Nestel tips
What are cord ends – and what is an aglet?
Aglets are small metal caps sewn onto the end of a cord. Their purpose is as simple as it is essential: they prevent the cord from fraying and make it much easier to thread through the eyelets in the garment. In English, they are called aglets – sometimes also spelled aiglets.
The term ‘aglet’ is derived from the Old French ‘aguillette’ or ‘aiguille’, meaning ‘needle’. This in turn comes from the Latin ‘acus’ (needle) – a reference to how the pointed sleeve is guided through narrow openings like a needle. So anyone asking why it is called an ‘aglet’ will receive a very pragmatic answer: the aglet tip functions like a needle.
Aglet is often confused with or equated to ‘aiguillette’ – yet the two terms refer to different things. An aglet is the single metal sleeve at the end of a cord. An aiguillette, on the other hand, is a decorative cord ornament with attached tips, worn primarily on uniforms and court attire – in other words, a standalone decorative element, not a fastening aid.
History of aglets: From the 12th to the 16th century
Emergence with figure-hugging fashion
With the emergence of figure-hugging cuts in the High Middle Ages, the need arose to fasten individual garments together. A trouser waistband as we know it today did not exist – instead, trousers were fastened to the top garment using nestle cords. These cords required sturdy, easy-to-handle ends.
Simple winding sleeves
The early cord ends were simple rolled or stamped sleeves made of brass or pewter, which were wrapped around the end of the cord. Function was the priority; decoration still played a secondary role.
Cast decorative forms
In the late Middle Ages, nestel tips developed into genuine decorative elements. Cast variants with crown heads, ball heads and figurative finials appeared. The tips were visible on sleeves, bodices and breastplates – and were meant to be.
Heyday in the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Renaissance, nestle tips reached their zenith as a fashion detail. Formal garments featured elaborately decorated sleeves made of brass or gilded metal. The aiguillette, as a decorative derivative, emerged during this period in royal courts and military uniforms.
An overview of head shapes: crown, acorn, sphere and more
Crowned head
The most elaborate variant with a crown finish. Particularly suitable for ceremonial late medieval garments and courtly looks. Available in packs of 6 and 10, from €12.18.
Acorn head & ball head
The acorn head goes well with early and high medieval looks. The ball head is the simplest and most versatile shape – ideal for beginners or simple costumes.
Cross & pointed head
Functional shapes with clean lines. The cross head (from €10.04) is the most affordable entry-level option in the range. All variants feature two holes for sewing onto the cord.
Material and finish: brass and tin
| Material | Character | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Brass (CuZn alloy) | Historically authentic | Golden hue, durable, corrosion-resistant – ideal for the Middle and Late Middle Ages as well as re-enactment |
| Tin | LARP & beginners | Silvery tone, lighter and softer – typical for simpler garments or silver-effect looks |
| Cast | Historically authentic | Greater detail in decorative elements (crown, acorn) – visible decorative feature |
| Stamped / rolled | LARP & beginners | Simpler appearance, more robust for everyday use, lower price points |
All variants are attached by sewing: two side holes on the sleeve take the thread. Crimping, as with modern shoelace ends, is not necessary and would not be suitable for textile cords either. Brass cord ends from our range are made from a CuZn alloy – historically documented for the Middle Ages and durable in everyday use.
How many cord ends do you need – and for which garment?
A pack of 6 is sufficient for a simple outfit with 2–4 lacing cords. Typical scenario: a top with lacing at the front or a bodice with two lacing cords. You’ll receive exactly enough tips for all cord ends without any waste.
A 10-pack is recommended for a complete re-enactment outfit with trouser-top fastening, bodice and sleeve lacing. This ensures you have enough lace for all the ends and still have some left over for replacements or reorders.
For theatre productions, film props or larger groups, combining several packs is worthwhile. Mix and match different head shapes for various roles or eras within a single production.
Please note when planning: Lacing cords including pre-fitted brass tips are available as ready-made sets and save you the hassle of assembly. If you wish to assemble the cords yourself, you will find single-colour and two-colour lacing cords separately in our range.
Fitting tassel tips correctly – step by step
Shorten the tassel cord to the desired length. Make sure you allow some leeway for the sleeve – the tassel tip overlaps the end of the cord by approx. 5–10 mm. Cut cleanly and straight so that the tip sits evenly.
For cotton or linen cords, it is advisable to hold the end of the cord briefly over a flame (char it). This causes the fibres to stick together slightly and prevents fraying – even before the cord end is in place. For synthetic fibres, briefly melting the end is sufficient.
Slide the sleeve over the prepared end of the cord. Then thread the needle and thread through the two side holes in the sleeve and sew the tip securely to the end of the cord. A double stitch – one in each direction – ensures a secure hold that will withstand frequent use.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of assembly, opt for single-colour cord ends with brass tips already attached, or the two-tone version – both are ready to use straight away and historically accurate.
Choose the right head shape and pack size – whether a ball head for beginners or a crowned nestle tip for a prestigious late medieval costume. Combine them directly with the matching nestle cords from our range and complete your costume with this often overlooked but historically important detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
An aglet (also known as an aiglet) is the English term for a cord end: the metal cap at the end of a cord or ribbon. In the Middle Ages, brass or pewter aglets were sewn onto the ends of cord ends to make it easier to thread them through cord holes and to protect the cord from fraying. The term derives from the Old French ‘aiguille’ (needle) – the tip literally functions like a needle.
An aglet is the single metal cap at the end of a lacing cord – a functional fastening aid. An aiguillette, on the other hand, is a decorative cord ornament that was worn as a standalone decorative element on uniforms and court attire. The aiguillette developed from the lacing tip in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, but has its own fashion significance beyond its purely functional purpose.
All the shapes on offer are historically documented, but differ in their chronological classification. Simple spherical and pointed heads were already widespread in the High and Early Middle Ages. Cast crown heads and figurative finials became particularly popular in the Late Middle Ages (14th–15th centuries) and are especially suitable for ceremonial garments of this era.
That depends on the garment. For a simple bodice or a top with lacing, a pack of 6 (3 lacing cords, each with 2 ends) is usually sufficient. For a complete re-enactment outfit with a trouser-top connection, bodice and sleeve lacing, a pack of 10 is recommended – this covers all the cord ends and leaves you with a spare.
Yes, this is perfectly possible. Shorten the lacing cord to the desired length, singe the end briefly (for natural or cotton cords), slide the sleeve onto it and sew it securely through the two side holes. Alternatively, ready-made lacing cords with brass tips already attached are available – this completely eliminates the need for assembly.