Shoulder ornament is a term used to describe two different types of decorations worn on the shoulder. The first is an epaulet, which is a small, ornamental cloth pad that is typically worn on the shoulder of a military or police uniform. The second is an epaulette, which is a larger, more decorative version of the epaulet, usually made of metal or plastic and often featuring a crest or emblem. Both epaulets and epaulettes are used to signify rank or authority in a variety of organizations.