What the Numbers Mean
- 01First number width of the lace across the front hairline, in inches.
- 02Second number depth of the lace from the hairline towards the crown.
- 0313 inches is roughly ear to ear on an average head, which is why 13x4 and 13x6 are called frontals.
- 045x5, 6x4, 7x5 don't reach the ears. They're closures, and they're the basis of most glueless and closure wigs.
Inside the lace area, hair is hand-tied so it can be parted and styled. Outside it, the wig uses machine-made wefts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 5x5 closure | 7x5 closure (glueless) | 13x4 frontal | 13x6 frontal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace area | 25 sq in | 35 sq in | 52 sq in | 78 sq in |
| Parting space | Middle and slight side parts, up to about 5" deep | Middle and side parts, about 5" deep, wider at front | Ear to ear, parts up to 4" deep | Ear to ear, parts up to 6" deep |
| Pulled-back styles | Limited | Limited at the sides | Yes, half-up and slicked back | Yes, including deep side parts |
| Install | Easiest | Easy, usually pre-cut | Moderate, often a stylist | Moderate to advanced |
| Glue needed | No | No | Often | Often |
| Lace maintenance | Low | Low | Medium | Higher |
| Price level | Value | Mid | Mid to premium | Premium |
| Typical wig density | 150% to 180% | 150% to 200% | 180% to 250% | 180% to 250% |
13x4 vs 13x6
Customers choose between these two by how they part and pull back their hair.
Choose 13x4 if your customers:
- Mostly wear middle parts or moderate side parts
- Want a frontal look at a lower price
- Want a slightly lighter, cooler cap
Choose 13x6 if your customers:
- Love deep side parts and dramatic swoops
- Wear sleek styles pulled back from the face
- Are buying a premium unit and expect maximum styling freedom
The extra 2 inches of hand-tied lace are the slowest part of the build: a skilled worker ventilates a 13x6 in about 24–30 hours against about 16–20 hours for a 13x4, which is why 13x6 sits above 13x4 in price. For many customers, a 13x4 looks the same in everyday styles, so it's often the better value.
See the 13x4 HD Lace Wig See the 13x6 HD Lace Wig
5x5 vs 13x4
A 5x5 closure wig is simpler and cheaper. A 13x4 frontal gives the ear-to-ear hairline. For the full closure vs frontal comparison, including sew-ins and bundle deals, see Lace Closure vs Lace Frontal.
- 015x5 goes on without glue, holds up well and costs the least of the four. The front sides are wefted, so pulled-back styles show the edges less naturally.
- 0213x4 a natural hairline all the way to the ears. Better for ponytails and half-up styles, but more work to install and maintain.
Beauty supply stores and value lines often move more 5x5 closure wigs than 13x4. For online brands selling "the hairline", 13x4 is the standard.
See the Glueless Closure Wig
Where 7x5 Fits
The 7x5 sits between a closure and a frontal. It's wider than a 5x5 at the front, so it gives a deeper, more flexible part, but it's still small enough to be worn glueless with pre-cut lace. That combination is why 7x5 pre-cut has become the standard size for glueless lines.
See the 7x5 Pre-Cut Glueless Wig
Other sizes you'll see: 4x4 (budget closure), 6x4 (6 inches wide and 4 deep, wider than a 5x5 but shallower, for glueless value lines), 9x6 (near-frontal glueless) and 360 or full lace (maximum freedom). The full list is in our lace types guide.
Which Lace Size for Which Customer?
| Customer | Main sizes to stock | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time wig buyers | 7x5, 5x5 | Easy, glueless, pre-cut |
| Everyday online shoppers | 7x5, 13x4 | Natural hairline, easy to wear |
| Stylists and installers | 13x4, 13x6 | Ear to ear, room to customize |
| Glam and premium buyers | 13x6, 360, full lace | Maximum styling freedom |
| Price-focused shoppers | 4x4, 5x5 | Lowest price per unit |
A starting stock mix
For North American lines, 7x5 and 13x4 are the usual core, with 13x6 as the upgrade and 5x5 as value. These mixes are common starting points. Adjust them once you have your own sales data.
| Store type | 5x5 | 7x5 | 13x4 | 13x6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New North American online brand | 10% | 45% | 35% | 10% |
| Premium brand or stylist supply | 0% | 25% | 40% | 35% |
| Beauty supply store | 40% | 25% | 30% | 5% |
| West and South Africa, value focus | 40% | 15% | 40% | 5% |
Spec Tips for Each Size
- 01Confirm the real lace size Ask the vendor to measure the lace on your sample. Some "13x4" wigs have a narrower lace area than stated.
- 02Match lace material to the size HD lace looks best on 13x4 and 13x6 frontals. Transparent lace is a durable choice for 5x5 value lines.
- 03Pre-cut for glueless sizes On 5x5 and 7x5, pre-cut lace and bleached knots are what make the wig easy to wear.
- 04Plan the hairline Larger lace areas need more careful plucking to look natural.
Put each of these on your wig spec sheet.
FAQ
Does a 13x6 wig weigh more or feel hotter than a 13x4?
Slightly less hot, if anything: lace breathes better than wefts, and a 13x6 replaces 2 more inches of wefted cap with lace. The weight difference at the same density and length is small. What customers notice more is that the larger lace area needs more care when washing and removing glue.
Is 13x6 better than 13x4?
It's more flexible, not automatically better. For middle parts and everyday styles, a 13x4 looks just as natural and costs less.
Does lace size change how long a wig lasts?
The hair lasts by its grade whatever the lace size. The lace is different: more lace means more area to tear during glue removal, so a 13x6 worn glued usually needs hairline repair sooner than a 5x5 closure wig worn glueless. Worn glueless, the gap is small.
Is a 7x5 wig a frontal or a closure?
It's a wide closure. It doesn't reach the ears like a frontal, but it gives more parting room than a 5x5, and it's a common size for pre-cut glueless wigs.
Can I order mixed lace sizes in one order?
Yes. Each lace size is its own style, so a 13x4 and a 13x6 wig each need their own minimum of 10 units, but they ship in one order. Within a style you can mix lengths, textures, densities and colors.
Stock the Right Mix
Tell us who your customers are and we'll suggest a lace size mix for your first order.
Related reading
![Photo of [Production Author Name]](/images/author-production.jpg)
Runs production and quality control at ZUVI WIGS, from raw hair sorting to final inspection. [Production Author Years] in hair manufacturing.