Something that is seems to be overlooked is that the ribbons were dear in part (especially in olden times) beacuse OF their color. Dyes were very expensive, and for the most part only the rich and noble could afford bright colors. The lower classes made due with clothes of less intensity, and when they faded, had them re-dyed to a darker color. You could only do this for so long until you ended up with a drab grey or brown. So the ribbon, a small piece of cloth that most people could afford was a prized commodity beacuse of its bright color. Later on, when the silk trade noramlized, the ribbons became silk for the same reason. It was small enough to be affordable to the masses. Both women and men used ribbon, as a hair piece, or as trim to garments. Don't get me wrong, they were still (for the time) expensive, but a ribbon couls still be the occasional purcahse for most.

Hope this helps.