New Glengarry

[davedove]

Refresh my memory. which one is accepted civilian wear? I thougt I was told teh glengarry was for piperes and military.

Can't buy more kilts, may as well get some accessaries.

David

Well, the glengarry certainly looks more military. That's one reason I got it, to go with my US Army kilt. But of course, most of the current kilt accessories were derived military styles.

I don't think there are any "rules" about the caps, just that the glengarry looks more like a uniform item. But then, the balmoral isn't too different from many of the current military berets.

[A Hay]

I have a Glengarry and a Balmoral. I wear the Balmoral much more often than the Glengarry, even wear it without a kilt.

I have a lovat green Balmoral (see pics below) and I think I will probably get a tan military surplus one to wear with khaki slacks and a brown leather jacket in winter.

I'm thinking also of a sky blue one to wear with an X marks kilt (when ever I can get the material.

The Glengarry I wear with a military style white shirt that I got at a uniform shop when I want that military look. I'm ex-army and still work for the US Army.

Both have their place.

Best wishes,

Tom

[bikercelt1]

I think I remember reading that Balmoral tails can be tied or loose. Tied for lowland Scots and loose for highland Scots. Am I out to lunch on this one?

Thanks.

My understanding is that tied Balomoral ribbons mean you're married and loose means you're available. I didn't know that lowland Scots wore the Bonnet/Balmoral

[Kiltman]

I've heard the samething about married or available. Sounds like a tale (tail) to me.

[MacWage]

As for tied or untied,

there are several lines of thoughts and many "legends." The two listed above are both often repeated (even by that famous Charles Thompson).

Reality:
Glengarry-virtually ALWAYS worn loose. They are now and almost always were fake and decorative in nature. According to the military standards, they WERE NOT to be tied.

Balmoral-> essentially a Balmoral is a more formalized version of the old bonnet. Indeed, the term "tam" (stolen from a fictional character) had to be invented to give the bonnet a name and differenciate it from the balmoral. The ribbon on balmorals are remnants or the ribbons used to size the bonnet (to keep it on the head). Bonnets were "ballparked" in creation (either by the older knitting and felting method or the later sewn together flat wool panels method) and fine tuned by ribbons. When Balmorals became made to standard sizes, the ribbons in back remained (as did a representative along the bottom edge). Therefore, most people believed they should be tied, like on the old bonnets. Others left them untied, as they no longer really do anything. Today, people do both. Seeking some sort of rational either way, great stories have been invented. Think about it. Wouldn't an untied bonnet blow off in highland wind? Why would there be any significance is most were tied to get a good fit. The only ones untied would be ones that just happened to fit perfectly as made. That was in the days they were functional. Now, they are decoration. Therefore, you can whatever you want. I tie mine, but some are even functional (homemade bonnets/balmorals). Some of my tied ones kept coming untied(hat blew off), so I made a knot and left alone, thus looking loose, though they are actually functional. So, on a balmoral either way is fine and up to personal opinion and tastes. Some see untied as lazy, while others see tied as looking "silly." Some simply cut off the ribbons entirely.

[beloitpiper]

which one is accepted civilian wear? I thougt I was told teh glengarry was for piperes and military.

I only wear my Glengarry if I'm piping. Otherwise, Balmoral or no hat at all.

[A Hay]

Thanks for pointing out the glengarry web site.

I just ordered a Khaki Balmoral! Good price with shipping included.

Tom

[bikercelt1]

I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I too have ordered several Balmorals from Ian at glengarryhats.com . While they are imported, the quality is excellent and Ian's service is outstanding.

Jamie