ordered a tam

**mull** · 6th February 10, 08:45 AM

I have always been a hat wearer and rarely leave the house without one. I do think there are some hats that seem a little theatrical and are therfore a little hard to wear. ( I suppose the theatrical nature of some of my hats is ok, even part of why I wear them, but I not ready to throw that into the mix with a new kilt yet.)

A beret falls in that catagory for me. I have one that I never wear because it seems too military. Having never served I feel like a poser when I put it on. I think a casual observer would see little difference between the beret and balmoral.

Since getting the kilt I have wanted an appropriate hat to match and have been watching the threads relating. This morning I finally ordered a tam o shanter from J Byous, on sale. It seemed the right mix of proper and comfortable. If the quality matches the pre-sale price, it should be a great deal.

Joe

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 6th February 10, 09:06 AM

website?

**Jordan** · 6th February 10, 10:25 AM

Just out of curiosity, if a beret is too military looking, Then why do you think a tam doesnt look the same

**mull** · 6th February 10, 10:47 AM

Requested website: http://www.jbyous.com/Headwear1.html

It was in another thread here that someone first pointed the sale and site out, but I cannot locate it right now.

As for why I think a tam is less military than a beret:

I do think they are very close, but the way I have seen US military wear the beret is very much fitted to the head and of a solid color.

The tam I picked has a toorie of contrasting color and a band of contrasting color, and it seems to hold more of it's own shape.

I suspect that if you are on the other side of the ocean, where the tam is the military hat this would be exactly reversed for you.

Either way, the differences are small, but they matter enough to influence my decision.

Joe

**Farlander** · 6th February 10, 10:49 AM

Ah', I think the bottom of the following page is the tam in question:
http://www.jbyous.com/Headwear2.html
It looks much like a balmoral bonnet without the dicing to me (which is quite all right). The sale price seems quite reasonable.

**Mael Coluim** · 6th February 10, 11:09 AM

Here's mine being worn with my Newsome box pleat in St. Patrick Tartan. You got a good deal. You'll love it!

**Jordan** · 6th February 10, 01:18 PM

Mull hearing you description of a tam it sounds more like my balmoral (see display pic) that my idea of a Tam O'shanter which is khaki like this one

From Keltoi

**RonnieMac13** · 6th February 10, 02:18 PM

I just ordered two of them

**Jock Scot** · 6th February 10, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Jordan

Mull hearing you description of a tam it sounds more like my balmoral (see display pic) that my idea of a Tam O'shanter which is khaki like this one

From Keltoi

Well that is what I know as a "tam" too.

**Ancienne Alliance** · 7th February 10, 01:59 AM

According to my knowledge, a tam is softer, less rigid... wee bit more supple than a balmoral.

It gives the impression of being a bit wider too.

Best,

Robert