Does it matter if a sweatband is split?

[dragonaxe]

I've seen a hat on fleebay, which has a split across the width of its inner leather sweatband. The stitching along it's top edge (joining it to the felt) is unbroken. Should this be a cause for concern?

cheers

 

[DougC]

I wouldn't think so...you can always replace the band and might get a deal.

 

[dragonaxe]

presumably the sweatband's only function is as it's name implies. It has no structural purposes I'm assuming?

 

[gtdean48]

Reeded sweatbands do provide some structure support to the hat.

 

[dragonaxe]

how do i tell if it's reeded? looks just leather to me

 

[zetwal]

You will always get a range of opinion on this question. So let me express another viewpoint.

More typically, broken sweatbands are of concern to prospective buyers. And a broken sweatband will almost certainly reduce the value of the hat.

The sweatband can indeed be replaced, but it's not free. And if you have to ship to and from a hatter the cost can be quite high.

Another consideration is this. In some cases, much of the original charm of a vintage hat can be lost by changing the sweatband. It's resale value can even be reduced by doing so.

I don't know if any of what I say here is relevant in this particular instance. But I think it's fair to say that many will agree that a compromised sweatband typically lowers the value of a hat, that it can be pricey to change the sweatband, that in some cases it's not really worth the expense.

Everything depends on the hat in question and your personal preferences.

 

[gtdean48]

how do i tell if it's reeded? looks just leather to me

At the edge of the sweatband closest to the brim, there is a ring built into the leather that holds a "reed". Some vintage hats will have a bit of copper oxidation at the very back where the metal ferule that holds the reed together is.

 

[rlk]

The tear may also call into question the general condition of the leather. It may be falling apart soon. A clean cut on leather in good condition could be taped (the way seams are), but this would be an unusual occurance.

 

[Rodkins]

The tear may also call into question the general condition of the leather. It may be falling apart soon. A clean cut on leather in good condition could be taped (the way seams are), but this would be an unusual occurance.

I hope the "clean cut" on the sweat band didn't happen while it was being worn - otherwise not even a naptha bath may get that stain out.