Breaking in a balmoral.

[tricam]

I just bought a new balmoral from Glengarryhats.com, and I expect that there is going to be a significant breaking in period. Any thoughts on the best way to do this short of kicking it down a dusty road for a few miles?

In the military we would cut the linings out of our berets so they didn't look like french chef hats. We would also shave them a bit with a razor as well. I don't think that balmorals should have quite the degree of fold over that U.S. military berets have.

regards,
eric

[Jock Scot]

Actually giving the bonnet a hard time is a good idea.After that dunk it in the nearest river until really soaked,GENTLY wring out most,NOT ALL,of the water and then put it on your head.Adjust to the fit and shape that you like and then wear it till it dries.You may need to repeat this process a couple of times.It will be fine ,then ,until you wear it out, by that I mean it dies of old age or over use!

[caig]

As with my army berets, I dip my Balmorals in hot (not boiling) water, wring the water out gently, and then put it on my head. Shape it to fit, and then remove it carefully in order to preserve the shape. Then let it stand in a warm room, not near any heat source, until it dries. It will then retain its shape and fit. This has worked every time for me.

Good luck.

[PiobBear]

Wear it all day long at the Sarasota Highland Games in the pouring rain.

[Nervous Jock]

Wear it all day long at the Sarasota Highland Games in the pouring rain.

I was about ot suggest the same thing, only in a different location