U.S. ARMY 1/2 INCH WHITE BRAIDS FOR OFFICER (O-6 AND BELOW) WHITE MESS DRESS JACKETS

Sometimes referred to as “sleeve lacing” or “sleeve cuffs,” the ½-inch white braid that is used on the sleeves of the White Mess Dress jacket worn by male and female Field- and Company-Grade Warrant and Commissioned Officers serves as the base for the trefoil—an ornamental design based on three overlapping rings—also sewn onto each sleeve. The ½-inch  white braid is sewn parallel to and three inches above the bottom of the sleeve, while the base of the trefoil is attached to the upper edge of the braid. Grade insignia—either a pin-on device or embroidered white cloth—is worn vertically oriented in the center of the space between the upper edge of the braid and the lower curves of the trefoil.

The trefoil is a very distinct ornamentation and serves to immediately identify the wearer of the White Mess Dress jacket as a Warrant Officer or a Commissioned Officer at the rank of Colonel or below. Trefoil is also used on the Blue Mess Dress jacket worn by both male and female officers.