Help with a bonnet purchase please.

[StevieR]

Hello Rabble,

I'm in the market for a bonnet; something that will be worn in place of my usual Tilley or flat hat on autumn or winter hikes (that's all year round for those not in the UK )

I quite like the look of the hand knitted bonnets sold by the Scottish Tartans Museum, but they are out of stock and the postage might be a bit excessive to the UK. I've had a look at Robert MacKie and favour the bonnet they describe as a tam. My favourite so far though is a broad bonnet made by sally pointer (www.sallypointer.com). The diameter for the bonnet is 12 inches which I am concerned may be a little wide (though accepting this may be historically the right size).

If anyone has a Robert MacKie or one of those hand knitted fellows supplied by the Scottish Tartans Museum, could you let me know the diameter please.

Most importantly of course, I'd be very grateful for any advice the Rabble would care to impart.

[Jock Scot]

Could I suggest that you might consider a "fore and aft" or a "deer stalker"(with the ear flaps) too? Both are perfectly acceptable and effective for informal outdoor kilt wear like you have in mind. If you insist on wearing a flat cap with the kilt, then the "Bugatti" style does give an extra option of neck and ear cover when necessary.

[creagdhubh]

You could also try contacting Robert Mackie directly. They are able to make bespoke bonnets to your precise specifications. They're always a pleasure to deal with.

www.robertmackie.com

[Liam]

Could I suggest that you might consider a "fore and aft" or a "deer stalker"(with the ear flaps) too? Both are perfectly acceptable and effective for informal outdoor kilt wear like you have in mind. If you insist on wearing a flat cap with the kilt, then the "Bugatti" style does give an extra option of neck and ear cover when necessary.

I recently purchased a "fore and aft" as Jock describes from ebay for just the weather you describe.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/130873098142?...84.m1438.l2649
I even refer to it as my "jock" (no offense meant)

Bill

[pbutts]

This question came up earlier I. The year.....here's a link discussing one from historicalcaps.net that seems to be similar -- http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...aps-net-78881/

[Father Bill]

I even refer to it as my "jock" (no offense meant)

Good Lord man; if that's where you wear your "jock" you've got serious problems!

[Liam]

Good Lord man; if that's where you wear your "jock" you've got serious problems!

That would be a jock "hat", not "strap", however I be a proud man if I needed one with that sort of capacity!

[TheOfficialBren]

Could I suggest that you might consider a "fore and aft" or a "deer stalker"(with the ear flaps) too? Both are perfectly acceptable and effective for informal outdoor kilt wear like you have in mind. If you insist on wearing a flat cap with the kilt, then the "Bugatti" style does give an extra option of neck and ear cover when necessary.

I will completely second e "fore-and-aft" style of cover. It is versatile, unique, and stylish. I purchased one back at the beginning of the year based on (oddly enough) Jock's suggestion.

These bonnets are first-rate. ScotWeb is where I purchased mine and the colours and fit are superb. The craftsmanship is first-rate, the seams are quite sturdy, and the tweed is hearty. I cannot sY enough good things about these F&A hats.

I wear it kilted and trousered.

Deerstalkers are great, too, though I don't own one. I wanted something traditional but I'm weary of looking "costumed" in a Balmoral. The Deerstalker is (in the US) inseparable from Sherlock Holmes and though I am a HUGE fan of the Great Detective I didn't want that connection made (again, avoiding "costume").

I have on two occasions had to correct a few people regarding the F&A hat...it is NOT a Deerstalker amd, aside from two brims (which are structured entirely differently from the Deerstalker) the similarities end there (also, Sherlock Holmes is never explicitly stated to wear the Deerstalker OR Inverness Cape...but I digress). Those two occasions were people who believe that men's headwear today consists solely of baseball caps and cowboy hats so, consider the source...


You will not be dispointed with an F&A!

I should start a "Fore-And-Aft hat" wearers group. Accepting applications now.

sorry for the long-run.

[fluter]

I think you'll find that the felted wool will draw up a bit more as the bonnet is worn, weathered, and washed (carefully by hand). So it may not look as big as all that.

However, Sally Pointer also says they can make any size you like: if you'd like one 10 or 11 inches, just ask.

[Grizzly]

Steve I have a deerstalker as mentioned above by Jock. I will bring it to Harpenden if you can wait that long.