aglet

An aglet is a small sheath, usually made of plastic or metal, that is placed on the end of a shoelace, cord, or drawstring to prevent the fibers from fraying and to help with threading through eyelets or loops. By sealing the tip, aglets also help keep laces from unraveling during use and wear.

Most aglets are formed by securing the end of the lace inside a tube or cap of harder material. Plastic aglets are typically heat-sealed or molded around the end of the lace, while metal aglets are crimped or threaded onto the end and then secured. Materials commonly used include plastic such as PVC or PET, and metals such as aluminum or brass. Some laces use decorative or branded aglets for visual effect.

The term aglet derives from the French aiguillette, meaning a small needle or tag, and the English word was established in the early modern period. Historically, aglets appeared on various types of laces, including those used for footwear and garments, to prevent fraying and to aid in lacing. The practice became widespread with the mass production of laces in the 19th and 20th centuries, aligning form with function in everyday apparel.

In contemporary use, aglets are common on sports shoes, boots, and casual laces, and they are also found on drawstrings for coats, hoodies, and bags. In addition to their practical purpose, aglets can be plain, colored, metallic, or patterned, and may serve as a subtle decorative or branding detail.