Bowler hat?

**Daaaaang** · 25th October 07, 08:54 AM

Okay, so my girlfriend bought me a really nice bowler hat, and I've worn it panted, but I don't know if it is okay for me to wear it kilted.

Yes, I know all the stuff about "wear what you want" and all that. Putting that aside, do you guys think the two clash culturally? In a way it seems like wearing union jack underwear with a kilt, you know?

Thanks,
Matt!

**The Supreme Canuck** · 25th October 07, 08:59 AM

Really, I'd have to see it to comment. It does seem more formal, so I'd wear it with a jacket, just to see if it goes. Any chance of a pic?

**kiltimabar** · 25th October 07, 09:04 AM

Of course you can--in the sense that it is physically possible and legally allowed--but that doesn't mean that it won't look odd and out of place to just about everyone who sees you. And a bowler in particular has a rather formal image that would not blend well with a casual look, nor indeed with a farmal kilt outfit. Think of wearing a glengarry or a balmoral with a business suit.

**Ozman1944** · 25th October 07, 09:04 AM

I am definitely a 'wear what you like' guy, but I think it would look a bit silly personally.
Like the Hippies back in the '60's would wear Tie/dyed pants, sandals,a braid Admiral's jacket, Top Hat with a peacock feather in it. The girls were worse.

A Bowler seems to scream; "Suit with umbrella" rather than "Kilt". Maybe with a black Amerikilt.....?, but with a tartan? I don't think it would look too great.

**Panache** · 25th October 07, 09:06 AM

Here are two threads that have covered this particular question and may be of use:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=Bowler+hat

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=Bowler+hat

Cheers

Jamie

**Riverkilt** · 25th October 07, 09:06 AM

Well, I would think if Lands End can offer western/cowboy cut shirts with pearl snaps in Gordon and Wallace tartans (current catalog) then you should be able to wear a bowler with a kilt...or even a western shirt...hmm...I think some did in the old west....go for it!

Ron
Another True West Fanatic

**macwilkin** · 25th October 07, 09:17 AM

From the traditionalist POV: Bowlers look better with double-breasted suits and an umbrella.

Cheers,

Todd

**Clockwork John** · 25th October 07, 09:24 AM

I've seen skinheads wearing black jeans, black dress shirts, black boots and bowlers cocked to one side. I think it looks good. It's a "Clockwork Orange" influenced look. Why couldn't you just substitute a dark colored kilt for the pants? Maybe Black Watch or Black Stewart...?

The biggest problem is tying the look together. If your outfit was black on black, and dressed up a bit (polished boots and a dress shirt) with silver accessories, you could probably make it work.

**Daaaaang** · 25th October 07, 09:27 AM

Over here, jordanjm suggested adding a strip of tartan to the hat, and I think I will give that a try to see what happens.

Until then, unless I come up with another idea, I will take the majority's advice and not do it! When I do try, I will post a picture or two.

Thanks everybody!
Matt!

**davedove** · 25th October 07, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

From the traditionalist POV: Bowlers look better with double-breasted suits and an umbrella.

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Well, I would think if Lands End can offer western/cowboy cut shirts with pearl snaps in Gordon and Wallace tartans (current catalog) then you should be able to wear a bowler with a kilt...or even a western shirt...hmm...I think some did in the old west....go for it!

Bowlers were worn in the West, are are probably almost as traditional for that setting as the wide brimmed hats. They go great with a frock coat.

With a kilt though, it would be an unusual combination of looks. I'm not saying that someone couldn't pull it off, but it would strange on most people.