Wide brim hats vs. tam, Glengarry, Balmoral, etc.

[KenB]

I am interested in finding out what the "rabble" feel about wide brim hats.

After having the tops of my ears treated for the results of years of sun damage and having a skin cancer removed from my face, maybe a beret, tam, Glengarry, and/or Balmoral might not be the best choice for protection. They do not give great protection except to the top of the head.

I am going brimmed from now on. Just need to do a wee work in finding the right "lid"

[Jock Scot]

With the scientific knowledge we now have it would be silly to ignore the facts-------dangerous facts and we already have ignored them for too long for many of us. Maybe for the first time in history we may be seeing fashion led by common sense.

There are plenty of broad brimmed hats to choose from and perhaps the panama, the Tilly, or the Aussie slouch hat, maybe the future fashion for kilt attire where the sun's rays are a danger. My money is on the panama.

[ElCabong]

I must break from tradition hat-wise to keep the sun at bay. Kilted or not, I wear a mix of hats: Several varieties of Outdoor Research Stitka Sombrero, Minnetonka Outback hat, Bailey Cutler, and Stetson Drifter. You can Google these to see them. I also wear a variety of bolo ties with kilts, suits, blazers, and 'office casual". The hat is important. If you have a problem with the sun, you had best stand under a good hat regardless of what you are wearing from the neck down.

[DougC]

If you want a reasonably priced fur felt, try Akubra. I've got a campdraft model I really like. If you are leaning towards straw, Sunbody in Houston, Texas has a nice selection. Personally, I think wide brimmed hats are great--I wear them at the beach all the time sans kilt (and with board shorts).

[creagdhubh]

There are many members on the forum that wear wide brim hats, to include panama, fedora, and cowboy styles. I rather like the look of a panama hat with Highland day attire myself, not to mention the protection from the sun that it would bring. However, I am not sure whether or not I will actually 'pull the trigger' on one just yet. I am rather partial to wearing a Balmoral with my Highland day attire, and I foresee that being a difficult thing for me to let go any time soon.

Best of luck!

[Earl D]

Well you gotta do what ya gotta do. I have a safari style wide brimmed hat that I wear with my kilt when the sun is blazing down and it's hotter than all get out. Does it look right-NO! But no one has come up to me at any festivals or games to complain about it. Last time I wore it, some guy came up to me and said "Nice hat, I shoulda worn mine." His ears were already red and starting to blister.

You could get a Pith Helmet and then join the Pith Helmet Enthusiasts Group.

[O'Searcaigh]

Well you gotta do what ya gotta do. I have a safari style wide brimmed hat that I wear with my kilt when the sun is blazing down and it's hotter than all get out. Does it look right-NO! But no one has come up to me at any festivals or games to complain about it. Last time I wore it, some guy came up to me and said "Nice hat, I shoulda worn mine." His ears were already red and starting to blister.

You could get a Pith Helmet and then join the Pith Helmet Enthusiasts Group.

Yes, I love the pith helmet option in sunny warmer weather but prefer the "East Indian" style with my kilt. Also like the Drill-Sergeant/Smokie look too -- I'll have to look into getting one of those as well

[Deirachel]

With a bit of looking, the campaign hat (the War Dept. called it thus as well back in 1911). is available in a number of colors and material. There's the common (military/scouting) olive felt, black/grey/brown/navy straws (sheriff's departments). There's even a scarlet one for the RCMP Drill Instructors.

[xman]

Yes, I love the pith helmet option in sunny warmer weather but prefer the "East Indian" style with my kilt. Also like the Drill-Sergeant/Smokie look too -- I'll have to look into getting one of those as well

Be sure to include the military jacket to complete the ensemble.

[Chas]

I am currently saving up for a real Panama - there are so many imitations about.

Regards

Chas