The Ribbing Band differs from smooth tinsel in its braided structure. When used for ribbing, this texture defines the coils while adding an iridescent sheen; its width of approximately 1.5 mm makes it particularly suitable for flies large enough to maintain clear segmentation.
The ribbon can also be worked flat to cover the back of a small nymph or gammarid. Hends also lists chironomid parts among its uses. This dual functionality—whether wound or folded down—makes it an interesting material when a fly pattern calls for a small, shiny area with some texture.