Generally speaking, at least in military terms, sashes are indicative of rank/command. In some fraternal organizations sashes are also worn as either a badge of membership or rank within the fraternity. In the Boy Scots of America khaki sashes were adopted as a method of displaying merit badges. Each badge being about the size of an American half-dollar (approx 30mm) there just wasn't adequate room on the shirt front for the display of the dozens of badges a boy could earn.

In Britain, where there are a number of Royal and State orders of honour or merit a Broad Riband or Cordon is awarded as part of the distinctive insignia associated with the first class of membership. This is usually referred to as the "Grand Cross of the Order of X" and, with the exception of the Order of the Garter, the broad riband or cordon is worn over the right shoulder, with the knot (or bow) resting on the left hip. Pendant from the knot is the badge of the order. The broad riband of the Garter is worn over the left shoulder with the knot resting on the right hip with the badge (known as the Lesser St. George) pendant from the knot.

Civilians only wear the broad riband of an order with white tie, and it is the custom in Great Britain to wear the broad riband under the coat but over the waistcoat. This applies to Highland attire, the exception being gentlemen in Kenmore or Montrose doublets who would naturally wear their broad riband outside of their jacket. For other forms of formal Highland dress an abbreviated broad riband is worn which attaches to the waistcoat rather than passing over the shoulder and around the body.

And because someone might want to know...

Civilians do not wear broad ribands and cordons with black tie.