Lace
(ergative) To fasten (something) with laces.
Braid
To mix, or make uniformly soft, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in preparing food.
Lace
(transitive) To add alcohol, poison, a drug or anything else potentially harmful to (food or drink).
Braid
(obsolete) To reproach; to upbraid.
Lace
(transitive) To interweave items.
To lace one's fingers together
Braid
(obsolete) A sudden movement; a jerk, a wrench.
Lace
(transitive) To interweave the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
Braid
A weave of three or more strands of fibers, ribbons, cords or hair often for decoration.
Lace
(transitive) To beat; to lash; to make stripes on.
Braid
A stranded wire composed of a number of smaller wires twisted together
Lace
(transitive) To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material.
Cloth laced with silver
Braid
A tubular sheath made of braided strands of metal placed around a central cable for shielding against electromagnetic interference.
Lace
That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc.
His hat hung at his back down by a lace.
For striving more, the more in laces strongHimself he tied.
Braid
(obsolete) A caprice or outburst of passion or anger.
Lace
A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net.
Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace.
Braid
To weave, interlace, or entwine together, as three or more strands or threads; to form into a braid; to plait.
Braid your locks with rosy twine.
Lace
A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress.
Our English dames are much given to the wearing of costly laces.
Braid
To mingle, or to bring to a uniformly soft consistence, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in some culinary operations.
Lace
Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage.
Braid
To reproach. [Obs.] See Upbraid.
Lace
To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or, figuratively. with anything resembling laces.
When Jenny's stays are newly laced.
Braid
To start; to awake.
Lace
To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material; as, cloth laced with silver.
Braid
A plait, band, or narrow fabric formed by intertwining or weaving together different strands.
A braid of hair composed of two different colors twined together.
Lace
To beat; to lash; to make stripes on.
I'll lace your coat for ye.
Braid
A narrow fabric, as of wool, silk, or linen, used for binding, trimming, or ornamenting dresses, etc.
Lace
To add something to (a food or beverage) so as to impart flavor, pungency, or some special quality; as, to lace a punch with alcohol; to lace the Kool-Aid with LSD.
Braid
A quick motion; a start.
Lace
To twine or draw as a lace; to interlace; to intertwine.
The Gond . . . picked up a trail of the Karela, the vine that bears the bitter wild gourd, and laced it to and fro across the temple door.
Braid
A fancy; freak; caprice.
Lace
To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace.
Braid
Deceitful.
Since Frenchmen are so braid,Marry that will, I live and die a maid.
Lace
A cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
Braid
A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
Lace
A delicate decorative fabric woven in an open web of symmetrical patterns
Braid
Trimming used to decorate clothes or curtains
Lace
Spin or twist together so as to form a cord;
Intertwine the ribbons
Twine the threads into a rope
Braid
Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
Lace
Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
Braid
Decorate with braids or ribbons;
Braid a collar
Lace
Do lacework;
The Flemish women were lacing in front of the cathedral
Braid
Form or weave into a braid or braids;
Braid hair
Lace
Draw through eyes or holes;
Lace the shoelaces
Lace
Add alcohol beverages
Common Curiosities
What are some practical uses of braids?
Braids are used for both functional and decorative purposes, including hairstyles, ropes, and trimmings in textiles.
How is a braid formed?
A braid is formed by intertwining three or more strands of material, resulting in a cohesive pattern or structure.
Does making lace require special skills?
Yes, lace-making often requires specialized skills and can be quite labor-intensive, involving detailed handiwork.
Can anyone learn to braid?
Braiding is generally accessible and can be learned by people of various skill levels, from simple to complex designs.
Where is lace commonly used?
Lace is commonly used as a decorative element in clothing, lingerie, and home décor, valued for its aesthetic appeal.
What qualities are associated with lace?
Lace is associated with elegance, luxury, and sophistication, often featured in high-end fashion and ceremonial garments.
Are there different types of lace?
Yes, there are numerous types of lace, such as Chantilly, Alençon, and Venetian, each with unique characteristics.
What defines lace?
Lace is a delicate fabric known for its intricate patterns and open designs, often created through knitting, crocheting, or needlework.
What makes braids versatile?
Braids are versatile due to their wide range of applications, from functional uses like ropes to decorative uses in fashion.
What are some popular braid styles?
Popular braid styles include French, Dutch, and fishtail braids, each offering a different aesthetic.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
