epaulettes
Military shoulder decorations
Epaulettes are ornamental shoulder pieces on military uniforms, typically featuring fringe or braiding that indicates rank.
They originated as functional armor protection but evolved into purely decorative insignia: The general's epaulettes gleamed with gold braid.
The term extends to any decorative shoulder detail on clothing.
Also spelled epaulets.
Ceremonial emblems of authority
- liveryIdentifying uniform or colors
- braidingInterlacing three strands
- pipingTubes for fluid transport
- badgesWorn symbols of status
trimmings · galloon · buttons · sash · tunic · jacket · ceremonial · accoutrement
Distinguishing mark of rank
- chevronsV-shaped rank markings
- sergeantMid-level military rank
- lieutenantJunior commissioned officer
- captainOne who commands
major · colonel · general · admiral · brigadier · marshal · commander · commodore
regalia
Ceremonial emblems of authority
badges · trimmings · galloon · buttons · sash · tunic · jacket · ceremonial · accoutrement
insignia
Distinguishing mark of rank
- chevronsV-shaped rank markings
- sergeantMid-level military rank
- lieutenantJunior commissioned officer
captain · major · colonel · general · admiral · brigadier · marshal · commander · commodore · corporal
tassels
Ornamental hanging tufts
- fringeOutermost edge or margin
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
- brocadeRaised-pattern luxury fabric
silk · velvet · beads · sequins · bullion · cord · metallic · decorative · plumes · finery
runway
Paved path for planes
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- costumeClothing for portrayal
- vintageQuality from past eras
- rank insignia
- jacket partscollar, cuffs, hood, lapels, lining
- military gearuniform, rifle, boots, combat boots, ammunition
- Military Paradesmarch music, marching, marchers, formation, formations
- military weararmy boots, army uniform, beret, camo, camo jacket
- police gearbadge, police badge, handgun, pepper spray, uniform