Military Ribbon Bars
Types of Military Ribbon Bar Assembly: A Complete Guide for Enthusiasts and Collectors
Military ribbon bars are distinctive insignia worn by members of the Armed Forces and/or Police to represent service, merit, and honors received. These essential accessories for identifying ranks and decorations are assembled in different formats to ensure compatibility with various uniforms and to comply with official regulations. In this guide, we explore in detail the different types of ribbon bar assembly, including mounting systems, tailor-made variants, and the characteristics of the various support structures.
The Support Structure of Military Ribbon Bars: Holders and Fastenings
Military ribbon bars are mounted on a metal support, commonly known as a “frame” or “rack,” designed to securely attach the ribbon bar to the uniform. The holder matches the ribbon bar size and may feature different fastening systems depending on usage and preference. The metal support can include rear clip fasteners or screw fittings and is always proportionate to the number of decorations required.
Fastening Types: Clips and Screws
The images below show the two fastening options:
-
Clip Fastening: Ideal for shirts due to its practicality and ease of use. Clip fastenings have a depth of 10 mm.
-
Screw Fastening: Recommended for jackets, offering greater stability and durability—especially suitable for ribbon bars requiring a fixed and long-lasting position. Screw fastenings have a depth of 6 mm.
Military Ribbon Bar Assembly: Available Formats
There are several assembly formats for military ribbon bars, each designed to meet specific needs.
These include the flat standard format, the tailor-made Giant and Deluxe models, and the Elite line. Each variant features unique characteristics affecting both appearance and functionality.
1. Flat Standard Format
The flat standard format is the most common and complies with official military uniform regulations. Ribbon bars measure 37 mm in width and 10 mm in depth for service uniforms. For dress uniforms or shirts, dimensions are reduced to 20 mm in width and 5 mm in depth.
Standard ribbon bars feature two lateral tabs that fold into the pre-drilled holes of the support frame, allowing easy installation and replacement. This makes them especially suitable for those who frequently update decorations or change the order of precedence.
2. Giant and Deluxe Lines
The Giant and Deluxe lines represent a higher level of tailor-made craftsmanship, appreciated for official ceremonies and high-level decorations.
Deluxe Ribbon Bars
Deluxe ribbon bars measure 13 mm in height and 5 mm in thickness, giving them a more rounded and refined appearance than the standard format. Each ribbon bar is assembled with a colored fabric backing: red for the Carabinieri, yellow for Cavalry and Guardia di Finanza, dark blue for Navy and Police, khaki for the Army, and white for the Red Cross.
Giant Ribbon Bars
Giant ribbon bars are more substantial, with a height of 15 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. They feature a less rounded profile than Deluxe but offer increased robustness and visibility.
The Deluxe assembly gives each ribbon bar a height of 13 mm and a thickness of 5 mm, resulting in a more pronounced rounded profile than the Giant line.
The Giant line:
The profile is less rounded but more substantial than the Deluxe version.
Both Giant and Deluxe tailor-made ribbon bars include rear fastenings (clips or screws) suitable for uniform application.
3. Elite Line
The Elite line features ribbon bars without fabric backing, with a thickness of just 4 mm. Unlike the Giant and Deluxe lines, Elite ribbon bars can be disassembled thanks to lateral tabs, allowing easy rearrangement of decorations. This format is ideal for those who frequently update their insignia.
Ribbon Bar Placement on the Uniform
Proper placement of ribbon bars is essential to comply with military regulations and maintain a neat appearance. Ribbon bars are always worn on the left side of the chest, above the pocket, with the top row aligned with the armpit level.
Row Arrangement
Rows must be spaced approximately one millimeter apart. For the Navy, if the total number of ribbon bars is a multiple of three or four, the bottom row must contain fewer ribbons and be centered relative to the row above.
Assembly and Production Time
Tailor-made lines such as Giant and Deluxe generally require 5–7 business days for production.
These ribbon bars are handcrafted to ensure superior quality, with slightly longer lead times than simpler formats like the Elite line.
Which Ribbon Bar Should You Choose?
Choosing the right military ribbon bar depends on personal needs, the type of uniform, and the level of formality required.
If flexibility and frequent changes are needed, Elite ribbon bars are ideal. For enhanced quality and visibility, Giant and Deluxe ribbon bars are the best options.
Buy Your Ribbon Bars at Tutto Militare
If you are a collector or need ribbon bars for your uniform, visit Tutto Militare to explore our wide selection. Take advantage of our offers and choose the ribbon bar that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I change my ribbon bar without damaging the uniform?
- Yes, Elite and flat standard ribbon bars can be easily removed and replaced without damaging the uniform.
2. How long does it take to receive a custom ribbon bar?
- Production times for Giant and Deluxe lines range from 5 to 7 business days. Elite ribbon bars are usually available sooner.
3. What is the difference between Deluxe and Giant ribbon bars?
- Deluxe ribbon bars are more rounded with a height of 13 mm, while Giant ribbon bars are more massive at 15 mm with a flatter profile.
4. Where should ribbon bars be placed on the uniform?
- They should be worn on the left side of the chest, with the top row aligned at armpit height and rows spaced by one millimeter.
5. Can I choose the backing fabric color?
- Yes, backing colors vary by corps or service branch (e.g., red for Carabinieri, yellow for Cavalry, blue for Navy, etc.).
Visit Tutto Militare and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or X to discover our military ribbon bar production and customize your uniform as you wish.