Resources September 18, 2025

Runway Ready: Rope In Fashion - Timeless Style Meets Creativity

Rope isn’t just for sailing or utility—it has a long history of inspiring fashion. From braided straps on dresses to macramé handbags and knot-inspired jewelry, rope has woven its way into style as both a functional and decorative element. Its natural texture brings an artisanal feel to clothing, while its strength and versatility make it a favorite for accessories and jewelry alike. Rope represents creativity, craft, and connection—proof that even the simplest materials can become striking statements.

Celebrate the beauty of rope as more than just a tool, but as a timeless source of inspiration in fashion and design!

Runway Ready: Rope In Fashion - Timeless Style Meets Creativity

Filed in:Resources

Leave a comment

Fashion has always been about creativity and reinvention—and one of the most unexpected materials to inspire designers throughout history is rope. Once thought of as purely functional, rope has woven its way into clothing, accessories, handbags, and jewelry, creating looks that are bold, textural, and unique.

Explore the many ways rope has influenced design and discover how this timeless material continues to inspire creativity in fashion and beyond.

Rope in Clothing

Rope has long been used as both a structural element and an embellishment. Think corset-like rope lacing, braided straps, and knotted detailing on tops and dresses. Its tactile nature brings an artisanal quality to garments, adding texture and interest to even the simplest silhouettes.

1. Belts & Waist Ties
Rope belts are common in resort wear, nautical-inspired collections, and summer outfits.

Brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have used braided cotton ropes as casual waist ties.

Luxury brands (e.g., Chanel) have released dresses cinched with gold-thread rope belts.

2. Footwear

Espadrilles: Traditionally made with rope (jute) soles — classic in Mediterranean fashion.

Modern brands like Castaner, Valentino, and Tory Burch have rope-soled sandals in seasonal collections.

Rope laces also appear in sneakers (Nike ACG, Adidas outdoor lines) for a rugged vibe.

3. Handbags & Accessories

Rope handles are used in tote bags, especially for summer/beach collections.

Hermès and Loewe have experimented with rope-style straps for handbags.

Jewelry (bracelets, chokers) sometimes features twisted-rope metal or fabric.

4. Runway / Couture

Designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen have used actual ropes in avant-garde collections — knotted, draped, or sculptural.

Marine-inspired shows often use rope motifs in trims, embroidery, or prints.

5. Streetwear / Utility

Rope drawstrings in hoodies, cargo pants, or techwear often use thick, rope-like cords for a rugged feel.

Brands like A-Cold-Wall* and Off-White have added rope elements as harnesses or strap details.

6. Sustainability / Material Innovation

Some eco-conscious brands use recycled rope or rope-like fibers in woven clothing and accessories.

Jute, hemp, and sisal ropes are integrated into fashion as both structure and decoration.

Rope in Accessories

Accessories are where rope truly shines. From macramé-style totes to braided belts and knotted detailing on handbags, rope adds a playful yet sophisticated touch. Its versatility makes it perfect for both laid-back, coastal-inspired styles and sleek, urban looks.

1. Belts & Waist Ties
Rope belts are common in resort wear, nautical-inspired collections, and summer outfits.

Brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have used braided cotton ropes as casual waist ties.

Luxury brands (e.g., Chanel) have released dresses cinched with gold-thread rope belts.

2. Footwear

Espadrilles: Traditionally made with rope (jute) soles — classic in Mediterranean fashion.

Modern brands like Castaner, Valentino, and Tory Burch have rope-soled sandals in seasonal collections.

Rope laces also appear in sneakers (Nike ACG, Adidas outdoor lines) for a rugged vibe.

3. Handbags & Accessories

Rope handles are used in tote bags, especially for summer/beach collections.

Hermès and Loewe have experimented with rope-style straps for handbags.

Jewelry (bracelets, chokers) sometimes features twisted-rope metal or fabric.

4. Runway / Couture

Designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen have used actual ropes in avant-garde collections — knotted, draped, or sculptural.

Marine-inspired shows often use rope motifs in trims, embroidery, or prints.

5. Streetwear / Utility

Rope drawstrings in hoodies, cargo pants, or techwear often use thick, rope-like cords for a rugged feel.

Brands like A-Cold-Wall* and Off-White have added rope elements as harnesses or strap details.

6. Sustainability / Material Innovation

Some eco-conscious brands use recycled rope or rope-like fibers in woven clothing and accessories.

Jute, hemp, and sisal ropes are integrated into fashion as both structure and decoration.

Rope in Jewelry

Rope-inspired jewelry offers a sculptural and timeless quality. Chunky rope necklaces, delicate corded bracelets, and knot-shaped earrings bring strength and elegance together in a single design. When paired with metals or gemstones, rope-inspired designs become striking statement pieces.

1. Miu Miu – Spring/Summer 2024 Paracord Jewelry

Miu Miu's SS24 collection featured paracord accessories, including necklaces and bracelets, that blend sporty utility with high fashion. These pieces gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

2. Jennifer Behr – Natica Silver-Tone and Cord Necklace

This exclusive necklace from Jennifer Behr features a braided cord strung with a polished silver-tone shell pendant, inspired by oceanic beauty.

3. Sophie Buhai – Fob Silver Cord Necklace

Handcrafted in Los Angeles, this necklace combines satin cord with a silver pendant and signature teardrop ends, offering a minimalist and artistic design.

4. Tiffany & Co. – Woven Keys Large Pendant

Drawing inspiration from archival rope motifs, this pendant features strands of diamonds culminating in a woven masterpiece, set in 18k rose gold.

5. Jennifer Lawrence – Cord Necklace Trend

Actress Jennifer Lawrence showcased a bold cord necklace featuring a round glossy stone pendant, contributing to the resurgence of this accessory trend.

Pro Tips for Designers: Mastering Rope in Your Creations

Choose the Right Material

Different rope fibers deliver very different looks and strengths. For soft, wearable jewelry, cotton, linen, or lightly waxed cord give comfort and natural texture. If you need durability, especially outdoors or with wear, try leather, suede, or a polymer/synthetic blend. Always think about how the rope will feel against skin, how it responds to moisture, and how it holds color.

Pick the Proper Diameter

Delicate earrings, thin necklaces, fine beadwork: up to 2mm
Bracelets, chokers, pieces with pendants: 2-4mm
Bold statement pieces, straps, belts, sturdy handles: 5-12mm+

Master Your Knots and Finishing

Basic knots to have in your toolkit: square knot, lark’s head, half‑hitch / double half‑hitch, plus decorative or stopper knots for ends.

Finish ends cleanly: for natural fibers, whip or bind ends; for synthetics, heat‑seal or use jewelry end caps/crimps.

Make sure hardware grips the rope properly (caps should not be too loose or too tight).

Color, Texture & Mixing

Playing with contrast—smooth vs rough, thick vs thin, natural vs dyed—adds visual depth. If you pick dyed ropes, test how color wears with sweat / water / light. Waxed or synthetic ropes often retain color better. Natural fibers often look more artisanal, rustic, or boho.

Hardware Matters

Don’t skimp on ring size, clasp strength, or end‑caps. Pieces fail more often at hardware failure than material strength. If you use thick rope, ensure your hardware matches in strength & aesthetic.

Practical Considerations: Wear & Comfort

Think about how and where your design will be worn. Necklaces / bracelets need lighter, more flexible rope. Straps & handles should support weight and avoid dig‑in. Natural fibers may stretch or shrink; synthetic ones may flex or take shape over time.

Shop Rope

Spotlight: Meet Cat Donohue — Crafting Artistry with Our Ropes

Cat first discovered our ropes when she was searching for materials that offered both strength and character. She loved that our ropes had texture, durability, and personality — perfect for pieces that need to both hold up in daily life and stand out in style.

"I’ve always had a thing for fashion—it makes life more fun! With a background in the fashion world, I’ve come to really love playing with design, fiber, color, and texture. When the world slowed down during the pandemic, I found myself diving into fiber art—macramé wall hangings, home décor, and eventually, jewelry. There’s something magical about jewelry—it shows off your mood, your energy, your style. I started using ropethe.com materials for my wall pieces and was hooked—the quality is just next-level. That shift into making necklaces and other wearable pieces felt super natural. I love turning everyday, utilitarian materials into something beautiful and unexpected."

Shop The Look

Featuring our 1/4" Double Braid Solid Colors - Tan