Military thin ribbons offer a way to show off your accomplishments in the military without lugging around heavy medals pinned to your chest. There are thin ribbon counterparts to most of the major military medals, and there are even commendations that exclusively come awarded as ribbons.
Thin ribbons are a common sight in any military-heavy community, but the protocol regarding how they should be worn isn’t always that easy to remember. Etiquette and protocol here can be a little intimidating, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. Here’s what you need to know about wearing ribbons — and military thin ribbons in particular — with your military wardrobe.
When to Wear Military Ribbons
Ribbons are considered a much more formal and less ostentatious alternative to medals, and that means that they can be worn in a much wider variety of different circumstances. Ribbons can be worn with most semi-formal clothes and are commonly worn by service members simply going about their daily business.
Ribbons may even be worn with civilian attire, and that continues to be true even after retirement from the armed services. As long as your shirt has a collar, you can generally expect to be able to wear your ribbons. But how you should wear your ribbons is actually the more complicated question.
How to Wear Military Ribbons
The most complicated factor in determining how to wear military ribbons is the collection of specific requirements for how your ribbons are displayed. While all ribbons are displayed on a rack that can be expanded as your collection grows, different branches of the armed forces have different requirements for how these racks should be worn.
These rules can be exhaustive too. Depending on the branch you’re in, there may be rules about how precisely it must be positioned in relation to your pocket or how much ribbons are allowed to be spaced out. But the easiest faux pas to make is by misordering your ribbons.
Ribbons are intended to be mounted in terms of importance, but the complexities of how these ribbons are ranked mean it can be tough to keep track of all of the etiquette involved in ranking them.
The Types of Military Ribbons
You generally have some level of flexibility in picking the style of ribbon that works for you. There are three prominent designs that are in keeping with military standards, but thin military ribbons are perhaps the most interesting.
That’s because they’re designed to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible. Military thin ribbons are specifically engineered to work with uniforms, and that makes them the best choice for wearing out and about.
By contrast, mini-ribbons aren’t approved for formal events but can be worn comfortably with more casual clothing. Slide-on ribbons are an older choice for mounting ribbons on uniforms, but they’re still a popular choice because of how ubiquitous they are. Slide-on ribbons are often a better choice for mounting in a shadow box or otherwise as a commemorative decoration.
How to Avoid Making a Mistake
Trying to mount military thin ribbons yourself might not be the best idea unless you have experience. It can be easy to screw up a mounting and end up with a bar that’s slipshod and poorly designed. Then there’s the factor of what order you should be presenting your ribbons.
If there’s one suggestion worth taking to heart, it’s that it’s worth your time working with a professional. Finding a quality provider of thin ribbons will help you look good while still being respectful of your uniform and your duty.