"Brigadoonery"? "TCHD"? Who decides?

[SeumasA]

I'd like to ask you and @Panache, as well as the wider forum: If one is not quite confident enough to wear a pith helmet in public, what headgear would be traditionally acceptable in a blisteringly-hot, sunny climate? My local games are coming up soon. The forecast for the day is currently 90+°F (32+°C), ~100%rH, full sun, and nary a breeze. I'm rather fair and would like not to end the day as red as my scarlet flashes, nor would I like to flirt with heat stroke.

Our summertime temps are usually 95-100F. This is what I wear, kilted or not. I'm more concerned about practicality than being historically accurate. I think my Scottish ancestors would agree.

[Orionson]

Traditional style, borderline colour
Attachment 21754

Nathan, I don't necessarily agree with your assessment that this is a "borderline colour". As has already been pointed out, for at least two months of the year, this colour is a wonderful camouflage colour. It is a very natural and most beautiful colour of the Highland braes. This Summer, in fact has been one of the very best for the Heather; the hills are an explosion of colour this year. It is always stunning, but this year it simply leaves one breathless.

Your sartorial choices are always superb and appropriate, in my view.

[OC Richard]

I was slightly bemused to see the pith helmet accepted over Balmoral or Glengarry in hot weather. My only extended contact with *actual* Scots, aside from a few ex-pats, was in Iraq running supplies into the Triangle of Death for the Black Watch. Even in that blistering weather, inside the wire, I only ever saw them in Glengarry or khaki ToS (with cockade).

Strange that the current Black Watch, armed with our modern knowledge about the dangers of skin cancer and eye diseases caused by the sun, wear un-protective headgear when their regimental ancestors of 100 years ago protected themselves from the sun by any means available





That's what Highlanders 100 years ago did in sunny places. THIS is traditional. THIS is historically accurate. On what grounds could a modern kiltwearer that did the same be criticised?

[BadenochWolf]

Strange that the current Black Watch, armed with our modern knowledge about the dangers of skin cancer and eye diseases caused by the sun, wear un-protective headgear when their regimental ancestors of 100 years ago protected themselves from the sun by any means available





That's what REAL Highlanders did in sunny places. THIS is traditional. THIS is historically accurate. On what grounds could a modern kiltwearer that did the same be criticised?

I had to walk away from your rather warm comments for a while, not least because of your creeping implication that the men who died in Basra and on the road to Camp Dogwood were somehow not "REAL Highlanders." Have a care.

I can't say why the Black Watch didn't seem to have any weather-appropriate headgear in Iraq. Perhaps the fact that all coalition forces had more sunscreen than you could shake a stick at had something to do with this decision, I'm not sure. All I know is that the Aussies had bush hats, (some) Yank units had boonies, but the BW seemed only ever to wear the Tam when not helmeted. If it offends you so much, perhaps you could ask them directly.

As to your rather vocal assertion that it's "historically accurate," I'd counter that the entire thread was about civilian dress. A pith helmet and kilt is not that. Also, all of your photos are more than a hundred years old. I would certainly call that more historical dress than anything than traditional. Tradition implies it's still being worn not as costumery.

[Calgacus]

Just my tuppence worth.

Pith helmets might have been worn in the past by some Scottish regiments, but they have never been a part of traditional highland civilian dress. They may be considered by some as valid as a concession to climate, and therefore are still 'within THCD', and I dare say they are useful, comfortable and functional...

...BUT!

To me, they are an anachronism whether worn with the kilt or not, and to my eye tip over into the realm of costumery. I am constantly confused as to why they get so much 'air time' on this site.

[Nathan]

The "real" Highlanders in question are part of the British Army. Highland Regimental attire shares many pieces of kit with their fellow infrantymen especially in theatre. Civilians are under no similar constraint to share uniformity at any level with other infranty soldiers in the Canadian, British, Australian etc... Armed services. In short, soldiers wearing something with the kilt (metal helmets for example) does not make it traditional civilian attire.

[OC Richard]

Sorry! That inference was completely unintentional and goes to show how when you're typing things can creep in that you don't expect.

I edited my post to clarify my meaning.

[JonathanB]

Years ago there was a history master at the very conservative school I attended.

He told us that British soldiers always wore pith helmets because of the sun. Then come World War Two they were fighting in tropical parts with American soldiers, who didn't bother with heavy pith helmets but just wore sunglasses and a normal cap. The glasses were just as effective at reducing sunstroke, etc, and a whole lot lighter.

I've never worn a pith helmet, but they look very hot and heavy to my mind.

[DeweyandKathleen]

I like the look of pith helmets and I admire people who choose to were something outside what is considered the norm. With that said the adoption of the pith helmet by the stem punk movement here in the states and possible elsewhere , has moved the helmet from a practical piece of gear in to the realm of costume. On the other hand if I use the logic I would not be able to were a tweed suit or any other thing a counter culture has adopted to mimic a classic style. so in my opinion you should do what you see fit and enjoy the fact that you do it right.

o

[mookien]

In post #20 that's my brother in the Holyrood! Note that both Alan and the "kilt inspector" are looking at him. Not a good sign.