Hat for a Prince Charlie Outfit... not Balmoral or Gelngary

[EricCable]

Hello,

What would be a good formal hat to wear with a Prince Charlie highland formal outfit? Neither Glengary nor Balmoral would be appropriate for this occasion.

thanks!

[The Wizard of BC]

The Prince Charlie Coatee is the kilt equivalent of the Tuxedo. It is only worn for events where a tuxedo is appropriate.

Therefore no hat is worn.

[Jock Scot]

Whilst bare headed is the usual option, there is nothing wrong with the balmoral or glengary when worn to and from the event and assuming that the event is indoors------unless there is some very special reason( piper, religious aspects, etc..) for wearing a bonnet indoors------ then of course, the bonnet is removed when entering the building. If the weather is bad then frankly common sense trumps fashion and traditions and anything will do! An umbrella is always a good option too and particularly so, if you are accompanied by a lady.

[Spartan Tartan]

If the traditional headwear is not appropriate with a traditional outfit, then I am confused...

Personally, I would not prefer to wear a hat of any sort. That is just me, but then I would rarely wear a hat when kilted.

[Jock Scot]

If the traditional headwear is not appropriate with a traditional outfit, then I am confused...

Personally, I would not prefer to wear a hat of any sort. That is just me, but then I would rarely wear a hat when kilted.

Its one of those; "its just not done" things. You can if you want, but-----------.

[Spartan Tartan]

Right you are, Jock. My confusion is when asking for advice about headgear, despite preferences or personal taste, how can otherwise traditional headgear be inappropriate for a traditional outfit?

If the question is due to religious preferences, I don't know this to be the case, but if that be the case then I would think the religious headwear worn without a kilt and PC would be equally appropriate when kilted.

If the question is just to avoid wearing a balmoral or glengary (which I too would avoid), then as you say, there is no reason to wear a hat of anysort. No requirement to do so anyway. Again, I would avoid wearing a hat or any sort of headgear when dressed more formally. The situation almost always requires the removal of such and then I am stuck with having to hold or figure out what to do with my hat. Obviously, if it is a religious item, then removal is not going to be an issue.

[Jock Scot]

Any well organised event will have staff and facilities available to hang up assorted coats, Inverness capes, bonnets of any type, umbrellas, etc.,so one should have no need to spend time clutching your surplus attire during the event. Be warned though, Clan badges can and do grow legs whilst in temporary storage, so make sure that the fastenings are welded together. I kid you not!-------------------- Which is probably why bonnets are not generally worn with formal attire to formal events.

[creagdhubh]

Whilst bare headed is the usual option, there is nothing wrong with the balmoral or glengary when worn to and from the event and assuming that the event is indoors------unless there is some very special reason( piper, religious aspects, etc..) for wearing a bonnet indoors------ then of course, the bonnet is removed when entering the building. If the weather is bad then frankly common sense trumps fashion and traditions and anything will do! An umbrella is always a good option too and particularly so, if you are accompanied by a lady.

Agreed. Well stated, Jock.

[usonian]

Congratulations on your installation! It's a lot of work but ultimately very rewarding.

Masonic Protocol around the Master's hat varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In Massachusetts, the Master is entitled to (but not required to) wear a hat when presiding over the Lodge, and official protocol is clear that a top hat is the only type of hat to be worn. (Except for the Grand Master, who wears a tricorn.) If your jurisdiction requires you to wear a hat but is not specific about what kind, it seems like a Glengarry would indeed be the least fussy traditional option to put on and take off for things like prayers/pledge of allegiance/etc.

I believe Masters in Vermont wear a hat that is supposed to evoke a more medieval/renaissance look: http://www.masonicexchange.com/Product-466.aspx



While non-traditional in a Highland dress sense, that might perhaps look less odd with a kilt than a top hat?

[Peter Crowe]

Congratulations on your installation! It's a lot of work but ultimately very rewarding.

Masonic Protocol around the Master's hat varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In Massachusetts, the Master is entitled to (but not required to) wear a hat when presiding over the Lodge, and official protocol is clear that a top hat is the only type of hat to be worn. (Except for the Grand Master, who wears a tricorn.) If your jurisdiction requires you to wear a hat but is not specific about what kind, it seems like a Glengarry would indeed be the least fussy traditional option to put on and take off for things like prayers/pledge of allegiance/etc.

I believe Masters in Vermont wear a hat that is supposed to evoke a more medieval/renaissance look: http://www.masonicexchange.com/Product-466.aspx



While non-traditional in a Highland dress sense, that might perhaps look less odd with a kilt than a top hat?

To follow up on what Usonian says above, the Boston Kilwinning Club degree team (many of whom are PM's, and at least one PDDGM and one PGM) wear kilts and PC's while conferring a degree (using GLMA ritual). Their Presiding Master from the degree team wears a Glengarry.

I personally prefer the Balmoral but for Masonic purposes I would recommend a plain dark Glengarry with the Square and Compasses clan crest style badge.