The maile lei fills the air with its fragrance and drapes beautifully, but you might need a strategy to keep it in place. Whether it’s because of the smooth, flat structure of the leaves or the way the lei flows over your shoulders, getting this accessory to stay put can be awkward. And you don’t want to have a slipping or falling lei distract you during your special event. By applying these eight tips and tricks to get your maile lei to stay on, you can enjoy wearing it effortlessly throughout the day.
Start With Clean and Dry Skin
Place a maile lei on clean, dry skin (or fabric) to keep it secure. Oils and sweat can make it easier for the lei to slide out of place. So before you drape it, ensure that your shoulders and neckline are free from moisture. If you’re wearing your lei when it’s humid out, keep your skin or outfit dry by carrying blotting sheets or a small cloth with you.
Additionally, you might sweat during your event, so just keep those blotting sheets on hand to remove moisture and restore friction for your lei.
Adjust the Drape for Weight Distribution
A maile lei stays in place when it sits evenly across your shoulders. Uneven weight can cause the lei to slide off one side. Adjust how the lei loops to ensure that both sides balance comfortably.
Also, pay attention to any external elements influencing the lei’s weight distribution. For instance, if one shoulder has a bag strap or distinct embellishment, reposition the heavier side of the lei to align it correctly. Fine-tuning its placement not only keeps the lei secure but also shows off its symmetry.
Keep in mind that your lei might shift to become longer on one side than the other during your event. If this happens, it’s no problem. Simply readjust the drape to balance the weight distribution once again. You might also need to look for sections of the lei that got tangled, as bunching can add weight to one side and cause an imbalance to form.
Use Anchoring Accessories
You can use small accessories to anchor your lei without drawing attention away from its elegant design. For example, clear pins or snap clips can keep the lei attached to your clothing discreetly. Likewise, a well-placed pin at the back of your shirt collar offers hidden security to prevent slippage. Fabric-safe adhesive strips are another subtle option for securing the lei against your clothing.
Fasten It With a Hidden Loop
Instead of anchoring accessories, many maile lei include a loop or tying point that helps lock their position once you put one on. Take advantage of this loop by threading it under your outfit’s neckline or wrapping it delicately around a buttonhole. This stabilizing point keeps the lei fixed without causing visible tension or awkward bunching.
If your lei doesn’t contain a hidden loop, tying a fabric ribbon near the lei’s ends can create an attachment point. Carefully tuck the ribbon under your outfit to keep it out of sight. By being creative with hidden loops or ties, you can secure your lei while preserving its natural, draping grace.
Consider Fabric Textures in Your Outfit Choice
Your outfit influences how easily a lei will stay in place. Silk or satin might allow the lei to slide, but linen or cotton is more likely to keep it in position.
If you favor smooth, glossy fabrics for your outfit, add a textured layer, such as a lightweight scarf, shawl, or cardigan. This additional support stabilizes the lei without interrupting its flow, helping it stay positioned properly all day long.
Avoid Crowding the Lei
Though the lei’s leaves naturally drape across the shoulders, crowding it with additional items can make positioning more difficult. For instance, a high-profile necklace or lapel pin might snag the lei and pull it out of position. Wearing simple, supportive attire ensures the lei remains the centerpiece and doesn’t have to compete for space.
Adjust How You Carry Yourself
You should be able to move freely while wearing a lei, but you can be mindful of how you carry yourself to minimize slippage. For instance, consider making smooth gestures and staying mindful of your shoulders. Relaxing your shoulders and maintaining an upright posture create a flat surface for the lei to rest comfortably and securely.
But holding a perfect posture during the entire event might be impractical. When you dance, hug, jump, or do any other similar movement, your lei is likely to shift unless it’s secured with something. If that happens, simply return the lei to its proper place with casual adjustments.
Refresh and Resecure After Time
Use natural breaks to refresh your lei’s placement and appearance. Realign it and ensure it rests evenly before continuing your activities.
If you need to remove your lei temporarily, set it in a cool, shaded spot to prevent the leaves from wilting. You can also spray a fine mist of water to reinvigorate the lei and restore its fresh look. Moreover, gentle handling keeps the lei vibrant and ensures it drapes beautifully when you wear it again.
A maile lei adds a striking, natural, cultural touch to your event, and keeping it secure enhances your experience throughout the day. By focusing on these eight tips and tricks for getting a maile lei to stay on, you can help your lei stay perfectly in place.
Balance the draping, use fastening accessories, realign it occasionally, and wear supportive apparel to create a seamless fit for the lei. Each technique elevates the adornment’s beauty and secures it throughout every activity of the day.
A well-secured maile lei flawlessly highlights your outfit, bringing attention to the unique design of your chosen adornment. And nothing can accessorize an outfit like a lei from Hawaii Lei Stand. We will help you choose the right lei for any occasion, such as our ti leaf maile lei, giving you something stunning and beautiful to add to any outfit. We’re here to help you create wonderful, meaningful memories—one lei at a time.