Passementerie, in English, in general, is or includes flat decorative braid - like upholstery trim - coiled into knots or meanders on the surface of a garment.

In the fanciest versions, usually military uniforms, it covers quite a lot of the garment - Kaiser Willie was really fond of it. If it were made of something strong, e.g. Kevlar or Zylon PBO - any cordage enthusiasts? - it would probably be able to prevent saber cuts. Finally, an excuse to have it all over one's shoulders and kidneys.
-- hello_c, Sep 06 2000

How come we don't dress like that anymore? Tie's -pfft. Now I bet you could pull the the really strange babes, dressed like that.
-- Scott_D, Sep 07 2000


Not just the *babes*, either.
-- hello_c, Sep 07 2000


Omigod! It's Michael Jackson!
-- thumbwax, Sep 07 2000


I recommend the simpler saber-proof vest.
-- Vance, Jan 30 2001


is that like the saber-proof tiger?
-- gravelpit, May 16 2001


Oh my God! How could I have missed this??? Send this to my brother-in-law to decorate his lapels.
-- bwv61, Aug 04 2004



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