Akubra Sombrero : Remplacement hat bands?

[Who?]

I am (rather obviously) partial to horsehair hatbands.

This is the same hat that the grouchy old fart in my avatar is wearing.

 

[One Drop]

I am (rather obviously) partial to horsehair hatbands.
View attachment 495393

That would actually make a perfect band for the Sombrero, as well, and not entirely out of Akubra's wheelhouse. I was actually thinking of going that route, but I really like the look of a horsehair band on top of a ribbon, ended up going with the ribbon with the idea of possibly adding a nice horsehair band similar to yours, and without the loose ends.

 

[Who?]

I am (rather obviously) partial to horsehair hatbands.
View attachment 495393

That would actually make a perfect band for the Sombrero, as well, and not entirely out of Akubra's wheelhouse. I was actually thinking of going that route, but I really like the look of a horsehair band on top of a ribbon, ended up going with the ribbon with the idea of possibly adding a nice horsehair band similar to yours, and without the loose ends.

I’n not sure what you mean by “loose ends”, can you say that a different way, please?

It’s on top of the factory band because I am too timid to try removing the factory band, and sewing the new one onto the hat, and there is no one whom I would trust to do it, that I know personally, so it just gets a “free ride“. When it gets too loose, I just tighten it up and put it back.

I will not use glue.

I don’t remember where I ordered mine, but if you punch up “Horsehair Hatband” you will get a gazillion of them. I shy away from Etsy and Ebay, but that’s just personal prejudice.

The “hitched” ones cost more, but I went the cheap way and just got a regular one.

 

[One Drop]

That would actually make a perfect band for the Sombrero, as well, and not entirely out of Akubra's wheelhouse.

I’n not sure what you mean by “loose ends”, can you say that a different way, please?

I'm not referring to yours in that comment !

Excuse my lack of proper terminology, I was referring ends of a horsehair band that are often left loose and unbraided.

 

[Who?]

Oh, Roger, I think they’re called “tassels”.

I don’t care that much for them, but for some they are essential.

 

[One Drop]

Oh, Roger, I think they’re called “tassels”.

I don’t care that much for them, but for some they are essential.

Of course, thanks, couldn't remember the word !

 

[Mm25]

Nothing wrong with it at all, just not my style. The thing is, the cowhide one is such a particular and uncommon style of band that I think its limited appeal seriously reduces the overall appeal of the hat. Itt might make a fine aftermarket accessory but is misjudged as a stock item, IMO.

Perhaps it's just now that there's enough of an increased interest in the old Western hats to make it viable to the international market with a grosgrain band, perhaps it sells better in Oz than elsewhere, but I can guarantee this would be a far more popular hat if they equipped it with a more traditional band, whether a very narrow or wider one. or even a finer version of the current cowhide one, which is quite inelegant and looks like an afterthought to my eye.

I agree with everything you say regarding its marketability except the inelegant afterthought. I believe it us exactly as intended, just perhaps not as well received as hoped for.