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Miner's binder from Treherbert, early 1900s. Sometimes known as belly bands, binders absorbed sweat when working in backbreaking conditions.

Wide band made from grey flannel (tabby woven wool with a raised nap) and white tabby woven cotton tape (3/4in = 1.9cm wide). The band is made from two layers of fabric machine sewn together using white thread. Two sections of white tape are attached to either end of the band. One section of 30cm length is folded to form a V-shape and its ends are machine-stitched to upper and lower edge of the end of the band. A second section of tape (a little over 50cm long) is attached in the centre of the end (in-between upper and lower edge of band) and is stitch-secured to the other tape at the point where the two meet. The belly band is 20cm wide, but the ends taper to a width of 13cm and 14.5cm respectively.