Tams

**Laird_M** · 3rd November 14, 04:28 AM

Ok, showing my ignorance here. Is there any difference between a 'Tam' and a 'Tam beret' (no not tabourine you stupid machine!)?
I've seen some sites selling 'Tam berets' and want to make sure it's not a ladies hat as opposed to a proper Tam.

**unixken** · 3rd November 14, 05:55 AM

I've never heard of anything described as a "tam beret", but can only assume its perhaps a beret fashioned from pie-wedge fabric segments in a manner similar to a tam-o-shanter, rather than from a single top piece, like a flat cap would be? I dunno.

**Laird_M** · 3rd November 14, 06:04 AM

Thanks Ken. It was new to me as well.

**Tarheel** · 3rd November 14, 08:07 AM

Well Ken here's what I googled for photos. I don't know more than what I can see, but I know what I would wear. b t.JPG slouch.JPG tam.JPG

**bwat** · 3rd November 14, 09:07 AM

Quite shocked at the price of the green tam! The army issue ones can be found new on ebay for much cheaper. I don't know what the shipping and taxes would be for anybody reading this but check it out if you want to buy one.

**MacEanruig** · 3rd November 14, 09:55 AM

Why not purchase a surplus Tam at What Price Glory?

**Pleater** · 3rd November 14, 11:24 AM

I'm working on knitted caps at the minute, and have been measuring all the ones I've made/worn - the tam/beret looks to have a deeper brim than the beret, but not much more diameter.

I would be careful to find out the diameter of any cap before purchase as it could look rather skimpy to have - say - a 10 inch diameter top, particularly if you have a large head, and if it is puffy like the blue one it might look a bit silly....

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Chaser90EK** · 3rd November 14, 02:46 PM

The only real difference I've seen in terms of men's style is heritage. At Irish events I see the plain tams and at Scottish events I see the tams with the ball on top...only observation I have.

**Jock Scot** · 4th November 14, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by Chaser90EK

The only real difference I've seen in terms of men's style is heritage. At Irish events I see the plain tams and at Scottish events I see the tams with the ball on top...only observation I have.

Just so you know, the "ball on top" of a tam/balmoral is known as a, tourie.

**Laird_M** · 4th November 14, 08:05 AM

OK, contacted one of the suppliers and a 'Tam beret' is pretty much as Anne suggested and is properly called a 'Tammy beret'. Will NOT be getting one of those...even for the weekend.