Sweatband help - Buy Where and Clean How

[Wash In Lux]

Two parter here: I've got a couple old caps that are in need of leather sweatband replacement. Where can I buy? I've searched and searched and can't find much.

Part 2: Searched the forum and didn't find anything so here goes. Went dancing a week ago and was wearing a Stetson cowboy hat. When I got home I noticed the sweatband had some sort of white substance on it. Perhaps salt from sweating and perhaps a little hair fix-em-up combined to make this? Anyhow, I can't seem to get it cleaned up and don't want to try anything too strong for fear of ruining the leather. Any suggestions?

 

[Corky]

How about this?

How about this?

 

[Wash In Lux]

Thanks but, that really wasn't helpful at all. There's a reason I posted my question(s) here. I am familiar with "The Google" and did try some searches which primarily produced results for hard hats and welding helmets, such as when I clicked your link. My welding helmet is just fine. It's my wool, 1930's caps that need leather band replacements.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Perhaps Marc Chevalier will chime in here, if he knows of a source. He's a resident vintage cap expert. There are many hatters on here that replace sweatbands and some sell replacements, but I don't know if any of them have ever done one for a cap. I guess it would depend on how different it might be, installation-wise, from a hat. I haven't seen one in person, but I'd think a sweatband for a cap wouldn't be as tall as those for hats.

Brad

 

[Wash In Lux]

Yes, Brad, I believe you are right. One cap measures in at 1 1/4" wide and the other, which I already removed and threw away, was about the same. I have found fabric sweatbands, like the kind you might see in a baseball hat or the majority of cheap new hats today but, that's just not going to cut it.
One option I thought about was just buying a couple ugly 60's or 70's hats with decent sweatbands and using those. It's double the work but, may be the only option.

 

[tonyb]

If all you need is a sweatband or two, try hatsupply.com.

 

[tonyb]

And don't forget the ferrules. If you want a tip or two on installing those babes, just give a holler. I kinda feel like I owe you at least that much, considering what great deals you gave me on a couple of items you offered in the classifieds forum here.

 

[Wash In Lux]

That's the ticket right there. Thanks Tony. Wonder why that site didn't come up with any of my searches?
Here's a shot of one that needs replacing. I was planning on stitching it in approximately the same way. Don't think I'll need ferrules. Looks easy enough, huh?

 

[Brad Bowers]

Thanks, the photo helps.

Yes, if you remove the reed and tape on a new sweatband (because they come with them already assembled), then you won't need the ferrule. Just need a bit of patience!

Brad

 

[tonyb]

^^^^^

What Brad said.

But if you are going to keep the reed, I strongly recommend using the ferrule.

 

[Sam Craig]

sorry to appear dense, but ///

Are you sewing those in by hand or on a machine?

I am seriously thinking about trying my hand at replacing a couple in fedoras, but frankly I haven't got the guts yet

Sam

 

[Wash In Lux]

Much appreciated, Brad and Tony.

As for sewing, haven't really decided yet. I don't have an industrial machine but, my Janome is pretty stout and probably could handle the job. Assuming the leather is not already perforated, I may just perforate and hand sew. I'm usually so busy that sometimes slow and tedious is a nice change. LOL.

 

[flyfishcamera]

Thanks for this thread. I have bitten the ****** and purchased the hat band, bow and ferrule from hat supply. Now on Saturday, when I have some free time, I'll remove the old band and give the installation a shot. Any suggestions are most appreciated. Regards, Pat B

PS The hat in question is an old (circa 1974) rabbit fur safari bush hat from what was then Abercrombie and Fitch, the safari outfitter, not today's Abercrombie. I'll post a photo later if that will help. It seems that I'll probably try to do it by hand.