What the curl on uniform stripes means

The Executive Curl is the distinctive loop found on navy uniform stripes around the world. This small detail has a fascinating history and remains an important symbol in many naval forces today.

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Executive curl: origin and meaning

This iconic curl originated with the Royal Navy, the naval warfare branch of the United Kingdom, its overseas territories, and crown dependencies. It’s often referred to as the “Executive Curl” or “Elliot’s Eye.” The latter name is linked to Captain George Elliot (1813-1901). According to legend, during the Crimean War, he injured his arm and used the gold lace from his uniform as a sling, creating a loop that inspired the curl’s design.

Others claim the name comes from William Elliot, a member of the Board of Admiralty in 1800 and 1801, which oversaw the British Navy’s administrative and operational control. He supposedly saw a loop in a rope, inspiring the curl on naval uniform sleeves.

What the executive curl on uniform stripes means

In 1748, the Board of Admiralty decided to distinguish naval uniforms from other officers’ attire. As a result, it introduced gold lace stripes on sleeves in 1783 to indicate rank. Later, in 1856, the Admiralty added the distinctive curl, initially reserving it for executive officers. Engineers gained the right to wear the curl in 1915, and three years later other officers followed.

Over time, the curl spread throughout the navy and several variations emerged. In the Royal Navy, the lace forms a straight line before looping into a rounded curl. By contrast, the British Army developed a design in which the loop points upward, creating a crow’s foot-like shape. As different countries adopted the insignia, even more adaptations appeared.

An international symbol

Today, 55 countries use the curl on their naval officer uniforms. Notably, many of these nations are monarchies. However, countries such as Russia, the United States and Germany often use a star instead of a curl. Meanwhile, some navies prefer square or other geometric shapes. In addition, some countries have abandoned and later reintroduced the symbol. For example, Canada brought back the curl in 2010 to mark the navy’s centennial celebration.

Furthermore, the curl or star does not only appear on sleeves. Many armed forces also use these symbols on epaulettes and shoulder boards.

Expensive Tradition

For the British, the tradition of gold lace curls remains significant. Only one company in England, Wyedean Weaving Co. Ltd. from West Yorkshire, supplies gold lace to Royal Navy tailors. The lace is made from genuine gold thread with a copper core.

A 25-meter spool of Gold Gilt Wire Naval Lace costs £750 (about €911). Crafting one spool takes 10 days, and the company produces about 3,000 meters annually for the Royal Navy. Due to high costs, the navy has switched to synthetic gold lace for service dress epaulettes, producing around 7,000 meters per year.

This small detail carries a rich history and comes with a hefty price tag!

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• Royal Navy members now allowed to combine cultural clothing with uniform
• Why Royal Navy women’s uniform design is under criticism

Best regards,
Aileen

Last update: 04/06/2026