Me Hat

[ThistleDown]

the tweed flat cap when worn with the kilt implies, to me and more importantly to those that know no better, some sort of implication that it is "proper" Highland attire. It is not. The kilt is, when all said and done, Highland attire. Yes?

Thank you, Jock, that's what I have been searching for, too. The flat cap is often seen in the Highlands, just never with Highland dress. I think you have hit on the subconscious reason: it does not belong but purports to. Well, that and it makes one's head look pin-like and out-of-balance with the volume of the kilt

(stirstirstir)

[xman]

Am I turning into an auld crabbit at the tender age of 53?

I think so, Aye. Sorry. I wonder about myself sometimes too.

... "traditionalists" were invited to comment by the OP in his first post on this thread.

And glad I am that you as well as everyone else has done so in so respectable a manner. It has been enlightening.

[ThistleDown]

Reading this thread has been more fun than reading the news this morning!

Don't suppose a Tyrolean "loden hut" would work? (like a trilby, with a more pointy top!)?

For me, a well-broke in balmoral or tam works for most weather, and as one of these is my 'tractor cab" most of the time, it has a lot to do.
My old one is a bit relaxed now, and soft enough to go wherever I want it. It's often worn 'sideways, so it offers eye protection, and is floppy enough that it covers the tops of mi ears from getting cooked in the sun.
I would say consider wearing one in the NW, as it does seem to work well.

How would 'Traditionalists' feel about the old style tam, with the top as large as the WW1 balmoral??
Such a thing could be dragged about in all directions to keep off sun and rain quite nicely.
Any thoughts?

Well, it's all personal style, I suppose, but to me the tweed trilby "works" and the felt Tyrolean doesn't.

The "doolander" -- as the broad tam is often called -- is just fine. A bit flashy and ostentatious, I suppose, but quite acceptable. Not in tartan, mind you! I've one made by our own Lady Chrystel: it's not for Summer wear, but in the Winter it keeps my head warm and even my shoulders dry

Rex

[Jock Scot]

And I, even with an alternative or two

....... and I really did (GASP!) say that I actually preferred the "JD" hat to............the.........fla. tw... c.. with the kilt! Now you can't say that I am not trying to be modern and er well, up to date. Now can you?

[English Bloke]

Jock, please don't try to be modern and up to date. Your observations and advice are the guiding light in what is and what is not correct regarding traditional highland attire. As you patiently inform us, there's a right way, and a wrong way. What you say is how it should be done properly. Many of us here will ignore you most of the time and will mix our kilt-wearing styles as the fancy takes (says the Bloke in the Denim Jacket)



but when the occasion demands it, we know how to dress correctly, primarily because of the advice from you and the other traditionalists. This is greatly appreciated I might add.



If you go switching teams now you'll just confuse everybody so behave yourself.

[ThistleDown]

Are you not well then, Jock? Was it the sun beating down on your bonnetless head? Perhaps we could just go out for a wee walk while you inhale large gulps of fresh Lochaber air. Would that help cure you of this (I just must say it) quite irrational thinking about the tractor cap? It wouldn't be a bother, you know.

Rex

[Jock Scot]

Are you not well then, Jock? Was it the sun beating down on your bonnetless head? Perhaps we could just go out for a wee walk while you inhale large gulps of fresh Lochaber air. Would that help cure you of this (I just must say it) quite irrational thinking about the tractor cap? It wouldn't be a bother, you know.

Rex

I think it best if I refer you to post 34 on this thread Rex.

I think I will take your advice and go for a stroll, before I shock any one else!

[Woodsheal]

I don't own a flat cap, but I do like the wider, eight-panel "newsboy" style of cap. And, I confess to wearing it often with a kilt! With the button on top, and the floppier look, they almost seem more "bonnet like"...

[BobsYourUncle]

Here are two additional options, both available from the Scottish Tartans Museum. Both are "historical" bonnets, but do not partake of the same associatons/characteristics of "current" or "modern" balmoral, tam or glengarry. The first, made by our own Ryan Ross, is available without a toorie:



You can order it here if you wish:
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/knit_bonnets.htm

This is the Highland Bonnet, which has many of the style advantages of a flat cap without, it is hoped, invoking the Jock Scott negative response reflex:



You can order it here if you wish:
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/highland_bonnet.htm

Just my tuppence. In full disclosure, I have ordered two of the Ryan Ross bonnets, one in brown, the other in grey. Both with matching toories. As you can tell, I like that style bonnet very much.

That being said, Panache had it just right in his first post on this thread...as regards your choice in hats, FREEDOM! Cheers!

[creagdhubh]

English Driving Cap (Flat Cap) are nice. Dark or Light, not tartan to match.

Hello cousin,

Have you seen the Clan Macpherson social group? Do you plan to attend the joint USA/Canadian AGM in Novia Scotia in October? I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you. I am very active with the Clan Macpherson-both here in the States and abroad in Scotland.

Creag Dhubh Clann Chatain!