tassel

A tassel is a decorative ornament that consists of a cluster of threads, cords, or other strands bound at one end and hanging freely from a cap, knot, or fitting. Tassels appear in many materials, colors, and sizes and are used in fashion, textiles, interior design, and ceremonial attire.

In botany, tassel refers to a type of inflorescence characterized by a central axis with many small flowers arranged along branches in a slender, hanging form. In grasses such as corn (maize), the tassel is the flowering part at the plant’s tip that sheds pollen.

In clothing and accessories, tassels are attached to garments, shoes, belts, and bags to provide a decorative flourish. They are commonly made from silk, cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers and can be simple or highly elaborate.

Tassels are also used in interior design as drapery tiebacks, fringe, and curtain tassels, and as ornamental fixtures on furniture and home textiles. In academic and ceremonial contexts, tassels appear on graduation caps and hoods, and on military or fraternal regalia, where their position or color can convey status or affiliation.

Manufacture and care vary by material; tassels are often created by looping and knotting fibers around a core, and may include decorative caps or cords. They require gentle handling to prevent unraveling, particularly for delicate fibers.