Scottish Bonnets?

**hkjrb623** · 21st January 12, 01:49 AM

I'm interested in getting a balmoral. Actually, I'm not exactly sure what to call it. I've seen names like tam, balmoral, and bonnet. So, what is the proper term. I've never liked these hats in the past and avoided them at all cost. Now my opinion has changed and I would like to get one. I'm looking for one that's simple. No dicing, strange tassle/ribbon off the back, and maybe no pom on top. Anyone know of a good place to look. Preferably not bank breaking prices either.

**Mael Coluim** · 21st January 12, 04:13 AM

Scottish Tartans Museum can have made for to your specifications. Click here.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/rabby_bonnets.html

**MacRob46** · 21st January 12, 04:21 AM

The current apellation is Balmoral Bonnet, at least with the ribbon and "tourie" on top, dicing being optional as it is a military decoration. I think that dates from Victorian times. The original headgear was referred to as a Broad Bonnet and was nothing more than a knitted disc for a top with a "band", for lack of a better term, and perhaps a ribbon for adjustment to the head size. They were never made of tartan in the old days and while various color fabric was used, a sort of medium blue seems to have been ubiquitous.

The Tartans Museum sells these and they can also be had from The Smoke and Fire Company. Both have retail shops online. We are considering making some for our company to sell but just have not moved in that direction yet. Broad bonnets are available in a variety of prices.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 21st January 12, 04:52 AM

This is a Balmoral bonnet.

The "pom-pom" on the top is called a toorie. It's pretty much standard on Balmorals. So is the ribbon in the back, which people either wear loose or tied in a neat bow (my preference). You can order one with or without a diced band. Black is a fairly standard color, but others are available. The patch of ribbon on the side is where you would affix your clan badge.

By comparison, this is a Glengarry.

Different style, but you have the same features/options as you do with the Balmoral, only the ribbons in the back are always worn loose with this cap, never tied.

The style of cap Mael Coluim was recommending is our hand knit bonnet.

This is an older style, and a forerunner of the modern Balmoral. These are knit to order, and do not include the ribbon patch for a clan badge, nor the grosgrain ribbon in the back. They can be ordered with or without the toorie on top, and also come in a variety of colors.

**tyger** · 21st January 12, 05:16 AM

Ryan Ross, on this forum, makes hand-felted bonnets. I have 2 and they are super!

Here is one that he made, color of bonnet matches my eye color.

**madmacs** · 21st January 12, 06:50 AM

And this would be a modern regimental tam o'shanter shown with tartan badge backing, badge and hackle (none of which has to be used)

It is similar to the balmoral except it's a smaller diameter and is of a stitched construction for the body rather than being a single piece.

**Santa Kona** · 21st January 12, 07:09 AM

You should also check out Chris's site Dunadd Trading Company.

**Mr.Charles Anthony** · 21st January 12, 07:15 AM

Readers;
OR you can buy the pattern, and sew one up to your likeling, the pattern from Smoke & Fire Company. It is quite easy: if you cut with shears, & sew on a button, you can make one of these. Mines from a slice of an old English Army Blanket.
As Ever
CSA

**gpmeakin** · 21st January 12, 07:41 AM

My balmoral sans toorie and ribbon

Before I knew about Mr. Ross.
Next time I'll let him do the work.

**Guinness>water** · 21st January 12, 08:05 AM

I wouldn't buy anything but a Ryan Ross bonnet! They are awesome and I love mine. They are made of really soft warm wool, when pulled right they block the sun just like a baseball cap. Hands down the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow not included with bonnets.