Medals Australia

The Wearing of Honours, Awards, Medals
& Decoration in Civilian Attire
 

A Guide to the Wearing of Insignia
On occasions when it has been deemed appropriate to wear decorations it is dependant upon the type of dress ordered as to how they may be worn.

An invitation will usually list the standard of dress expected by the host and will usually fit into one of the following catagories;

Full Evening Dress  -  “Evening Dress - Decorations”
Dinner Jacket  -  “Dinner Jacket - Decorations”
Lounge Suit
 

This table can be used as a quick view guide for those who are unsure as to the correct method of wearing their medals and decorations in particular circumstances as they may present.
 
 

Full Evening Dress  -  “Evening Dress - Decorations”

Knights and Dames, Companions and Commanders :
Up to four Stars may be worn on the left side of the coat or dress. When there are more than one star the following position should be adopted. (looking at the wearer)
 
 

One neck Badge suspended on a ribbon (miniature width) of the Order is worn under the collar and hanging up close up below the tie.

Ladies Badge is worn on a bow below the miniatures on the left side.

Miniature Badges of all Orders and Medals are worn on a medal bar.

The Badges of a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order or Imperial Service Order are worn in miniature on a medal bar and not as a neck Badge. The Ladies Badge is worn on a bow below the miniatures on the left side.
 

Officers and Members :
Miniature Badges of all Orders and Medals are worn on a medal bar.

When “Evening Dress - Decorations” is described as the dress code all persons who are not in possession of full evening dress may wear “Dinner Jacket” order.
 
 

Dinner Jacket  -  “Dinner Jacket - Decorations”

Knights and Dames, Companions and Commanders :
One Star to be worn on the left breast.

One neck Badge suspended on a ribbon (miniature width) of the Order is worn under the collar and hanging up close up below the tie.

Miniature Badges of all Orders and Medals are worn on a medal bar.

The Badges of a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order or Imperial Service Order are worn in miniature on a medal bar and not as a neck Badge. The Ladies Badge is worn on a bow below the miniatures on the left side.
 

Officers and Members :
Miniature Badges of all Orders and Medals are worn on a medal bar.

Wearing of Honours, Awards, Medals and Decorations in Civilian Attire
 
 

Morning Dress  -  “Morning Dress - Decorations”

The occasions on which Morning Dress are very rare and indeed within Australia where Morning Dress is seldom worn it occurs on even fewer occasions than it might overseas. These events however could include official public functions, Religious Services connected with Orders of Chivalry or Memorial Services.
 

Knights and Dames :
One Star to be worn on the left breast or corresponding place on the dress.

Broad Ribbon is not worn.

The neck badge of Knight Commander or Dame Commander may be worn if belonging to a second order. If worn with full-sized medals the Ladies Badge is worn on a bow below the medal bar.
 

Companions and Commanders :
One neck Badge suspended on a ribbon (miniature width) of the Order is worn under the collar. The badge should hang ¾” below the tie knot in front of the tie.

Ladies badge is worn on a bow on the left side. If worn with full-sized medals the Badge is worn on a bow below the medal bar.
 

Officers and Members :
The full-sized badge is worn singly or mounted on a medal bar. It is worn in the same manner in civilian dress as with uniform on the left side.

The Badges of a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order or Imperial Service Order are worn on a medal bar and not as a neck Badge. The Ladies Badge is worn on a bow below the medal bar on the left side.
 
 

Lounge Suit

There are occasions where whereby the attendees of a function are requested to wear medals with Lounge Suit. These include ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Remembrance Services and Unit gatherings.

On all such occasions the wearing of Insignia will be at the discretion of the holder.

Broad Ribbons and Badges, Stars or Victorian Chains are not usually worn.

One neck Badge suspended on a ribbon (miniature width) of the Order is worn under the collar. The badge should hang ¾” below the tie knot in front of the tie.

The full-sized badge is worn singly or mounted on a medal bar. It is worn in the same manner in civilian dress as with uniform on the left side.
 
 

Overcoat

Full-sized Medals may be worn on an overcoat on the left side in civilian attire.

No other insignia should be worn.