Nesting cord with brass tips, two-coloured
Two-tone lacing cords with brass tips are far more than just a functional fastening – in the Middle Ages, they were a visible sign of care and good taste, as their colours were deliberately chosen to complement the garment. All lacing cords in this category are hand-knotted and fitted with brass tips, which protect the cord and make it easier to thread through lacing, bodices, doublets and gambesons.
What is a lacing cord – and what is it used for?
A lacing cord – also known as a lacing ribbon, lace or, historically, a ‘nestel’ – is a braided or knotted ribbon that served as a lacing fastening on medieval clothing. In German, we still recognise the word in a modified form: ‘nesteln’ still means, to this day, the fiddly business of fiddling with fastenings. Historically, the lacing cord was the standard fastening element for garments that were closed using eyelets, lacing channels or perforations – from simple shirts and gambesons to elaborately crafted bodices and doublets.
The key difference between a loose braided cord and a genuine nestle cord lies in the tips: the crimped metal sleeves at the ends – historically known as ‘aiglets’ or ‘nestle tips’ – protect the cord from fraying and make threading it through narrow eyelets practically possible in the first place. Anyone who has ever tried to thread a soft, unsecured cord through a lacing will immediately understand why these small metal tips became such a common everyday detail.
Today, nestle cords are used wherever historical authenticity matters: in re-enactments of the High and Late Middle Ages, in LARP costumes, for medieval market outfits, and in theatre and film productions. The two-tone version adds an extra visual accent that can be used specifically to create a cohesive overall look.
Which colour for what? Combinations and attire
Colour combinations such as black/blue, black/red or black/green blend seamlessly into muted armour, tunics and mercenary outfits. The two-tone bicolour effect remains subtle, yet lends the lacing a greater depth than a single-colour cord. These combinations look particularly authentic and understated when paired with dark leather or heavy woollen fabrics.
Red/brown, blue/white, brown/yellow or white/brown complement a wide range of medieval everyday attire. If you want to add a personal touch to your medieval shirts, skirts or tunics without standing out too much, these classic combinations are a good choice. Historically, such colour combinations are found primarily in the clothing of townspeople and craftsmen from the High and Late Middle Ages.
Yellow/white, red/white, yellow/blue or light blue/light green create deliberate colour accents and are suitable for more festive attire, merchant costumes or character looks that emphasise eye-catching appeal and vibrancy. In the Late Middle Ages, the choice of bright, vibrant colours was indeed a means of identifying social status – colours could signal membership of a household, a guild or a rank. Having a stock of several colour combinations allows the same basic outfit to be re-styled to suit different occasions and events.
Hand-knotted and with brass tips: what’s in the product?
The Nestel cords in this category are made from hand-knotted cotton threads, which are woven into a dimensionally stable, tear-resistant cord. Cotton is the historically plausible material for this type of small textile – it is skin-friendly, takes dye well and, with proper care, has a long lifespan. Unlike synthetic fibres, cotton retains its structure and texture even after repeated use.
Brass tips – known as aiglets – are fitted to both ends of the cord. They are crimped, i.e. cold-pressed around the end of the cord, and protect the braid from fraying. At the same time, they allow for precise threading through narrow eyelets and lacing channels, as are typical on medieval women’s garments or gambesons. Within the category, there are two tip variants: standard brass tips with a smooth cylindrical shape and ball-head brass tips, where the end is shaped into a small ball – a visible difference that looks decorative on open fastenings. As a special variant, pewter tips are also occasionally available; these differ in colour and patina from the typical brass yellow tone.
An overview of colour combinations
Classic combinations
Black/white, blue/white, red/blue and black/red are among the most frequently requested colour pairs. They can be combined with almost any base garment and look harmonious in both simple and more elaborate outfits. The two-tone effect is created by weaving both yarns in the plaiting pattern – the colours alternate evenly, resulting in a calm, harmonious pattern.
Vibrant combinations
Black/turquoise, yellow/blue, red/yellow, red/green or light blue/light green create bold accents and are particularly suitable for festive attire, merchant costumes or LARP characters designed to stand out visually. Historically, such combinations are found primarily in imperial city and courtly contexts of the late Middle Ages, where a rich palette signalled prosperity and status.
Earthy and natural tones
Brown/yellow, white/brown, red/brown or dark blue/dark green suit garments made from undyed or minimally treated natural fabrics. These colour pairs appear understated and authentic in early medieval or rural contexts. For re-enactment groups that value a muted, everyday-style portrayal, these combinations are a good choice.
Using lacing cords correctly – fitting and care
Lacing cords are threaded through eyelets, lacing channels or perforations on medieval men’s and women’s garments. The brass tips allow for precise threading even through small eyelets, without the cord kinking or fraying. When fastening a bodice or gambeson, it is advisable to pull the cord evenly and not to use the tips as anchors – fastening is usually achieved by tying a knot at the end of the lacing.
The crimped brass tips hold up well in normal use. Should a tip become loose, it can be carefully pressed back into place using a pair of small flat-nose pliers. Brass reacts to moisture and contact with air by developing a natural patina – the tips become darker and duller. This is historically accurate and not a quality defect, but corresponds exactly to the appearance of original medieval aiglets.
The cotton cord itself is washable; it retains its shape when hand-washed in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Should a cord end without a tip – for example, due to the loss of a metal ferrule – the exposed end can be temporarily sealed with clear nail varnish or beeswax until a replacement is available. For storage, it is recommended to wind the cord loosely or fold it; tight knots or constant compression can cause the braided structure to become misshapen.
Two-tone vs. single-colour – which is best for what?
- Subtle, blends into any costume
- Well suited for authenticity-oriented re-enactment
- Historically documented for all periods
- Less visual distraction from the overall look
- Ideal when the lacing is concealed
- Greater visual impact thanks to two-tone braiding
- Suitable for festive occasions, markets and costumes
- Historically documented in the High and Late Middle Ages
- Colour combination can accentuate an outfit
- Particularly effective with visible lacing
There is no price difference between single-colour and two-colour variants – the choice is purely a matter of taste and design. If you wish to compare both options, you will find the single-colour laces with brass tips in a separate category. For laces without metal tips, it is worth taking a look at the two-colour laces without tips as well as the overview of laces. Separate lace tips for retrofitting or replacement are also available in the range.
Suitable for re-enactment, LARP and medieval markets
The hand-knotted cotton cords with brass tips correspond in material and workmanship to historical models from the High and Late Middle Ages – they are therefore suitable both for re-enactment garments, where historical plausibility is valued, and for LARP outfits and costumes for medieval market visits, theatre and props. As cord ties are consumables when in active use – they can snap, tips can be lost, colours can fade – it is practical to keep a small stock in various colours. With a unit price of under five euros, this is easy to achieve. All products in this category are manufactured by Vehi Mercatus and are not purchased as stock items.
Whether for an elaborate late medieval outfit, your next LARP adventure or a visit to a medieval market – the two-tone drawstrings with brass tips offer you a simple way to harmoniously complete your costume. Choose your colour combination and, if needed, complement it with matching drawstring tips or additional cords from our range.
Frequently asked questions
The brass tips are crimped, i.e. cold-pressed around the end of the cord. If a tip comes loose, it can be carefully pressed back into place using a pair of small flat-nose pliers. Make sure to press evenly and not too hard, so that the sleeve does not break. In an emergency, the exposed end of the cord can also be temporarily sealed with clear nail varnish or beeswax.
As a general rule: dark combinations such as black/blue or black/red blend well with muted knightly or mercenary attire, whilst bright and vibrant pairs such as yellow/white or red/white suit more festive or civilian outfits. If the lacing is visible, the cord may well serve as a contrasting element. For concealed lacing channels, a single colour is often the more understated choice.
Yes, the cotton cord is washable. Hand washing with lukewarm water and mild detergent is recommended to preserve the braided structure. The brass tips may develop a natural patina when exposed to moisture – this is historically accurate and not a defect. After washing, lay the cord out flat to dry to prevent any distortion.
Standard brass tips have a smooth cylindrical shape and end flush with the end of the cord. Ball-headed brass tips are shaped into a small ball at the end, which adds a decorative touch to visible fastenings. Both variants serve the same purpose – preventing fraying and aiding threading. Which variant you choose is purely a matter of taste.
That depends on the lacing of the garment in question. Many bodices and gambesons are fastened with a single long cord or with two shorter cords threaded in from both sides. As a rule, one or two lacing cords per garment are sufficient. For re-enactment groups or LARP players who use multiple outfits, we recommend keeping a small stock in various colours.