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

**creagdhubh** · 13th June 12, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

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

Regards

Chas

This would be my approach too, Chas!

Cheers,

**creagdhubh** · 13th June 12, 05:25 PM

I should also state that I tend to wear Highland dress less during the warmer and downright hot, summer months. Basically a matter of personal preference. Fall, winter, and early spring are my seasonal preferences for wearing the kilt. Now, when I attend my clan's annual gathering in Scotland, naturally I wear Highland dress, yet August in the north of Scotland is far different than August in the midwest of the USA. And when I do attend various Highland games, the majority of the time I find myself in the shade provided by a clan, or large tent where I am protected from the sun. So, my point is, for me the Balmoral prevails for my go to choice for Highland headwear. Though a proper panama is enticing, and is gradually growing on me.

Cheers,

**gary meakin** · 13th June 12, 05:32 PM

I think you can't go wrong with one of these

**creagdhubh** · 13th June 12, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Kilted or not, let's not forget the importance of sun screen or cream. Irrespective of your hat choice.

Alternatively move to the UK . Its raining cats and dogs here.

I'll be living there when I retire! Can't wait!

Cheers,

**cruiser348** · 13th June 12, 06:31 PM

I've got a fairly wide selection of wide brim hats that I wear no matter what my choice of clothing that day may be. Only other option I wear regularly is a flat cap and i simply don't grab that if I'm planning to be outside for a long time.

**SeumasA** · 13th June 12, 06:43 PM

I grew up at living at sea level. Now that I live at 4500 ft. elevation a good hat is a must. This is my hat of choice, but that doughboy hat of Riverkilt's looks pretty good to me too. Sorry 'bout the quality of the pic; cell phone camera looking into the sun.

**McElmurry** · 13th June 12, 06:55 PM

North Scotland gets between 1100 and 1300 hours of sunshine a year. Sacramento California gets 3600 hours of sunshine a year. Wear what makes sense for your climate.

**Cygnus** · 13th June 12, 09:37 PM

For the sunscreen discussion: There is one thing that offers decent skin protection from harmful rays, but people often find it unappealing.

As for hat styles, I think it's important to try to stay as much within the "spirit" of THCD while still being practical; which is probably why I prefer the panama hat for shade-giving headwear with a kilt. It just seems to fit somehow. I also can't bring myself to wear a pith helmet without feeling costumey.

**gordontaos** · 13th June 12, 10:38 PM

I'm with Ron. At 7500', no trees for shade, and 300 days of sunshine, the brim of my (and my darling wife Maggie's) hat needs to be EXTRA wide. Also, like Ron, my long hair also helps to protect the ears and back of the neck, even if you cannot see it in all of its glory in this photo..

I wear more "western" style hats when not kilted, but do not seem to have any photos of me in western wear. I guess I will just have to find xmarksthecowboy and join up.

**mayberry** · 13th June 12, 10:38 PM

I've bought two Cuenca hats (a less expensive variety of Panama), one for myself and one as a gift, from this company: panamahatsdirect.com. The hats are lovely. If you aren't in a rush, keep an eye out for their sale which seems to happen every once in a while. One sale just finished, which had them selling the Cuencas for $25 (reg. $48). Then there's $25 shipping to anywhere in the US or Canada.
They also sell much finer hats for much finer prices.

Cheers,
John