Berets

[hag]

I'm thinking of getting a beret then putting the crest or clan badge on it.
Is it ok for a piper to ware a beret when honoring all vets at the cemetery?
hag

[Chas]

Personally, hag, I think that a beret is just a Balmoral with the toorie cut off. And as Balmorals can come in dozens of different colours - who would know the difference?

As long as you wear the badge closer to your ear than your eye - you're OK.

[Tobus]

Personally, hag, I think that a beret is just a Balmoral with the toorie cut off. And as Balmorals can come in dozens of different colours - who would know the difference?

I've seen people at Highland Games trying to pass off a beret as a Balmoral. It doesn't quite cut the mustard IMHO. The difference is easily seen.

Aside from the toorie, or lack thereof, there's the issue of the cockade and the reinforcement behind it that a Balmoral has and a beret doesn't. A Balmoral usually has a grosgrain ribbon band that's wider than the typical narrow leather band of a beret. And of course, a Balmoral has a closure in the back with ribbons/tails (either loose or tied in a bow) which the beret doesn't. A felted Balmoral is usually thicker and fuzzier than the fine felt of a beret, plus Balmorals usually have an interior lining that berets lack. And last but not least, while there's a lot of variation in size and depth of Balmorals, I'd say that in general they are larger and deeper than a beret. Usually one or more of these clues will give away a beret that's masquerading as a Balmoral.

[McMurdo]

My 2 cents get the Balmoral bonnet not a beret, if you follow the line of thinking that it's close so why not then why not wear a tartan blanket around your waist? Because it just does not look right that's why. Here are some photos so you can see the difference for yourself

Balmorals


Berets


I know I can see the difference.

[creagdhubh]

I've seen people at Highland Games trying to pass off a beret as a Balmoral. It doesn't quite cut the mustard IMHO. The difference is easily seen.

Aside from the toorie, or lack thereof, there's the issue of the cockade and the reinforcement behind it that a Balmoral has and a beret doesn't. A Balmoral usually has a grosgrain ribbon band that's wider than the typical narrow leather band of a beret. And of course, a Balmoral has a closure in the back with ribbons/tails (either loose or tied in a bow) which the beret doesn't. A felted Balmoral is usually thicker and fuzzier than the fine felt of a beret, plus Balmorals usually have an interior lining that berets lack. And last but not least, while there's a lot of variation in size and depth of Balmorals, I'd say that in general they are larger and deeper than a beret. Usually one or more of these clues will give away a beret that's masquerading as a Balmoral.

Well put, Tobus. Keen observations and I couldn't agree more.

Here's a bit of a plug...

Hag, I have two Scottish-made, Mackie Balmorals for sale on the forum as we speak.

[Benning Boy]

It's a PC world, even in the kilted world. The elitist, we call them Kilt Kops here, determine what is correct, and put in his place anyone who even thinks about deviating. Of course, I disagree with everything said against berets above. If you're wearing a beret as a beret and making no pretense that it's a balmoral or tam, then it's no more wrong to wear one than it is to wear a flat cap, straw hat, or Tilley with a kilt. Indeed there are photos buried in the fora depeicting even more outlandish headwear with the kilt. Then, consider the other end, imagine all the strange things guys put on their feet that aren't the purists' ghillies. We are told through these postings that highland dress is free dress. Basically, it's yo' thang, do what you wanna do, but when someone puts forth for consideration a freethinking idea, he's told by the Lairds, such just isn't done, old chap.

I won't wear one of my US Army berets except as part of an Army uniform, but I could see removing the flash from a military beret, of any color, and in some manner adapting it to kilted wear.

There are many things called berets to chose from. Check this out: http://southpacificberets.com/ Note that amongst the listing of things considered berets are balmorals and tams.

[creagdhubh]

It's a PC world, even in the kilted world. The elitist, we call them Kilt Kops here, determine what is correct, and put in his place anyone who even thinks about deviating. Of course, I disagree with everything said against berets above. If you're wearing a beret as a beret and making no pretense that it's a balmoral or tam, then it's no more wrong to wear one than it is to wear a flat cap, straw hat, or Tilley with a kilt. Indeed there are photos buried in the fora depeicting even more outlandish headwear with the kilt. Then, consider the other end, imagine all the strange things guys put on their feet that aren't the purists' ghillies. We are told through these postings that highland dress is free dress. Basically, it's yo' thang, do what you wanna do, but when someone puts forth for consideration a freethinking idea, he's told by the Lairds, such just isn't done, old chap.

Really? Are these sentences (in bold) really necessary to explain your view on the subject of wearing berets with Highland Dress? Because they seem rather superfluous to me. This isn't the first time that you've been borderline inappropriate with some of your commentary. Your obvious disdain for staunch traditionalists and their opinions in the realm of Highland Dress is apparent. It is in my belief that we should all be able to voice our own opinions regarding Highland Dress, et alia, on this forum without fear of some sort of a verbal reprimand.

[hag]

Hey guys thanks for the help, I'm going with the black Balmoral cap to do it right.

[Nathan]

It's a PC world, even in the kilted world. The elitist, we call them Kilt Kops here, determine what is correct, and put in his place anyone who even thinks about deviating. Of course, I disagree with everything said against berets above. If you're wearing a beret as a beret and making no pretense that it's a balmoral or tam, then it's no more wrong to wear one than it is to wear a flat cap, straw hat, or Tilley with a kilt. Indeed there are photos buried in the fora depeicting even more outlandish headwear with the kilt. Then, consider the other end, imagine all the strange things guys put on their feet that aren't the purists' ghillies. We are told through these postings that highland dress is free dress. Basically, it's yo' thang, do what you wanna do, but when someone puts forth for consideration a freethinking idea, he's told by the Lairds, such just isn't done, old chap.

I won't wear one of my US Army berets except as part of an Army uniform, but I could see removing the flash from a military beret, of any color, and in some manner adapting it to kilted wear.

There are many things called berets to chose from. Check this out: http://southpacificberets.com/ Note that amongst the listing of things considered berets are balmorals and tams.

Instead of being so confrontational, you could read the OP where hag asks us for our opinion. A piper in a beret? There are no laws against it but he'll look like he doesn't know what he is doing. We're not oppressing his freedom when we give him that bit of solicited advice.

[Chas]

I've seen people at Highland Games trying to pass off a beret as a Balmoral. It doesn't quite cut the mustard IMHO. The difference is easily seen.

Aside from the toorie, or lack thereof, there's the issue of the cockade and the reinforcement behind it that a Balmoral has and a beret doesn't. A Balmoral usually has a grosgrain ribbon band that's wider than the typical narrow leather band of a beret. And of course, a Balmoral has a closure in the back with ribbons/tails (either loose or tied in a bow) which the beret doesn't. A felted Balmoral is usually thicker and fuzzier than the fine felt of a beret, plus Balmorals usually have an interior lining that berets lack. And last but not least, while there's a lot of variation in size and depth of Balmorals, I'd say that in general they are larger and deeper than a beret. Usually one or more of these clues will give away a beret that's masquerading as a Balmoral.

These are all generalisations Tobus. I wouldn't have bothered responding, but you did quote me.

Most UK Military berets have a backing for the cap badge.
Most UK Military berets have ribbon tie for sizing the beret.
Some Balmorals are thicker than berets; some berets are thicker than Balmorals.
All UK Military berets that I have known have been lined. Many have a quilted lining.
Practically all military forces throughout the world wear berets. You will find many that are far larger and far deeper than the largest and the deepest Balmoral.

Unless you are thinking of the French schoolgirl berets - they would certainly meet all your criteria, but I think that hag had different berets in mind.