Bound vs. Raw Edge Brim?

[Alexander]

Bound edge, yay or nay?

My opinion is that bound edges is a big YAY, but what do you prefer, bound or unbound? and yes, it depends on the hat but still I think the bound edges look better, always


/Alexander

 

[gtdean48]

I'm a huge bound edge fan. I have 1 Stetson 25 that is not bound but all the rest of my fedora lids have bound edges. My westerns are all not bound. I like the snap brim effect for my fedoras.

 

[trailrunner]

My opinion is that bound edges is a big YAY, but what do you prefer, bound or unbound? and yes, it depends on the hat but still I think the bound edges look better, always


/Alexander

I'm not an always kind of guy. I like variety. I really love the look of a bound edge, but I wouldn't want it on every hat. I have a mode edge Stetson Twenty-Five, for example, that I don't think a bound edge would add anything to the look. Also, to me, it depends with what you plan to wear it. I think a raw edge is more versatile going well with anything from a three piece suit to a bull whip and bomber jacket. Where, personally, I really prefer the bound edge with a suit, or a at least with more dressy casual.

 

[duggap]

For my way of thinking, the bound edge looks a little more dressy. I stopped wearing suits about ten years ago and don't intend to get dressy again so I prefer the non bound edge on my brim. Looks more casual. I do have three that are bound and they would do good for those occassions when a suit is unavoidable.

 

[kaosharper1]

For lightweight felts some type of bound edge is necessary, either ribbon or welted. Otherwise, anything goes. It sort of looks more dressey with a wide hatband, but with thin ribbons it doesn't. I think its good to have variety more than anything.

 

[daizawaguy]

It`s a very difficult balance...

Bound is more casual (different colors), except in a Homburg or Topper, but somehow unbound brings out the purity in the hat...

It`s a very fine balance...but the line is quite strong...I mean whether to have it bound or not...

Give you an example...the one in my Avartar...would it not look wrong bound!!?? Don`t you feel it should be unbound...!!??

 

[Alexander]

Give you an example...the one in my Avartar...would it not look wrong bound!!?? Don`t you feel it should be unbound...!!??

You´ve got a point there, hats like that one might look better unbound.

 

[Spats McGee]

I usually think of bound edges as dressier, and that's what goes with most of my outfits. For more casual occasions, I'd like to have a couple of hats with raw edges.

 

[Bingles]

I'm all about the bound edge.. especially on a pork pie, worn with the brim up.

I usually think of bound edges as dressier, and that's what goes with most of my outfits. For more casual occasions, I'd like to have a couple of hats with raw edges.

 

[Tomasso]

I usually think of bound edges as dressier

Ditto.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Bound, raw, stitched, welted in any way. It's all good.

bk

 

[Visigoth]

I'm with the Baron: mix it up.

The collector in me tends to regard the bound brim as a slightly more exquisite object; but when the hat's on your head, it really depends upon your attitude du jour. If you're feeling punk, all that extra ribbon's going to annoy you.

 

[Viper Man]

I only own a couple of hats with raw edge brims but I think I like bound over unbound and prefer a felted edge overall.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Depends on the particular hat, depends on the color of hat and ribbon it's bound with. On some hats it looks great, the finishing touch the hat needs. On others, the look's not so good.

 

[Viper Man]

Depends on the particular hat, depends on the color of hat and ribbon it's bound with. On some hats it looks great, the finishing touch the hat needs. On others, the look's not so good.

I agree. Same goes with over vs. underwelt.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I am a firm believer that bound edges rule over all other brim treatments (or the lack there-of), and specifically wide brim bindings.

However, I am not a totalitarian extremist. Raw edges, welts, whip-stitch, and cavs all have there place and their charms. A nice hat is a nice hat, no matter how you slice the brim.

 

[CRH]

...A nice hat is a nice hat, no matter how you slice the brim.

No more need be said.......

 

[TiltRotorFlyer]

OK I am frustrated....searched for a long time to ascertain the answer to this question. I like a raw edge but is a bound brim more durable? Please weigh in with your thoughts or at least a link for me to educate myself! Many thanks indeed!

 

[zetwal]

Look here for some talk on this subject. Welcome to the Lounge!

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=40370&highlight=bound

 

[James71]

I cant really speak for durable. Every hat I have had with a bound brim wore out before the binding on the brim showed any wear. They are all Akubras though, so I cant speak for other brands. I go through a cattleman ever second year or so, and they always lose their shape and go floppy before any issues with the binding on the brim.

All my hats are bound. I dont think they look finished without the binding. Just my 0.02.