13x4 vs 5x5 vs 7x5 Lace — What's the Difference?
Choosing the right lace size is one of the most important decisions when buying a glueless wig. Too small and you lose styling freedom. Too large and installation gets complicated. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right lace for your lifestyle.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Lace sizes describe the dimensions of the sheer lace panel at the front and top of the wig:
- 13x4: 13 inches wide × 4 inches deep along the hairline
- 5x5: 5 inches wide × 5 inches deep at the crown
- 7x5 (also called 9x6 at ARAY): 7 inches wide × 5 inches deep — wider closure for more parting space
The larger the lace panel, the more parting space and styling freedom you have.
13x4 Lace Front
Best for: Maximum styling freedom, edge-to-edge hairlines, ponytails, and side parts.
The 13x4 is the most popular lace size for a reason. It stretches across your entire forehead — 13 inches wide — giving you a fully natural-looking hairline from ear to ear. The 4-inch depth means you can part anywhere along the front.
Pros:
- Most natural-looking hairline
- Maximum styling versatility — middle part, side part, ponytail, half-up styles
- Best for styling away from the face
Cons:
- Larger lace area requires more careful installation for a seamless blend
- More lace to melt and press down for glueless wear
Ideal for: Experienced wig wearers, those who love to switch up their parts, anyone who wears ponytails or upstyles.
5x5 Lace Closure
Best for: Beginners, center or side parts, everyday low-maintenance wear.
The 5x5 closure sits at the crown of the head rather than spanning the full hairline. It's smaller and easier to blend — making it a great choice for wig beginners or anyone who prefers a simpler install.
Pros:
- Easier to install and blend glueless
- More affordable than 13x4
- Less lace to maintain
- Great for center parts and natural-looking crown
Cons:
- Limited parting space — can't part too far from center
- Not ideal for ponytails or edge-to-edge styles
Ideal for: Beginners, minimalists, those who wear center or slight side parts every day.
7x5 Lace (Our 9x6 Glueless)
Best for: The best of both worlds — more parting space than 5x5 without the full complexity of 13x4.
The 7x5 (marketed as 9x6 at ARAY) is our most popular glueless lace size. It's wider and deeper than a standard closure, giving you significantly more parting freedom — but the smaller overall lace area makes it easier to lay flat and blend glueless compared to a full 13x4 front.
Pros:
- More parting space than 5x5 — center, side, and deep parts all possible
- Easier glueless installation than 13x4
- Lays flat naturally with no adhesive
- Best balance of versatility and ease
Cons:
- Less styling freedom than 13x4 for extreme side parts or full ponytails
Ideal for: Anyone who wants glueless convenience without sacrificing style options. Our #1 recommendation for first-time glueless wig wearers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 13x4 | 5x5 | 7x5 (9x6) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace Coverage | Full hairline | Crown only | Wide crown |
| Parting Freedom | Maximum | Limited | Good |
| Glueless Ease | Moderate | Easiest | Easy |
| Best For | Versatile styles | Everyday wear | Balanced wear |
| Price | Higher | Most affordable | Mid-range |
Which Lace Size Should You Choose?
- Choose 13x4 if you love switching up your part, wearing ponytails, or styling away from your face.
- Choose 5x5 if you're new to wigs, prefer simple center parts, and want the easiest possible install.
- Choose 7x5 (9x6) if you want glueless convenience with more styling options than a standard closure — our most recommended option for beginners and everyday wearers.
Shop All ARAY Glueless Wigs
All ARAY glueless wigs come with pre-bleached knots, pre-plucked hairline, and adjustable straps — ready to wear straight out of the box, no glue required.