Nesting cord with brass tips, single-coloured
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Tassel cords with brass tips are among the small details that make all the difference in a medieval costume — and are an indispensable part of late medieval fashion. Plain-coloured versions are the practical basic model: understated, versatile and the right choice for most costume styles.
What is a drawstring — and why the tip?
The word ‘nestel’ refers to a cord or ribbon used to fasten clothing. As a fastening system, the nestel cord has been historically documented since the High Middle Ages — pictorial sources and archaeological finds show how sleeves, bodices, trousers and doublets were tied together with braided or twisted cords.
The cord tip — known in English as an ‘aiglet’ or ‘aglet’ — is the metal end piece that protects the cord from fraying and makes it much easier to thread through narrow eyelets, rows of holes or cord holes. Without a tip, a cotton cord frays quickly and becomes almost impossible to thread through the fabric. The tip thus fulfils a purely practical function — whilst also serving as a visible design element.
In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, brass was the typical material for aglets among the bourgeoisie and lower nobility. The golden-yellow alloy of copper and zinc looked elegant, was easy to work with and was affordable. Silver and gold remained the preserve of the high nobility. Brass is therefore not only historically accurate, but also the material that looks most authentic for the wider scene.
Buying guide: How to choose the right nestle cord
Ideal for sleeve lacing, collar openings and small fastenings. This length is sufficient for a single lacing and is the most popular size. Sets of 5 are particularly useful here, as many garments require several lacing cords.
For doublets with long rows of lacing or corsets with moderate spacing between lacing points. This length allows a little more leeway when fastening and is well-suited if the lacing remains visible and is intended to be decorative.
For corsets with close lacing intervals, front fastenings and trousers with tassel fastenings. The 150 cm version offers sufficient length even for more complex lacing and is the right choice if you have a continuous lacing eyelet from top to bottom.
When buying, it’s worth looking for sewn-on brass tips rather than crimped (crushed) versions — the next section explains why this is important. It’s also better to buy in a set: individual pieces are more expensive per unit, and you’ll need more lacing tips for your next project anyway. Anyone who sews frequently or constructs garments will benefit from keeping spare lacing tips in stock.
Materials at a glance: cotton cord and brass
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | Historical | Natural fibre, period-correct, skin-friendly, easy to knot, does not absorb moisture like synthetics |
| Pure brass | Historical | Copper and zinc alloy, golden-yellow lustre, corrosion-resistant, historically documented material |
| Sewn-on tips | Durable | The tip is secured with thread — sits firmly, does not come loose when threading or washing |
| Crimped lace | LARP | Lace is mechanically crimped — cheaper to produce, may come loose under strain |
The difference between sewn-on and crimped laces may sound like a minor detail — but it quickly becomes apparent in practice. Sewn-on laces of sewing-supply quality hold up even when the lace is pulled through tight eyelets several times a day. Crimped versions can come loose from the end of the lace under heavy use, which is inconvenient at the market or during a LARP event.
Lengths and variants: Which is best for what?
- Sleeve lacing (typically 4–8 eyelets)
- Collar openings and neckline fastenings
- Trouser waistbands with a few eyelets
- Small decorative lacing on pockets or pouches
- Sets of 5 are practical: one garment often requires several
- Corsets with closely spaced eyelets
- Front fastenings on doublets from shoulder to hip
- Trousers with a long row of lacing
- Bodices and laced dresses with continuous lacing
- More flexibility when putting on and adjusting the fit
Plain in natural and black are the two classic base colours for historical garments. Natural suits light, undyed or earth-toned fabrics and has an understated look. Black blends into dark garments and is particularly popular for contemporary LARP looks. Those seeking a more elaborate look will find the two-tone lacing cord with brass tips a more decorative alternative.
Historical background: Tassels in the Middle Ages and early modern period
High Middle Ages: Emergence as a fastening system
Lacing developed as a universal fastening system for clothing that fits closely to the body. Illustrations from illuminated manuscripts show lacing on sleeves and bodices. Tips often consist of simple metal sleeves or are sewn on with thread.
Late Middle Ages: The heyday of the nestle cord
As fashion became more form-fitting in the Late Middle Ages, nestels became indispensable. Sleeves, corsets, trousers and doublets were fitted with lacing throughout. Brass tips (aiglets) were now widespread — archaeological finds confirm their presence in urban contexts. Silver and gold tips remained the preserve of the nobility.
Renaissance: Decorative Emphasis
In the early modern period, lacing became a fashion element: long aiglets made of polished brass or silver protruded visibly from the eyelets and were deliberately showcased as decorative features. Renaissance paintings depict lacing as a deliberately highlighted status symbol on men’s and women’s garments. The function remained, but the aesthetic aspect gained in importance.
Decline: buttons and hooks replace the nestle
With the advent of buttons, hooks and eyelets as standard fastenings, nestels lost their everyday function. They remained in traditional costumes and certain garments, but disappeared from mass fashion. Today, they have been revived primarily in historical costume.
Areas of use: Where are plain-coloured nestle cords used?
Single-colour cord ties with brass tips are the first choice for historical costumes from the High Middle Ages to the Renaissance. They fasten doublets, dresses and trousers, secure sleeve lacing and hold corsets together. For re-enactment groups that prioritise period accuracy, cotton cord and brass tips are the only correct choice — no synthetics, no plastic tips.
At medieval events and in live-action role-playing, drawstrings have to withstand a lot: repeated putting on and taking off, weather conditions, and movement during combat. Sewn-on brass tips provide the necessary durability here. Plain black is particularly popular for darker LARP outfits, whilst natural goes well with untreated medieval shirts.
Tassel cords with brass tips also work well outside the scene: for carnival costumes, theatre costumes and film productions, they provide a quick-to-fit, authentic-looking fastening system. The brass tip shines on stage and on film without requiring any elaborate post-production work. Plain versions can be discreetly integrated into any costume colour.
Natural goes well with light fabrics such as raw linen, natural wool or undyed cotton. The cord blends harmoniously into earth-toned garments and looks as though it has always been there. Black is suitable for dark fabrics, dyed garments and looks where the lacing is intended to provide a visible contrast. As a rule of thumb: the cord should either match the fabric (discreetly) or be deliberately used as a design element.
Whether for short sleeve lacing or long corset lacing — with single-colour drawstrings featuring brass tips, you can fasten your garment in the traditional way: functional, secure and with a touch of metal that completes the overall look. Take a look at our current range and find the right length and colour for your next project.
Frequently asked questions
Sewn-on cord ends are attached to the end of the cord with thread and remain securely in place — even under heavy use. Crimped (pressed) ends are mechanically pressed onto the cord and may come loose with frequent use. For re-enactment and regular use at markets or LARP events, sewn-on ends are the more durable choice.
For corsets and laced dresses with closely spaced eyelets, lacing cords of approx. 150 cm in length are recommended. These provide enough material to run the lacing from top to bottom and still tie comfortably. For short sleeve lacing with 4–8 eyelets, however, cords of approx. 45 cm are perfectly sufficient.
In the Middle Ages and early modern period, only natural fibres such as linen, wool and cotton were available — synthetic fibres were not developed until the 20th century. For re-enactment groups that prioritise period accuracy, a cotton cord is therefore the only authentic choice. Furthermore, natural fibres are gentler on the skin, easier to tie and more comfortable to wear.
That depends on the type of fastening. A typical sleeve lacing requires 1–2 laces, a simple front placket 2–4. For a full bodice or doublet lacing, 4–8 laces may be needed. Sets of 5 are therefore more practical than buying them individually — especially if you are outfitting several garments.
Lace-up cords made from 100% cotton can usually be hand-washed or machine-washed at low temperatures (30 °C, delicate cycle). If the laces have sewn-on brass tips, hand washing is gentler, as the machine’s vigorous agitation can put long-term strain on the seams. Brass can tarnish slightly with frequent contact with water and air — this can be polished out with a soft cloth.