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Thread: "Jocking" a cap

  1. #11
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    The basic concept of jocking a bonnet is to take one that looks just like all the others on the same shelf yours just came from, somewhat preshaped but not individualized. The thorough soaking loosens the individual fibers allowing them to slide over one another and stretch to fit your own personal brain bucket, then your hands do the working to tug and pull and yank it into the shape that suits YOU, not the mannequin head at the shop or manufacturers warehouse. Wearing it dry only sets that individualized shape into the fibers, kinda like pressing the pleats of your kilt, such that the bonnet, once worn a few times, will forever have that shape memorized, and will practically fall into perfect position immediately upon donning. And it will help you to look more experienced in your overall kilt wearing, more natural instead of like the guy coming out of the department store in a brand new ill fitting suit.

    It is kind of like antiqueing a picture frame before you mount your Picasso into it. Once properly Jocked a bonnet will look well used but still crisply perfect for a lifetime or three. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb as an ill fitting accessory it will blend imperceptibly into your kilted personna and enhance your kilted authenticity. And you shall never fear a rainstorm while wearing it---keeps your head dry in the downpour, and will return to its new native shape upon drying. All the while looking natural as a glorious sunrise.

  2. The Following 3 Users say 'Aye' to ForresterModern For This Useful Post:


  3. #12
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    Poetic, FM. Well done.
    KEN CORMACK
    Clan Buchanan
    U.S. Coast Guard, Retired
    Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA

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  5. #13
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    I seem to recall something about "Jocking" being done to avoid the "flying saucer" look of a bonnet that hasn't been broken in

    For those who don't live near a pristine burn, creek, or other suitable bit of flowing water, perhaps a "pilgrimage" to the nearest one is in order!
    Last edited by CMcG; 27th September 13 at 09:01 AM.
    - Justitia et fortitudo invincibilia sunt
    - An t'arm breac dearg

  6. #14
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    The idea of dipping one's headgear in a creek may work out for those of you who live in relatively pristine areas where the flow is provided by clean mountain runoff....those of us who live in the "flatlands" may not have those advantages. I'd be semi-reluctant to dip any article of clothing in the Chicago section of Lake Michigan and as for the Chicago River....I seriously doubt that any fabric dipped in the Chicago River would emerge intact. That or one would find one's self in a tug of war with a monster carp for the balmoral...

    Best

    AA
    ANOTHER KILTED LEBOWSKI AND...HEY, CAREFUL, MAN, THERE'S A BEVERAGE HERE!

  7. #15
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    Jock's original 'Jocking' thread is one of the best ever published on here, although he's actually being quite gentle compared to some of the shrinking and shaping methods I've seen done to similar head-dress.

    Bonnet or beret, they look dreadful fresh out of the box and need a little 'individualisation' to give them character.

  8. #16
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    Ok, I understand the concept for jocking but......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this? No streams nearby and San Francisco Bay is not the place to try it so cold water in the sink is my best option. How long does it need to stay in the sink and how do I "wring" out the excess water before wearing it until it dries?
    I tell you guys, I am scared stiff to try this with my Robert Mackie.
    proud U.S. Navy vet

    Creag ab Sgairbh

  9. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by auld argonian View Post
    The idea of dipping one's headgear in a creek may work out for those of you who live in relatively pristine areas where the flow is provided by clean mountain runoff....those of us who live in the "flatlands" may not have those advantages. I'd be semi-reluctant to dip any article of clothing in the Chicago section of Lake Michigan and as for the Chicago River....I seriously doubt that any fabric dipped in the Chicago River would emerge intact. That or one would find one's self in a tug of war with a monster carp for the balmoral...

    Best

    AA
    Auld, no need to toss your new Bonnet into the sewer ... your bathroom sink will do in a pinch!

  10. #18
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    Actually, one thing short of the total Jocking process that I've found helpful for all sorts of garments has been rain. I've had a few things....coats, sport coats, hats, leather jackets....that fit but aren't quite right until I get caught in the rain wearing them and then have to keep them on for a couple of hours...then the combination of the wet and body warmth seem to mould them to my form. One of my eight yard woolen kilts became a whole lot mo' comfortable after getting caught in a total downpour at a Celtic Fest and then hanging around drinking beer and listening to some soaked bagpipers for the next five or six hours. I wear fedoras to keep out of the sun and they get much better after they've been rained on or snowed on a few times...so, short of the stream soaking process, I'd recommend wearing the item and praying for rain.

    Best

    AA
    ANOTHER KILTED LEBOWSKI AND...HEY, CAREFUL, MAN, THERE'S A BEVERAGE HERE!

  11. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by sailortats View Post
    Ok, I understand the concept for jocking but......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this? No streams nearby and San Francisco Bay is not the place to try it so cold water in the sink is my best option. How long does it need to stay in the sink and how do I "wring" out the excess water before wearing it until it dries?
    I tell you guys, I am scared stiff to try this with my Robert Mackie.
    Phil, don't worry, you can't ruin your bunnet giving it a good jocking.

    You answered your own question about the excess water, though. You "wring" it out (with your hands).

  12. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by sailortats View Post
    ......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this?
    The alternative: is there any chance of ruining a CHEAP balmoral doing this? Although I would love to have a quality bonnet my budget fits best into the cheap regions of purchasing.

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