A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Core reaction to the drawstring knot video

  • Many find the knot (a slipped Lapp knot) genuinely useful: it cinches tightly, resists slipping on slick drawstrings, and can be loosened or tightened without untying.
  • Several users report adopting it long-term with good results; others say it eventually jams or becomes hard to untie, or that they end up with very uneven string lengths.
  • Some commenters struggle with flat or thick cords, calling the knot “finicky” and noting mixed success depending on cord material.
  • A subset finds the technique overcomplicated and prefers simpler variations: double wraps in the initial overhand, “bunny ears” done with reversed direction, or just tying the same bow more firmly.

Identification, alternatives, and simplicity vs. optimization

  • The knot is identified as a (slipped) Lapp knot / Lapp bend; some initially misidentify it as a sheet bend.
  • Some argue you can get most of the benefit with a tight double square/reef knot before the bow, or by using cord locks instead of knots.
  • There’s a recurring theme of “life is too short to overthink drawstrings” versus “five minutes of learning can pay off over decades.”
  • A minority says if you must regularly tie drawstrings, your clothes are the wrong size; others counter that professions like nursing or heavy use cases make better knots worthwhile.

Shoelace knots and related techniques

  • The discussion frequently drifts to shoelace knots: faster or more secure “instant” bow methods, and variants that add an extra wrap for security while staying easy to release.
  • A specific “secure” shoelace knot is widely praised as superior to ordinary or “double” bows, especially for slippery, round laces.
  • Multiple comments highlight that many people unknowingly tie a granny knot instead of a proper square knot, causing laces to come undone easily.

Broader knot culture and learning

  • The thread expands into which 4–5 knots are most worth learning, covering bends, hitches, loops, and friction/adjustable knots, with long lists of candidates.
  • Some see knots as a practical, almost daily skill; others treat them as a hobby or fidget activity and enjoy refining small efficiencies.