What Are Epaulettes? A Simple Guide

Epaulettes (pronounced eh-puh-lets) are those small shoulder straps you’ll often see on uniforms, but they’re not just there for looks.

From military origins to modern workwear, epaulettes serve both a practical and professional purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what epaulettes are used for or why some shirts have them and others don’t, you’re in the right place.

What Are Epaulettes?

Epaulettes are fabric straps attached to the shoulders of a garment, typically fastened with a button or snap.

They are most commonly found on:

• Work uniforms
• Corporate shirts
• Security and emergency services apparel
• Military style garments

Their main role? Holding things in place and signalling authority.

What Are Epaulettes Used For?

Originally, epaulettes were designed for military use, where they displayed rank and helped secure items like equipment straps.

Today, they’re used for a mix of function and style:

🔹 1. Holding Equipment

Epaulettes help secure:

• Radios
• Body cams
• ID loops
• Shoulder cords

🔹 2. Displaying Rank or Authority

In industries like security or aviation, epaulettes often hold:

• Rank slides
• Insignia

🔹 3. Creating a Professional Look

Let’s be honest epaulettes make a uniform look sharper and more structured. They add:

• Clean lines
• Shoulder definition
• A more “official” appearance
  
  

Which Industries Use Epaulettes?

You’ll typically see epaulettes in:

• Security uniforms
• Airline staff uniforms
• Emergency services
• Hospitality (some premium venues)
• Corporate uniforms with a structured look

They’re especially popular where staff need to look:

👉 Authoritative
👉 Easily identifiable
👉 Professional

Do All Uniforms Have Epaulettes?

No, and that’s actually a good thing. Epaulettes are optional and depend on the purpose of the garment.

You can shop our range of polos, shirts and jumpers with Epaulettes here

Choose epaulettes if:

• Staff carry radios or equipment
• You need rank visibility
• You want a structured, formal look

Skip them if:

• You want a cleaner, more casual style
• The role doesn’t require equipment
• Comfort and simplicity are the priority

Are Epaulettes Comfortable?

Short answer: yes, when designed properly.

Modern uniform brands focus on:

• Lightweight fabrics
• Soft stitching
• Low-profile buttons

So you get the look without the shoulder bulk annoyance.

Epaulettes vs Shoulder Tabs – What’s the Difference?

They’re often used interchangeably, but technically:

• Epaulettes = broader term (often decorative or rank-based)
• Shoulder tabs = more functional (holding items in place)

In modern uniforms? They’re basically the same thing.

Should You Choose Epaulettes for Your Team?

Here’s the practical business answer:

If your team needs gear, visibility, or authority → yes
If your brand leans casual or retail → probably not

At House of Uniforms, we usually recommend epaulettes for:

• Security teams
• Facilities staff
• Event crews
• Aviation and transport

Shop Uniform Shirts With Epaulettes

If you’re looking for tops and clothing with epaulettes check out our range:

👉 [Shop Uniform Shirts and Tops With Epaulettes]

Final Thoughts

Epaulettes might seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in how your team looks and functions.

They’re one of those features that quietly say:
👉 “We know what we’re doing.” And in uniforms that matters!