Personally, I'd like the option of having the internal or external drawstring. I never was a bi fan of cockades or contrasting bands and torries, so I like that you can still color-match everything, while having the option of a contrasting band. So all in all, it seems to me that these options simply add a nice touch of customization to whatever bonnet you order, while still leaving you the option of having a plain ol' simple, historical looking bonnet. Can't wait to get mine!