Silk Sweat Bands?

[Dewhurst]

Where does that wicked moisture go? The point of a leather sweatband is that it doesn't wick moisture- so that sweat doesn't soak into the felt and ruin the hat.

Mmm, the poster is probably referring to Dri-Lex. You can read about it at http://www.drilexusa.com/. Click the "Technology" tab deal at the top of the page. Pretty amazing stuff, really.

To answer the original post by Visigoth: Yes, I think you should try having at least one of those damaged leather sweatbands replaced with silk/grosgrain. It is at least worth a try since you are interested. Then you will have first hand knowledge concerning how well it goes over, and if it is worth doing again in the future.

I think Bailey of Hollywood's LiteStraw hats all currently come with Dri-Lex sweatbands.

 

[feltfan]

I live in a warm climate -- Oaxaca -- so a lighter material suits me; it could be I'd prefer a heavier leather band up north. But I'm considering having hats with damaged leather sweat bands replaced with ribbon... Thoughts?

One more thought: a silk ribbon is not as thick
as a leather sweatband. You might bring your
hat down a size. Use one which is tight on your head!

 

[DOUGLAS]

I am currently having grosgrain sweats put in all of my thinner hats with damaged sweats. I have several 7-1/8 hats that were a tad tight and as a result maybe added to its sweats damage but they will fit just fine now. I have five being done this week. I have one very beat up Whippet that I had a fabric sweat put into as well.

 

[feltfan]

I am currently having grosgrain sweats put in all of my thinner hats with damaged sweats. I have several 7-1/8 hats that were a tad tight and as a result maybe added to its sweats damage but they will fit just fine now. I have five being done this week. I have one very beat up Whippet that I had a fabric sweat put into as well.

Who have you found to do this?

Are they using real silk grosgrain ribbon and is it vintage?

Very much looking forward to hearing how you like the result.

 

[DOUGLAS]

Feltfan, I have only have one back from a local woman's hat maker. I doubt The ribbon is vintage or silk. I needed to replace a non readed sweat from an old Lord & Taylor hat. I love the hat but the sweat just rotted away. It was replaced with a light brown ribbon. It will also get trashed at some point so I am not really worried about the material. I have worn it for a few days now and it is comfy. It now can be packed away for travel which is all ways nice.

 

[Visigoth]

I'm now wondering whether my Knox band is in fact silk: it really does look the same as the grosgrain ribbon. Which would make it, what: rayon plus something or other?

I've been wearing this hat in *very* hot weather all week, and I really do prefer this to leather. (It's a black hat -- not ideal for the sun -- but it still feels cooler than my lighter hats with leather bands.)

Just thinking I might start replacing all my sweat bands with this stuff, whenever they disintegrate (as my Knox 22 just did).

 

[Dewhurst]

I'm now wondering whether my Knox band is in fact silk: it really does look the same as the grosgrain ribbon. Which would make it, what: rayon plus something or other?

Grosgrain ribbons can be silk, or silk-like fabrics. Just so long as it comes out right.

 

[Visigoth]

Ah, interesting: I used to think grosgrain was silk, but recent posters referred to a rayon blend. Which is more common on vintage hats?

And Douglas, did the milliner know how to deal properly with a men's hat? Good sewing job? This is my ideal solution: to find a ladies' hat maker down here who can do sweatbands and ribbons.

 

[DOUGLAS]

And Douglas, did the milliner know how to deal properly with a men's hat? Good sewing job? This is my ideal solution: to find a ladies' hat maker down here who can do sweatbands and ribbons.

I originally asked for a 2" ribbon but he said that it would not turn out right because of the curve that needs to be in place for it to sit well. I will take a photo of it tomorrow.

 

[Tomasso]

I have several hats, both felt and straw, which have grosgrain sweatbands. They're the most comfortable hats that I own.Though most were purchased at either Paul Stuart or Bergdorf Goodman, and carry their house brand, they're actually made by Makins. While I've had no sweat related issues with the felt hats, I have sweat right through to the ribbon on one of the straws.

 

[feltfan]

Thanks DOUGLAS. Good idea, going to a womens' milliner.
Do report back after a while with your impressions.
Meanwhile, I might try that...

 

[DOUGLAS]

This is the first hat I received back from the hat shop. Is it pretty.... NO ,it is however completely wearable and rather comfortable. I will see how they do with the others. I gave them 2 Borsalinos, a Playboy, a Champ feather weight and a whippet which was totally gone.

 

[Visigoth]

Certainly doesn't look hideous.

Anyway, when it comes to sweatbands, in hats that are to be worn rather than displayed, pretty doesn't really matter. Is the stitching good? (That does sort of matter.)

 

[DOUGLAS]

It is hand stitched and seems to be fairly secure.

 

[UWS Cowboy]

Douglas, that looks very good. I am actually interested in having this done to a couple of hats that have destroyed sweatbands. Which hatter was this, if you don't mind?

 

[feltfan]

I'll be interested to hear if that thread asterisk
abrades your forehead. Seems ill-conceived.
But the overall idea isn't, and I look forward to
trying it.

 

[DOUGLAS]

Feltfan, the thread design does'nt bother my forehead at all. Everyone likes to feel creative even when you don't ask. If it makes them happy thinking that they have done something that is unique and artful, well why not. It would not be my choice but I don't see it when it is on my head and it is not so offensive.

UWS Cowboy, this was done by a local hat shop.