Sweat stains on ribbons ,,,,,,

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

I have a dilemma which is this:

I want to buy a new Summer hat.

In my previous experience with Summer hats, with my straw hats I always used a standard black ribbon, and I never noticed any visible sweat stains on the ribbons, even after having sweat in those hats profusely multiple times during high heat in the Summer over several years.

In contrast, I have also used a lightweight felt hat, with a ribbon called "french blue" color (but to me it looks to be the color of light purple), and I have also sweat profusely in that hat during high heat in the Summer. But with this hat, very ugly sweat stains appeared all over the ribbon, and IIRC that happened after only a few months of using it.

So, now when I am in the process of buying a new Summer hat, my dilemma comes up because I don't want to have another experience where unsightly sweat stains upon the ribbon start to ruin its appearance, especially since I don't have the skills or materials to replace the ribbon myself.

But, I love some of the vivid colors of ribbons that I could use if sweat stains appearing upon the ribbon were not to be a concern. So I don't want to let go the idea of having a beautiful colored ribbon, unless I have to.

Therefore, my thinking is: if there is some way how I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, yet also be guaranteed that no sweat stains are ever going to appear upon that ribbon, then I would prefer to go with that option.

Alternatively, if there is a way that I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, and then somehow 100% remove any & all sweat stains that appear upon the ribbon, without taking the ribbon off if the hat, and without doing any damage whatsoever to the fibers of the hat (this would be a straw hat), then I would find this to be an acceptable solution too.

On the other hand, if there is no way to accomplish all of those conditions in the two situations that I've just described, then I would concede that I should go with a standard black ribbon, even though it's dull & boring, because at least it's appearance won't be ruined by sweat stains.

My primary goal, above aesthetic beauty, is to have a hat that will need to be serviced, including having its ribbon changed, as infrequently as possible.

Please advise as to how I might best resolve this dilemma.

 

[belfastboy]

I have a dilemma which is this:

I want to buy a new Summer hat.

In my previous experience with Summer hats, with my straw hats I always used a standard black ribbon, and I never noticed any visible sweat stains on the ribbons, even after having sweat in those hats profusely multiple times during high heat in the Summer over several years.

In contrast, I have also used a lightweight felt hat, with a ribbon called "french blue" color (but to me it looks to be the color of light purple), and I have also sweat profusely in that hat during high heat in the Summer. But with this hat, very ugly sweat stains appeared all over the ribbon, and IIRC that happened after only a few months of using it.

So, now when I am in the process of buying a new Summer hat, my dilemma comes up because I don't want to have another experience where unsightly sweat stains upon the ribbon start to ruin its appearance, especially since I don't have the skills or materials to replace the ribbon myself.

On other hand, I love some of the vivid colors of ribbons that I could use if sweat stains appearing upon the ribbon were not to be a concern. So I don't want to let go the idea of having a beautiful colored ribbon, unless I have to.

Therefore, my thinking is: if there is some way how I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, yet also be guaranteed that no sweat stains are ever going to appear upon that ribbon, then I would prefer to go with that option.

Alternatively, if there is a way that I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, and then somehow 100% remove any & all sweat stains that appear upon the ribbon, without taking the ribbon off if the hat, and without doing any damage whatsoever to the fibers of the hat (this would be a straw hat), then I would find this to be an acceptable solution too.

On the other hand, if there is no way to accomplish all of those conditions in the two situations that I've just described, then I would concede that I should go with a standard black ribbon, even though it's dull & boring, because at least it's appearance won't be ruined by sweat stains.

My primary goal, above aesthetic beauty, is to have a hat that will need to be serviced, including having its ribbon changed, as infrequently as possible.

Please advise as to how I might best resolve this dilemma.

If the sweat is heavy enough to leak through the felt or straw it will stain the ribbon. Removing stains is hard as spot cleaning, especially a sweat stain with the body salts, does not do the job. In order to clean something like a ribbon the stain material has to be flushed away otherwise you end up chasing the stain around the ribbon.....not removing it just moving it along. I have had some success removing a very light staining from a light coloured ribbon, wetting the entire ribbon by a water spritz. What I accomplished was, in effect, staining the entire ribbon to match. With light coloured ribbon I have to be super careful when I am steaming in the bash as any moisture from the steam that hits the ribbon will leave a water mark stain.
On an inexpensive Panama with a standard black ribbon my sweat caused the ribbon to bleed.....onto my forehead, onto the straw, it was a mess.

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

I have had some success removing a very light staining from a light coloured ribbon, wetting the entire ribbon by a water spritz. What I accomplished was, in effect, staining the entire ribbon to match.

I had tried that myself with my french blue ribbon. What happened was, I made the entire ribbon turn from a light colored purple while it was dry, into a dark colored purple while it was wet from my spritzings. And while it was wet, the sweat stains appeared as if they had been removed from the ribbon.

But actually, they weren't, because as soon as the ribbon dried off, the same sweat stains were still there and visible again, just as they were before, with the same patterns and everything.

I tried spritzing the entire ribbon like this, with distilled water, many times, and the result was always the same.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I have a dilemma which is this:

I want to buy a new Summer hat.

In my previous experience with Summer hats, with my straw hats I always used a standard black ribbon, and I never noticed any visible sweat stains on the ribbons, even after having sweat in those hats profusely multiple times during high heat in the Summer over several years.

In contrast, I have also used a lightweight felt hat, with a ribbon called "french blue" color (but to me it looks to be the color of light purple), and I have also sweat profusely in that hat during high heat in the Summer. But with this hat, very ugly sweat stains appeared all over the ribbon, and IIRC that happened after only a few months of using it.

So, now when I am in the process of buying a new Summer hat, my dilemma comes up because I don't want to have another experience where unsightly sweat stains upon the ribbon start to ruin its appearance, especially since I don't have the skills or materials to replace the ribbon myself.

But, I love some of the vivid colors of ribbons that I could use if sweat stains appearing upon the ribbon were not to be a concern. So I don't want to let go the idea of having a beautiful colored ribbon, unless I have to.

Therefore, my thinking is: if there is some way how I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, yet also be guaranteed that no sweat stains are ever going to appear upon that ribbon, then I would prefer to go with that option.

Alternatively, if there is a way that I could use a light colored ribbon, yet also wear the hat in high Summer heat and sweat profusely in it, and then somehow 100% remove any & all sweat stains that appear upon the ribbon, without taking the ribbon off if the hat, and without doing any damage whatsoever to the fibers of the hat (this would be a straw hat), then I would find this to be an acceptable solution too.

On the other hand, if there is no way to accomplish all of those conditions in the two situations that I've just described, then I would concede that I should go with a standard black ribbon, even though it's dull & boring, because at least it's appearance won't be ruined by sweat stains.

My primary goal, above aesthetic beauty, is to have a hat that will need to be serviced, including having its ribbon changed, as infrequently as possible.

Please advise as to how I might best resolve this dilemma.

You could consider puggarees (pugs). They come in all sorts of colors and patterns and are easily replaced or switched out in seconds. They only cost a few dollars each and they expand the versatility of your hat and make coordination with the rest of your wardrobe simpler.

 

[belfastboy]

I had tried that myself with my french blue ribbon. What happened was, I made the entire ribbon turn from a light colored purple while it was dry, into a dark colored purple while it was wet from my spritzings. And while it was wet, the sweat stains appeared as if they had been removed from the ribbon.

But actually, they weren't, because as soon as the ribbon dried off, the same sweat stains were still there and visible again, just as they were before, with the same patterns and everything.

I tried spritzing the entire ribbon like this, with distilled water, many times, and the result was always the same.

We all have different chemical composition in our sweat and perhaps your stain was heavy with lots of salt in which case yes, it ain't coming out. To remove dirt and stains they have to be broken down with detergents and flushed out of the material with lots of water.

Good vintage cotton/rayon grosgrain ribbon does wash up nicely if removed from the hat. Sun bleaching is the most damaging but it can be re-dyed/refreshed if not rotted.
.
A thought: perhaps the most economical approach is to learn to resew the ribbon yourself. It is not that complex. It takes a bit of time but very doable. Once off the hat it can be cleaned or there are hatters that will make you a complete ribbon/bow that you can sew on.

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

Sun bleaching

I do not understand what that phrase refers to. Could you please explain it?

 

[belfastboy]

I do not understand what that phrase refers to. Could you please explain it?

I refurbish vintage hats. Most often the problem with the vintage ribbon is the sun has bleached them badly. Either fading the colour greatly or actually rotting them so in the removal the ribbon fibres turn to almost a dust. If it is only faded colour I can dye them to bring the original colour back to vibrancy.

 

[belfastboy]

I refurbish vintage hats. Most often the problem with the vintage ribbon is the sun has bleached them badly. Either fading the colour greatly or actually rotting them so in the removal the ribbon fibres turn to almost a dust. If it is only faded colour I can dye them to bring the original colour back to vibrancy.

It is also why it is a bad idea to leave a hat for lengthy periods in the car in direct sunlight..especially a straw. The heat and direct sunlight do damage to the straw fibres.

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

Most often the problem with the vintage ribbon is the sun has bleached them badly.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent that sun bleaching from happening in the first place, aside from simply not wearing those ribbons in the sun?

 

[RBH]

You might consider this.....

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/plastic-sweat-band-protector-on-a-straw-hat.30499/


But... the problem with straws and even felt is the sweat will wick through the stitching where the sweat band is attatched to the hat.
And then wick to the hat/brim/ribbon.

 

[belfastboy]

Is there anything that can be done to prevent that sun bleaching from happening in the first place, aside from simply not wearing those ribbons in the sun?

No prevention that I am aware of. A further thought on the ribbon staining. Have you considered for the straw hat using a puggaree ribbon? They are available in both pattern and plain, cost $15-$20 each and are attached with hooks. Easily removable, can be washed but as they are pleated takes a bit of work to iron them back to original.

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

I had never heard of puggaree ribbons before making this thread, but I am glad you gents mentioned them so that I now have the knowledge that they exist and know to consider them.

Do puggaree ribbons come in different qualities of ribbon materials, like normal ribbons do (with modern ribbons tending to be of much worse quality than vintage ribbons, in terms of standard ribbons)?

What material is the best, most high-end material for a puggaree ribbon to be made out of?

Are there any particularly good, forum-approved puggaree ribbon vendors, or must I just take my chances with hoping for good outcomes with vendors I may buy from as a result of finding them via google search results?

Before making this post, I did a search for puggaree ribbons and results came up with some vendors saying they are made out of "crepe fabric"...what does that actually mean? And is "crepe fabric" good or bad?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I had never heard of puggaree ribbons before making this thread, but I am glad you gents mentioned them so that I now have the knowledge that they exist and know to consider them.

Do puggaree ribbons come in different qualities of ribbon materials, like normal ribbons do (with modern ribbons tending to be of much worse quality than vintage ribbons, in terms of standard ribbons)?

What material is the best, most high-end material for a puggaree ribbon to be made out of?

Are there any particularly good, forum-approved puggaree ribbon vendors, or must I just take my chances with hoping for good outcomes with vendors I may buy from as a result of finding them via google search results?

Before making this post, I did a search for puggaree ribbons and results came up with some vendors saying they are made out of "crepe fabric"...what does that actually mean? And is "crepe fabric" good or bad?

I’ve bought maybe 50 here:

https://www.sye.com/millinery-supplies/zoria-hats-supplies-puggaree-hat-bands.asp

The quality has always been fine.

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

I am currently in discussions with a good hatter about what ribbon I might want to get on a new hat, and he told me that sweat stains can also become visible on dark ribbons just the same as they can on light ribbons.

But, that statement confuses me since my personal experience is not consistent with that. I have had many hats with dark ribbons, and I've never seen a visible sweat stain on them.

What is the consensus of the members here in regards to that idea?

Can sweat stains indeed become visible on dark colored ribbons?

 

[RBH]

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Sweat stains can be visible on anything.

 

[belfastboy]

I had never heard of puggaree ribbons before making this thread, but I am glad you gents mentioned them so that I now have the knowledge that they exist and know to consider them.

Do puggaree ribbons come in different qualities of ribbon materials, like normal ribbons do (with modern ribbons tending to be of much worse quality than vintage ribbons, in terms of standard ribbons)?

What material is the best, most high-end material for a puggaree ribbon to be made out of?

Are there any particularly good, forum-approved puggaree ribbon vendors, or must I just take my chances with hoping for good outcomes with vendors I may buy from as a result of finding them via google search results?

Before making this post, I did a search for puggaree ribbons and results came up with some vendors saying they are made out of "crepe fabric"...what does that actually mean? And is "crepe fabric" good or bad?

Crepe is a generic term that does not speak to content....it can be silk, wool, cotton even. It is a light weight material with a bit of a slub in the weave....kinda like an edible crepe!

 

[belfastboy]

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">via GIPHY</a></p>

Sweat stains can be visible on anything.

Sir, I feel obliged to correct you.....the horse in the picture of your post is not dead it is merely sleeping.....caught in repose as it were!

 

[Genuine Classic Gangster]

Sweat stains can be visible on anything.

But if that is so, then why have I been able to wear many different hats which I've sweat in a lot, but yet on the ones with dark ribbons, the sweat stains have never been visible for me?

But in very strong contrast to that, the sweat stains sure are very prominent and highly visible on the one light colored ribbon that I've used.

 

[RBH]

Sir, I feel obliged to correct you.....the horse in the picture of your post is not dead it is merely sleeping.....caught in repose as it were!

Of one thing I was certian... one of the experts would correct me.

 

[belfastboy]

Of one thing I was certian... one of the experts would correct me.

I am not an expert but I do watch quality television.