epaulette
Military shoulder ornament
An epaulette is an ornamental shoulder piece on a military uniform, typically featuring braided cord, fringe, or metallic embellishments that indicate rank or regiment.
Originally functional—securing shoulder straps for carrying gear—epaulettes became purely decorative markers of military status.
The term extends to similar decorative shoulder features on civilian clothing, particularly jackets and coats with buttoned flaps or raised padding at the shoulders.
Ranked authority structure
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- superiorHigher in rank
subordinate · leadership · chevron · stripe · star · pip · bar · eagle
Authority figure in uniform
- generalWidespread, not specialized
- admiralSenior naval commander
- colonelSenior military officer
- majorOf chief importance
captain · lieutenant · commander · brigadier · sergeant · commissioned · enlisted · infantry
Outermost edge or margin
- tasselOrnamental hanging cluster
- goldworkEmbroidery using metallic threads
- braidInterwoven strand pattern
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
bullion · cord · piping · lace · sequin · beadwork · gilt · metallic thread
Loose hip-length top
- dress bluesFormal military uniform
- fatiguesMilitary duty uniform
- blazerSemiformal tailored jacket
- peacoatDouble-breasted wool jacket
beret · jacket · frock coat · doublet · service dress · greatcoat · sleeve · lapel
Ceremonial public procession
- regaliaCeremonial emblems of authority
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- pompOstentatious display of dignity
- dress uniformCeremonial military attire
coronation · inauguration · procession · honors · formality · gala · solemnity · tradition
Custom high-fashion design
- runwayPaved path for planes
- structuredArranged in organized form
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- power dressingStrategic professional wardrobe choices
eighties · blazer · jacket · Michael Jackson · costume · theatrical · marching band · doorman
hierarchy
Ranked authority structure
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
superior · subordinate · leadership · chevron · stripe · star · pip · bar · eagle · anchor
officer
Authority figure in uniform
major · captain · lieutenant · commander · brigadier · sergeant · commissioned · enlisted · infantry · regiment
fringe
Outermost edge or margin
- tasselOrnamental hanging cluster
- goldworkEmbroidery using metallic threads
- braidInterwoven strand pattern
embroidery · bullion · cord · piping · lace · sequin · beadwork · gilt · metallic thread · trim
tunic
Loose hip-length top
- dress bluesFormal military uniform
- fatiguesMilitary duty uniform
- blazerSemiformal tailored jacket
peacoat · beret · jacket · frock coat · doublet · service dress · greatcoat · sleeve · lapel · collar
parade
Ceremonial public procession
- regaliaCeremonial emblems of authority
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- pompOstentatious display of dignity
dress uniform · coronation · inauguration · procession · honors · formality · gala · solemnity · tradition · medal
couture
Custom high-fashion design
- runwayPaved path for planes
- structuredArranged in organized form
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
power dressing · eighties · blazer · jacket · Michael Jackson · costume · theatrical · marching band · doorman · bellhop