Everything You Need to Know About Ribbon Racks

Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on Mar 06, 2025

TL;DR: Everything You Need to Know About Ribbon Racks

1. What is a Ribbon Rack? – A ribbon rack displays military awards and achievements, arranged by prestige.
2. Types of Ribbon Racks – Choose from Thin Ribbons (sleek but hard to update), Slide-On Ribbons (adjustable but less polished), or Magnetic Thin Ribbons (best of both worlds).
3. Why Magnetic Thin Ribbons? – They offer a professional look with easy updates—no need to send your rack back for changes.
4. Build Your Own Rack – Use Pin-iT’s Ribbon Rack Builder to customize and preview your perfect ribbon display.
5. Showcase Your Achievements – Maintain a polished, regulation-compliant look for parades, inspections, and daily wear. Get started at www.pinitcard.com.

What is a Ribbon Rack?

A ribbon rack is an essential way for military personnel to display their awards, ribbons, and medals on their uniform. These ribbons represent achievements, service, and commendations earned throughout a military career. Typically, ribbons are stacked on the chest or lapel, with the most prestigious awards positioned closest to the center of the chest and highest on the ribbon rack.

At Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools, we understand the importance of a well-organized and secure ribbon rack, which is why we offer a variety of ribbon mounting options, including traditional slide-on ribbons and our innovative Magnetic Thin Ribbons.

Types of Ribbon Racks

There are several types of ribbon racks, each designed to meet different needs and preferences.

1. Thin Ribbons – These are mounted together and lay flat, providing a sleek, professional appearance. Thin ribbons are commonly used for military uniforms due to their streamlined look and secure fit. Thin ribbons are a one-piece, glued-together ribbon rack option that cannot be easily updated by the military member. These types of ribbon racks must be mailed back to the company for any adjustment, addition, or minor improvement. With this option, if you need to add a ribbon or two, you will need to purchase all of the ribbons again just to update your ribbon rack.
2. Slide-On Ribbons – The traditional option, slide-on ribbons are threaded onto a metal mounting bar and can be easily adjusted or replaced. These are commonly issued when receiving an award and are worn on military uniforms. Slide-On Ribbons are readily available at your local Exchange or PX on base. with slide-on ribbons you are able to add a ribbon and attachment yourself by simply buying what you need to update your ribbon rack at your local uniform shop or on pin-iT's website.
3. Magnetic Thin Ribbons – A revolutionary combination of the best features of both thin ribbons and slide-on ribbons. Pin-iT’s Magnetic Thin Ribbons provide the professional appearance of thin ribbons with the functionality and ease of use of traditional slide-on ribbons. Unlike thin ribbons, there is no need to mail your entire ribbon rack back for updates—simply order one or two ribbons at a time, just as you would with traditional slide-on ribbons. Use our ribbon rack builder to select only the ribbons, attachments, and ribbon bar you need, making updates quick and convenient, just like purchasing ribbons from the exchange or PX.

Build Your Own Ribbon Rack

With Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools, designing your own ribbon rack has never been easier. Our ribbon rack builder allows you to select the type of ribbons you need, arrange them according to regulations, and preview your rack before purchasing. Whether you prefer traditional slide-on ribbons or our Magnetic Thin Ribbons, you can create a display that meets your needs and maintains military standards.

Why Your Ribbon Rack Matters

The purpose of a ribbon rack varies depending on the occasion and the uniform requirements. Military personnel may need different ribbon racks for:

• Parades and Ceremonies – A perfectly arranged ribbon rack ensures a polished and professional look for formal events.
• Inspections – Precision matters in military inspections, and a secure, well-maintained ribbon rack demonstrates attention to detail and discipline.
• Everyday Wear – Service members who wear ribbons daily need a durable and convenient solution, like Magnetic Thin Ribbons, to maintain a sharp appearance without hassle.

At Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools, we provide the best solutions for military personnel to showcase their hard-earned achievements with pride and professionalism. Whether you choose traditional slide-on ribbons or upgrade to our Magnetic Thin Ribbons, you can count on a ribbon rack that is expertly crafted for a polished and professional display.

A well-assembled ribbon rack is a crucial part of military dress and professionalism. Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools is committed to offering high-quality solutions that cater to the needs of service members, ensuring that every ribbon rack is displayed with honor and accuracy. Whether you prefer the classic slide-on ribbons or the innovative Magnetic Thin Ribbons, we have the perfect option to help you showcase your accomplishments with pride.

Start building your ribbon rack today with Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools and experience the best in uniform precision and convenience!