What to combine with black?

[The real Henry]

I got a black 1940s hat that I like very much except the black ribbon, because it makes the hat look like a dark blue one! So which ribbon color should I choose to let it look just black?

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Well, typically, though not always, a ribbon is darker than the hat. With a black hat this would be troublesome. I have seen many black hats with black bands and they look very elegant, and very dressy.

Could it be that the ribbon has changed, the color distorted over the years?

My suggestion is to put another black band on there.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I have a black hat with a gray ribbon and edge binding, very sharp...I also have a gray hat with black ribbon and edge binding.

 

[John in Covina]

If you are close to a Restorer, you could get to see a selection of ribbons against the actual hat and get the best idea.

 

[fedoralover]

Here's one example

This is a black Adventurebilt with a vintage black ribbon. The contrast looks about right.

fedoralover