The Old Coot “heads” into the past.
By Merlin Lessler
I saw a guy on the beach
wearing a headband the other day. It surprised me. Jolted me! I forgot all
about them. A sweatband from the past. It was like seeing a ghost. What
happened to sweatbands – those semi-elastic, terrycloth loops that athletes
wore. And, by athletes, I mean anyone who went outside and moved on foot, in a wheelchair,
pushing a walker or a bicycle, whatever. Moved in any way at all. It was a
signature fashion statement that said, “I’m an athlete!”
If you went to marathon, there would be a sea of joggers wearing
head bands. This was the era before the baseball cap took over America. Head
bands ruled in the 70’s and 80’s. I had several in my jogging days: white,
black, blue, tri-color. They were very effective at keeping the sweat on your forehead
from running into, and burning your eyes. I guess they went the way of the
earmuff, another head piece you hardly see anymore.
You could buy headbands anyplace: sporting-goods stores,
department stores, gas stations, grocery stores. It was a world of sweatbands.
Now, it’s just a fashion dot in history. Discarded and buried with no funeral.
Yet how did this happen? They were so useful and looked cool! It made a
statement, not just a fashion statement, but a sign that the wearer moved
around enough to perspire.
I miss them. I checked around to see if they were available in our
local stores. No luck there. I’ll have to go on Amazon, something I’d rather
not do, but it’s often the only place you can get things you’re looking for
without running all over town, breaking out into a sweat. And, without a
headband!
Ps. – You just might spot a headband a basketball game. But,
that’s about it.
Comments? Send to mlesssler7@gmail.com
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