Hats

**RGM1** · 27th January 25, 06:28 AM

Planning on making an appearance at the tartan day parade in NYC to see the Murray of Arnold pipers and enjoy the day. Plan to wear my Murray of Atholl kilt and tweed jacket. I have an Irish tweed cap that does not seem to fit spirit of day and am eyeballing a glengarry. I am not a piper. Any reason such would not be appropriate? I am also considering burgundy hose.

I don't know if I will be observing parade from sidelines or joining in parade.

Thoughts?

**Jock Scot** · 27th January 25, 07:38 AM

If the weather is kind and unreasonable weather is not an issue then bare-headed would be my choice. However, if you insist on a bonnet then a balmoral would do nicely, although a glengarry would do, but is not as versatile as a balmoral. Please, please, please do not wear a flat cap! Burgundy/claret hose will be perfect. Have fun!

D

**OC Richard** · 27th January 25, 08:59 AM

Being an American, one who used to live in a place that can have heavy rain, and now lives in a place with brutal sun, a hat would be a must.

And not just any kind of hat, but a hat with a brim that can keep sun off the face, ears, and back of neck, and keep rain from pouring down your face and the back of your jacket collar.

I would go with one of the tweed hats which are worn both in Scotland and Ireland for outdoor in-the-weather activities, such as the sorts of hats variously called Trilby, Elgin, Newmarket, Grouse, Shooting, Walking, Fishing, etc.

**Jock Scot** · 27th January 25, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Being an American, one who used to live in a place that can have heavy rain, and now lives in a place with brutal sun, a hat would be a must.

And not just any kind of hat, but a hat with a brim that can keep sun off the face, ears, and back of neck, and keep rain from pouring down your face and the back of your jacket collar.

I would go with one of the tweed hats which are worn both in Scotland and Ireland for outdoor in-the-weather activities, such as the sorts of hats variously called Trilby, Elgin, Newmarket, Grouse, Shooting, Walking, Fishing, etc.

Interestingly we rarely see the "bucket style" of hat, illustrated above, here in Scotland particularly with the kilt.The "fore and aft"(top right in the picture) is almost standard attire as a countryman's bonnet and is not unusual to be seen worn with the kilt, particularly when the weather does not oblige.

**OC Richard** · 28th January 25, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

The "fore and aft"(top right in the picture) is almost standard attire as a countryman's bonnet and is not unusual to be seen worn with the kilt, particularly when the weather does not oblige.

I really like the look of those but I've yet to get one. I didn't know what they were called, thanks for that.

**Jock Scot** · 28th January 25, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I really like the look of those but I've yet to get one. I didn't know what they were called, thanks for that.

Thats great! However, be aware there is another style that looks similar, but with flaps on. Often called a "Sherlock Holmes", I and others would call it a "Deer Stalker". You need to be aware of this, as the THREE names are often ,rather confusingly, mixed up depending on who is selling them. Both styles are good and the flaps do have their practical uses in wet and windy conditions found out on the hill, river, or loch, although perhaps they look a tad theatrical. Both styles are a common sight in the more rural areas and particularly amongst those that partake in country sports.

BE WARNED!

Make certain sure that you are buying the bonnet that you think you are buying! It is very, VERY easy to end up talking at cross purposes with the vendor. Pitfalls are present to trip up the unwary. Genuine and honest mistakes are lurking, due to this shambles of labelling.

**Scooter** · 23rd March 25, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Interestingly we rarely see the "bucket style" of hat, illustrated above, here in Scotland particularly with the kilt.The "fore and aft"(top right in the picture) is almost standard attire as a countryman's bonnet and is not unusual to be seen worn with the kilt, particularly when the weather does not oblige.

I favor the Deerstalker or Scottish bonnet with the kilt.

**Jock Scot** · 23rd March 25, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by Scooter

I favor the Deerstalker or Scottish bonnet with the kilt.

The deerstalker is a sound choice. I am not quite sure what you mean by "Scottish bonnet", but I suspect that you are talking about a balmoral, if so, its again a sound and common choice over here.

**Canadian Vet** · 19th May 25, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by RGM1

Planning on making an appearance at the tartan day parade in NYC to see the Murray of Arnold pipers and enjoy the day. Plan to wear my Murray of Atholl kilt and tweed jacket. I have an Irish tweed cap that does not seem to fit spirit of day and am eyeballing a glengarry. I am not a piper. Any reason such would not be appropriate? I am also considering burgundy hose.

I don't know if I will be observing parade from sidelines or joining in parade.

Thoughts?

Here in Canada, Glengarrys are still worn as military uniform by several Regiments. You don't see them worn by civilans much outside of pipe bands and Highland Games.
The law discourages you from wearing uniform items that are still in use by the Armed Forces if you are no longer serving but we sneak our old berets on anyway and there is zero chance of enforcement.

**Steve Ashton** · 20th May 25, 12:35 AM

I don't care. I dress for the weather. If it is hot with the sun blazing down, this has been "de rigor" for protection and to keep you cool, long enough to be considered 'traditional'.

If it is cold and wet like it can often be here in the winter, the overriding factor is to dress to keep warm and dry

If all else fails just tell them - "My name is Jones, Kiltiana Jones."