Choosing the right Epaulettes for your Department may seem overwhelming at first; however, it does not need to be as challenging as you think. With a few important considerations in mind, you will be able to select regalia that fits your exact needs, including the ability to distinguish between various ranks within the department.

Begin with the Type of Department

The very first step to choosing your epaulettes is to narrow it down by the department in question. The Mississauga Fire Department, for example, will want to look at either Fire or CAFC Fire epaulettes, while the police force should look at those designed for the police. The division of style based on the type of department is recognized across the country, making it important to get the correct style whether you are EMS, fire department, police, marines, or another type of service.

Consider Colours

Regardless of the department the epaulettes are for, you will likely have the choice of either black or dark navy blue for the background colour. This comes down to personal preference for your team, but uniformity is key. Your entire team should either have their epaulettes and other regalia in black or navy blue. Otherwise, you will not have the desired uniform appearance across your ranks.

Choose Based on Rank

As the epaulettes and other similar regalia are a way of designating the rank of each person on your team, the rank of the person you are buying for is important. Be sure to consider the number of bars associated with that particular rank within your department, as this can vary slightly. You should find options with between one and four bands. Most will also be clearly labeled with the rank of the person they should be bought for. These written ranks will include Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, District Fire Chief, Platoon Chief, District Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, Training Officer, Captain, and more just for firefighters like those at the Mississauga Fire Department. Expect a similar range of options for the police force, marines, and EMS.

With or Without Flag, Maple Leaf, Etc.

Like your selection of colour, you will have to choose the overall style of the epaulettes you want. Any choice is typically acceptable as long as you opt for the same general style across the ranks. There are regalia available with or without such features as the Canadian flag or a maple leaf. If your department has a precedent in place for using or not using these images, continue it. Otherwise, choose what is right for your department and ensure that all epaulettes follow your selection.

Buying from the Right Company

One part of choosing the right epaulettes that should not be overlooked is selecting the right supplier. There are many that offer this type of regalia in and around Ontario, but not all are created equally. Choose a company that has extensive experience with uniforms and regalia, as this will guarantee your epaulettes are high quality. It will also allow you to order other uniform items at the same time, possibly saving money, even if just on shipping.