The Piper's Wardrobe

[EagleJCS]

As a piper that has never been in the military, I wouldn't presume to imitate the look as a soloist. Since the band I play with is a non-sponsored, all-volunteer band, we also wear civilian-style band uniforms. That said, a lot of the general, non-Scottish, non-piping US-American public expect to see the full No 1 dress on pipers (feather bonnet, cross belt, full plaid, tunic with Inverness flaps, etc., etc.), and get confused when they don't see it, until you explain the difference. Then they're - usually - OK with it. Disappointed, but OK.

When I'm not piping with the band, I'll wear what's appropriate to the occasion (usually my black Argyle jacket and a black tie at the least). In fact, that's probably what I'll be wearing when I pipe for a funeral this coming Saturday. When I recently piped for a police officer's memorial service (general memorial, not a specific officer), I wore my PC with bow tie because I was considered part of the honor guard detail, and they wore their dress uniforms (special hats & tunics, white gloves, patent leather).

[Dall_Piobaire]

As a piper that has never been in the military, I wouldn't presume to imitate the look as a soloist. Since the band I play with is a non-sponsored, all-volunteer band, we also wear civilian-style band uniforms. That said, a lot of the general, non-Scottish, non-piping US-American public expect to see the full No 1 dress on pipers (feather bonnet, cross belt, full plaid, tunic with Inverness flaps, etc., etc.), and get confused when they don't see it, until you explain the difference. Then they're - usually - OK with it. Disappointed, but OK.

When I'm not piping with the band, I'll wear what's appropriate to the occasion (usually my black Argyle jacket and a black tie at the least). In fact, that's probably what I'll be wearing when I pipe for a funeral this coming Saturday. When I recently piped for a police officer's memorial service (general memorial, not a specific officer), I wore my PC with bow tie because I was considered part of the honor guard detail, and they wore their dress uniforms (special hats & tunics, white gloves, patent leather).

I am kinda with you on the #1, yeah people expect it, but is it respectful? I guess the easiest to do is to dress as fromal as appropriate for the occasion, but not over the top!