Laura Scholz
Guide

1 round carabiner, 4 styling tips

Laura Scholz
28.2.2025
Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Did you know you could use a simple carabiner to hold your pants in place and spice up plain tops? Here’s how.

Styling hacks may be my favourite part of social media. Time and again, I stumble across little tips and tricks that make my fashion life easier or turn simple basics into real eye-catchers with minimal effort. Think the safety pin, which saves trouser hems from getting soiled, the elastic band, which keeps large sweaters and wide shirts in check, and a simple way of threading the belt differently to prevent buttons from sagging.

The most recent hack came as a real surprise: the round carabiner. You’d normally use it on a bag, as a key ring, in sewing or in arts and crafts. But it can do so much more!

The minimalist brooch

A round carabiner is the easiest way to upgrade your run-of-the-mill top. Fasten it around your T-shirt sleeve between the neckline and armhole and scrunch it together. Tweak it a little to get your desired look, turn the carabiner so that the clasp isn’t visible, and you’re done. Of course, this works just as well with a second carabiner on the other sleeve.

Easy upgrade for a simple T-shirt.
Easy upgrade for a simple T-shirt.
Source: Laura Scholz

The minimalist brooch

Chunky knit sweaters are practically screaming for a carabiner! If you carefully push the ring through the stitches, you can drape your sweater however you like, giving it a more exciting shape and structure.

Add structure to simple knitted sweaters.
Add structure to simple knitted sweaters.
Source: Laura Scholz

The piece of jewellery

Combined with a bandana or scarf, the carabiner can be used in place of a necklace. All you have to do is roll up the fabric into a narrow ribbon and thread it through the carabiner. Place it around your neck and tie a knot around the other side of the carabiner. Done!

Turn the carabiner into a necklace.
Turn the carabiner into a necklace.
Source: Laura Scholz

The better belt

Classic belts are about as visually interesting as a white wall. Fasten two of your belt loops together with a round carabiner and your trousers will not only fit like a glove, but will also look cooler.

A different kind of belt.
A different kind of belt.
Source: Laura Scholz

For extra styling points

... add small charms to personalise your carabiner. Simply thread them onto it and show them off.

Header image: Laura Scholz

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