Sticks and Bonnets?

[Bugbear]

What kind and color of bonnet or hat would be best/proper for this specific outfit?
Also, what kind of walking stick would be best or proper to go with this outfit?
Thank you.

This is the kind of stick or cane I am supposed to use. Although, I'm not sure it's a legal requirement. I am trying to avoid using this cap with the kilt now.

* I removed all the pictures. *

[SFCRick]

I think that stick you have looks fine with your Kilts. As for a hat with your nice brown outfit, I think the cap you have on in the upper photo should look grand with the jacket and waistcoat. Nice touch with the pocket watch also.

[ThistleDown]

Looking very, very fine, Ted -- as always. If you really think you need a bonnet with this ensemble (for outdoor wearing, of course), I suggest a Cdn khaki. I've rarely worn one in lo these many years, but if you choose to, make sure that that the "tilt" is right: the right side about two fingers up from the top of your right ear, and the left side with the soft crown sloping 'way down over your left ear -- the ribbon brim should be almost touching the scalp-side of your left ear for you to be able to do this. Does that make sense? If not, ask.

As for the stick, I suggest something like one of the following. The first was made to fit my grandfather and the second I made to fit me, but you should be able to get comfort ideas from both of them. It depends on what you use a stick for and how comfortable you are in using it in the first place.



This one was my grandfather's and I only adjusted it for height to suit my brother. He (my brother, that is) likes the crown of the crook about four inches below his collar bone if he stands the stick upright. He needs to be able to comfortably lean into it, so if he moves the tip away from his feet about thirty inches, he is able to rest his relaxed two hands on the crook at about the bottom of his rib cage and lean ever so slightly forward and into/onto it.

In profile, to give an idea of "perfect" height for him, the top of the crook rests very comfortably in his arm pit. Not tight, not loose -- just comfortably.

If you choose a stick with a proper cow or ram horn, the horn should be formed to fit your hand with comfort. With time, the horn will warm to your hand and alter a bit in shape.

If you choose antler, it will not, but its rigid nature can provide a different form of comfort and reliability.

The one that follows I made to fit me and is the one I use most often her in BC. It is red deer shed antler, brass and wild cherry with a "whistle" for the dogs.



If I stand with it perfectly upright it is slightly above my collar bone. With my crossed hands on its crown it is just short of reaching my chin. If I move its tip thirty inches away from my feet, I can rest both my hands on it at mid-chest.

For me, that is ideal spectator height.

My brother and I are bar an inch the same height. These are our two main-stay sticks:



Both are exceptional for walking and hiking and both have been fitted with rubber and spike tips.

[DWFII]

Looking very, very fine, Ted -- as always. If you really think you need a bonnet with this ensemble (for outdoor wearing, of course), I suggest a Cdn khaki. I've rarely worn one in lo these many years, but if you choose to, make sure that that the "tilt" is right: the right side about two fingers up from the top of your right ear, and the left side with the soft crown sloping 'way down over your left ear -- the ribbon brim should be almost touching the scalp-side of your left ear for you to be able to do this. Does that make sense? If not, ask.

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

[Jock Scot]

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

I have to agree about the balmoral "sloping" over the right ear. You will find, though, with the bow knot centred on the centre of the back of you head(I think that makes sense) the cockade and/or badge will be forward of your left ear.

[DWFII]

I have to agree about the balmoral "sloping" over the right ear. You will find, though, with the bow knot centred on the centre of the back of you head(I think that makes sense) the cockade and/or badge will be forward of your left ear.

I knew that...just shorthand. But since I don't have either a cockade or a badge for my balmoral yet, how far forward of the left ear should they be placed?

[Jock Scot]

I knew that...just shorthand. But since I don't have either a cockade or a badge for my balmoral yet, how far forward of the left ear should they be placed?

About like this.

[ThistleDown]

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

Aparently I've been looking in the mirror too long. Of course you are correct, but I've never seen a Balmoral in Scotland with a white cockade. They are traditionally black, but I suppose they could be replaced with white.

[DWFII]

Aparently I've been looking in the mirror too long. Of course you are correct, but I've never seen a Balmoral in Scotland with a white cockade. They are traditionally black, but I suppose they could be replaced with white.

[chuckle] I thought that might be the case! When I got my balmoral, the first thing I did was pull it over my left ear...as I was looking at myself in the mirror. Looked good to me!

As I understand it the white cockade is strictly Jacobite...in honour of BPC who plucked and wore a white rose on his bonnet when he stepped back onto Scottish soil. In any case that famous painting of Culloden shows, I believe, the white cockade.

[ThistleDown]

Ted. I have a friend who has an antler-headed stick about the same length as the shorter one I posted. It can't be folded up, of course, but it has a brass pointed tip that can be covered with a rubber one -- and he has had it finished in white because he has sight problems. Still and all, I think the graphite one you are using is pretty fine.