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Ribbonless? new project in the works

Wil Tam

Practically Family
Messages
670
Location
Metropolis
Are ribbon-less fedoras common or did the owners just remove them?

I seen a couple of fedoras worn without the ribbon attached, Adam Savage from Myth Busters comes to mind...

I'm asking because I just reblocked a purchase from eBay
187437940_o.jpg

I just stripped the hat of everything then soaked in some really hot water with some soft soap for about an hour then rinsed & put it wet on this old straw hat
IMG_0094.jpg
let it dry on it overnight then hand blocked it to get this
IMG_0099.jpg
IMG_0098.jpg
IMG_0097.jpg

I didn't want to use the original ribbon because I'm trying for the 'Stetsonian' look so I used it on another project
IMG_0093.jpg
I decided to leave the button off because I probably take it off again to install a sweat & liner or not because I'm not really digging it ... kinda small on me. :eusa_doh:

I'll most likely take the brown hat to Worth & Worth and let them put the liner, sweat & ribbon on. I'll post the finished project went I get it done.
 

MisterGrey

Practically Family
Messages
526
Location
Texas, USA
Common or not, IMO it's not a look that suits a hat. My friend owned a yellow straw trilby that he found without a ribbon and it didn't really look right until I visited him the summer after he got it and took him--and the hat-- to a Joann's to get a proper ribbon for it.
 

ScionPI2005

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,335
Location
Seattle, Washington
I think the absence of a ribbon makes a hat naked...:eusa_doh:

But then again, show me one hat that looks awesome without a ribbon and I'll eat my words. [huh]
 

PabloElFlamenco

Practically Family
Messages
581
Location
near Brussels, Belgium
ScionPI2005 said:
I think the absence of a ribbon makes a hat naked...:eusa_doh:

But then again, show me one hat that looks awesome without a ribbon and I'll eat my words. [huh]

I second that second statement with request.

I always get the impression that the felt, without a ribbon, looks like it has a tendency to "weaken" the sharp edge between brim and crown. As a result, the hat looks like the brim is drooping...and I don't like the look one bit.

But, as I said - open to verification...show us!
Paul
 

kaosharper1

One Too Many
Messages
1,304
Location
Pasadena, CA
Why a ribbon?

A thin ribbon is probably looks better than no ribbon or even a small strip of leather.

Does anyone know of a practical reason for the ribbon? Does it cover up something where the hat meets the brim or hide dust or something? Or is it like the tie, decorative but no longer functional?
 

Wil Tam

Practically Family
Messages
670
Location
Metropolis
**

kaosharper1 said:
A thin ribbon is probably looks better than no ribbon or even a small strip of leather.

Does anyone know of a practical reason for the ribbon? Does it cover up something where the hat meets the brim or hide dust or something? Or is it like the tie, decorative but no longer functional?

Well I pulled apart several hats already to get refurbished for one reason or another [I'm very DIY] I have a old grey Knox that is sitting in a solution of blue RIT dye because it had some yellow age splotches all over the crown.... anyway the reason for the ribbon, I'm guessing now, is to hide the stitching from the liner & the sweatband, & is decoration used to separate the brim from the crown, please correct me if I'm in err...
 

dnjan

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
Location
Seattle
I would guess that (at least in some cases) a ribbon also provides additional protection from the appearance of sweat stains.
 

kaosharper1

One Too Many
Messages
1,304
Location
Pasadena, CA
Wil Tam said:
Well I pulled apart several hats already to get refurbished for one reason or another [I'm very DIY] I have a old grey Knox that is sitting in a solution of blue RIT dye because it had some yellow age splotches all over the crown.... anyway the reason for the ribbon, I'm guessing now, is to hide the stitching from the liner & the sweatband, & is decoration used to separate the brim from the crown, please correct me if I'm in err...

That makes perfect sense!
 

carldelo

One Too Many
Messages
1,568
Location
Astoria, NYC
Ditto

carter said:
Interesting project.
I'd put a ribbon on it.
Let's see it when you get it back from Worth & Worth.

Yes, I'd like to see the finished product too - I didn't realize W&W did hat renovations and I'd like to know how the work goes.

I think the ribbon does cover stitches and sweat stains. But also, the ribbon will tend to keep the felt from stretching, perhaps causing the stitches to pull through the felt or pop.
 

Wil Tam

Practically Family
Messages
670
Location
Metropolis
on hold

I have 3 projects pending so the brown up top is going to Worth & Worth after the new year .. I just got a Borso that needs a new liner and sweat so that is going too, probably swap out the ribbon also if they have something I like.

I just got a Knox that I'm going to work on today swapping ribbons out and pulling decorative stitching out

IMG_0241.jpg

took the feather off already!

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next is to remove the stitching and belt

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then trade ribbon treatments ... be back in 2 hours with pics...

----------------
Now playing: Bryan Ferry - Avalon
via FoxyTunes
 

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