Wearing of full-size decorations

More in the guide

With a dark suit, full dress uniform or male national dress, only full-size decorations are worn.

With a white tie (full evening dress) or formal clerical attire, either full-size decorations or miniatures may be worn. With mess dress (ceremonial evening), either full-size decorations (with certain restrictions) or miniatures may be worn. With black tie (dinner jacket) and with corresponding ladies’ attire, only miniatures are worn.

At ceremonial and other special occasions held outdoors, full-size decorations may be worn on an overcoat at chest height.

FULL-SIZE DECORATIONS OF DIFFERENT CLASSES ARE WORN AS FOLLOWS:

  • Grand Cross: the cross is worn on a sash from the right shoulder to the left hip (but on a neck ribbon for members of the clergy), and the star is worn on the left side of the chest. The length of the sash is adjusted according to the lower edge of the front of the tailcoat such that the bow is just below this lower edge. The sash for ladies is narrower than the gentlemen’s sash. Ladies may wear a brooch or similar to keep the sash in place. The sash bow must be positioned just below the waist. The star should be attached on the left just below the position of decorations worn on the chest.
  • Commander First Class: the cross is worn on a neck ribbon, and the star is worn as stated above. The ribbon is tied around the collar in such a way that the suspension ring is just below the bow tie. Ladies should wear the cross on a ribbon bow on the left side below the shoulder and above the position of other decorations worn on the chest.
  • Commander: the cross is worn on a neck ribbon. The ribbon is tied around the collar in such a way that the suspension ring is just below the bow tie. Ladies should wear the cross on a ribbon bow on the left side below the shoulder and above the position of other decorations worn on the chest.
  • Knight First Class, Knight, Cross of Merit and Medal: the decoration, suspended from a ribbon, is worn on the left side of the chest.