Opinion on tam o shanter

**kfalardeau** · 22nd April 20, 08:49 PM

I'm looking to purchase a traditional style hat to wear with my traditional tartan kilts. I'm usually dressed smart casual. Sweater or polo up top, hose and dress shoes or boots on bottom.

What are your opinions on a khaki tam o shanter for everyday wear. I wear a glen in my band and don't like the balmoral look for non uniform. How do people feel about the military style tam.

WPG sells the larger style but it's not too hard to find the modern cut versions that are worn today. Would this look odd on a civilian? I wouldnt have a hat badge or tartan patch like the regiments have. Just plain khaki.

Thanks!

**Jock Scot** · 23rd April 20, 12:11 AM

Without the regimental stuff, then you should not cause any upset whatsoever. Carry on.

**Liam** · 23rd April 20, 03:16 AM

The only comment I’d like to make is that my son purchased the WPG tam that you refer to and it indeed is large, almost to the point of looking ‘theatrical’. Have you considered a knit tam? Over the years there have been a number of the crafty folks here post their home made tams which when felted look pretty sharp. Perhaps some will post pictures.

**Tobus** · 23rd April 20, 05:13 AM

Originally Posted by kfalardeau

I wear a glen in my band and don't like the balmoral look for non uniform. How do people feel about the military style tam.

This viewpoint seems a bit strange to me, no offence. The Balmoral is the most civilian style bonnet in the Highland tradition, yet you seem to think it isn't suited outside of a uniform context while the Tam-O-Shanter would be appropriate? The TOS is more of a military uniform bonnet than a Balmoral.

Obviously, everyone will have their own sense of what looks "right" for them. But in my view (and it's just my view), the khaki TOS looks more like an out-of-place uniform bonnet than a Balmoral.

**kfalardeau** · 23rd April 20, 08:21 PM

I appreciate the feedback. I realize my view is somewhat backwards with respect to the ToS. I know that that hat is in fact more uniform than a balmoral. I think I just have a preconceived view from my own experience that a balmoral is more uniform like. I think I just have a preference to the khaki colour of the ToS compared to the bal. I don't care for the tails for every day use either. That can easily be fixed. Lots to think about and consider.