Wool Flat Cap... a no-no with a kilt?

**Jock Scot** · 18th April 12, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Button down collars....with a sportcoat or under a sweater...never with a suit. Just one of those things that always comes up around here...

Flatcaps....guilty of wearing one with the kilt...I do favor the smaller, more fitted Ivy Cap style, though and wouldn't wear one of those way-too-big "newsboy" caps. Just so I'll be safe, I'll only wear them "over here" and not "over there".

Best

AA

Button down collars over here are not worn with sports coats or pullovers this side of the pond generally. It is done by some, for sure, but button down collars are more often worn on the farm, on the beach(we don't do heat over here! much), BBQ's that sort of thing.They are certainly not often regarded as smart by many .

**BCAC** · 18th April 12, 08:06 AM

And to completely high-jack the flat cap (no, thank you) post, it's getting more and more difficult to find shirts that don't have a button down collar (unless you have the money to go bespoke).

**MacSpadger** · 18th April 12, 08:13 AM

In my own experience flat caps are usually worn by elderly men, maybe in their 70's and 80's, on Saturday trips to the bookies and supermarkets in the toon, or by tcheuchter fairmers. Maybe with a sports jaiket or nylon rainproof for the toonsers, definitely with dungarees in tcheuchterland, (and I say that affectionally, coming from a very long line of tcheuchter stock). That's only my own perspective, of course, but you don't really see young or even middle aged people in Scotland wearing a "bunnet". I've never, ever, seen one worn with a kilt in Scotland at any point ever.

**Blackrose87** · 18th April 12, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by MacSpadger

In my own experience flat caps are usually worn by elderly men, maybe in their 70's and 80's, on Saturday trips to the bookies and supermarkets in the toon, or by tcheuchter fairmers. Maybe with a sports jaiket or nylon rainproof forthe toonsers, definitely with dungarees in tcheuchterland, (and I say that affectionally, coming from a very long line of tcheuchter stock). That's only my own perspective, of course, but you don't really see young or even middle aged people in Scotland wearing a "bunnet". I've never, ever, seen one worn with a kilt in Scotland at any point ever.

In my experience, they're worn a bit more in Ireland than here. But you've still got the average age right. I don't think Ive ever seen someone under the age of 60 wearing one.

**Droid** · 18th April 12, 08:22 AM

I love figuring out little things like this. Button down shirt, to me, means anything with buttons all the way down. I didn't even think of the difference between shirts that have buttons on the collar vs. collars that don't. Now that I think about it though, I understand the difference. I was mainly speaking of business like shirts, solid colored or patterned.

My point being, I'd like to up my level of dress. I don't care who sees me or what thier opinion of my style is when they come to my home town. I've grown up here, so, how I dress is very much apart of my surroundings. But, If I'm going to be a guest in a different part of the world, I'd like to look appropriate and not be disrespectful.

I lived in London for a while and because I was there long enough to get a job and buy clothes, I looked the part after a while. I shopped in the same stores as everyone else and I enjoyed that. I felt I finally kicked the 'tourist' look. A part of me loves standing out and having personal style, but, I also don't need to be rocking any boats while traveling.

(Note: It's easy to think that one might be stressing or over thinking a situation due to posting about it, but that can't be further from the truth in my case. I love forums like this because it brings people together to share ideas. I post casually, and tend not to get uppity about anything, so, bring on the opinions!)

**ForresterModern** · 18th April 12, 08:23 AM

As one who has worn both kilts and flatcaps together and separately in Scotland on two prolonged holidays, both will make you stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist, especially the two together. They may bring some askance glances, particularly outside the big cities where they do not give tourist any mind, but will never incite overt negative comments (unless you run into a certain old curmudgeon in the Inverness-shire region). A nice tam or balmoral would definitely look better with your kilt and jumper. Wear whatever shirts you already own, button down collar or no, unless you are planning on going to a dressy event, then no. Wear what you are comfortable in, and as long as you are giving the kilt it's due respect in your attire (tartan, traditional style, appropriate hose and footwear, sporran, etc...) you will likely cause little distress in the natives or receive scorn from them, at least until you post your trip pics back here on the forum after your return. Enjoy your kilted trip.

**Jock Scot** · 18th April 12, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by Droid

I love figuring out little things like this. Button down shirt, to me, means anything with buttons all the way down. I didn't even think of the difference between shirts that have buttons on the collar vs. collars that don't. Now that I think about it though, I understand the difference. I was mainly speaking of business like shirts, solid colored or patterned.

My point being, I'd like to up my level of dress. I don't care who sees me or what thier opinion of my style is when they come to my home town. I've grown up here, so, how I dress is very much apart of my surroundings. But, If I'm going to be a guest in a different part of the world, I'd like to look appropriate and not be disrespectful.

I lived in London for a while and because I was there long enough to get a job and buy clothes, I looked the part after a while. I shopped in the same stores as everyone else and I enjoyed that. I felt I finally kicked the 'tourist' look. A part of me loves standing out and having personal style, but, I also don't need to be rocking any boats while traveling.

(Note: It's easy to think that one might be stressing or over thinking a situation due to posting about it, but that can't be further from the truth in my case. I love forums like this because it brings people together to share ideas. I post casually, and tend not to get uppity about anything, so, bring on the opinions!)

I am sure, absolutely sure, that you will be made very welcome here and I have no doubts whatsoever that you will have a wonderful time whilst you are here. Now, about our weather---------------------on second thoughts, perhaps not!

**Blackrose87** · 18th April 12, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Droid

I love figuring out little things like this. Button down shirt, to me, means anything with buttons all the way down. I didn't even think of the difference between shirts that have buttons on the collar vs. collars that don't.

That's interesting. I'm not sure what a shirt that doesn't button all the way down would be. Like a polo shirt? Or I guess, a grandfather shirt (I'm not sure if that's what they're called outside Ireland) but I haven't seen one of those for years.

Originally Posted by Droid

I lived in London for a while and because I was there long enough to get a job and buy clothes, I looked the part after a while. I shopped in the same stores as everyone else and I enjoyed that. I felt I finally kicked the 'tourist' look.

What exactly is the tourist look though? I've been to a few cities in North America; New York, Washington, Boston and I've worked in Montreal but I can't say I noticed a huge difference between what the people there wear compared to any city in England, Scotland or Ireland.

**Droid** · 18th April 12, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Blackrose87

That's interesting. I'm not sure what a shirt that doesn't button all the way down would be. Like a polo shirt? Or I guess, a grandfather shirt (I'm not sure if that's what they're called outside Ireland) but I haven't seen one of those for years.

What exactly is the tourist look though? I've been to a few cities in North America; New York, Washington, Boston and I've worked in Montreal but I can't say I noticed a huge difference between what the people there wear compared to any city in England, Scotland or Ireland.

I guess the tourist look that I am thinking of is anything that looks out of place. Fashion differs greatly here in the states, so, a NorCal city boy visiting the deep heart of Texas might look out of place. A hipster from Portland might stand out if walking around the Bayou.

I noticed in London, a lot like New York, people dressed up a bit more. Nice shirts, slacks, jackets, over coats, where as around these parts (for me) it mostly shorts, sandals and t-shirts.

**tulloch** · 18th April 12, 11:35 AM

(Note: I'll probably end up wearing whatever I want as long as it looks smart regardless of people's opinions here, but, you know, might as well strike up a conversation about it if I can.)

Wear what makes you smile and feel comfortable. If it is good on you it will look good on you because you will look comfortable with it. Once, a long time ago, a woman wore pantaloons around this little town. Today it is the norm. Today I wear a kilt around this little city. Who knows?