Kangol Hats and kilts?

[Crazy Dave]

I have a couple of Kangol flat caps which I like very much, and I think look very good with casual kilt dress. I was wondering if this was appropriate dress, given that Kangol is an English company and advertises quit prominently on the back of the hat. I know that trough out history, England and Scotland have not always gotten along. Does that extend to clothing?

[OC Richard]

As it happens I wear a Kangol hat with my kilt quite a bit.

But it's not a flat cap, rather a Trilby. It's my go-to hat in general, keeping sun off my neck and ears as well as my face.

[Crazy Dave]

It looks good! I may pick one up myself!

[Jock Scot]

.............. I know that trough out history, England and Scotland have not always gotten along. Does that extend to clothing?

Short answer, no.

[MichiganKyle]

I usually wear a Kangol flat cap when I'm out. And I also quite often wear Dr. Martens boots.

Excellent question, though, about the implications of mixing them. Never really thought about that. But then I'm American and have ancestry from both countries anyway. Clearly they could put aside their differences for something much more serious than the origin of their hats!

[Jock Scot]

I usually wear a Kangol flat cap when I'm out. And I also quite often wear Dr. Martens boots.

Excellent question, though, about the implications of mixing them. Never really thought about that. But then I'm American and have ancestry from both countries anyway. Clearly they could put aside their differences for something much more serious than the origin of their hats!

Interestingly the two items of clothing(the combination used to be a "nuclear issue" on this website some ten years ago!) that you mention the flat cap(of any make) and the kilt ARE the two items that have minor issues both sides of the border. Speaking very generally, the traditional tartan kilt-----I cannot speak for the modern "utilikilt" style----- is not a regular sight in England and some, not all, might suggest the traditional civilian kilt is viewed with some suspicion when worn there.

Until recently the flat cap and the traditional tartan kilt and a tweed cap worn together was/is still, in some traditional quarters in Scotland----since about 1918---- regarded as a no no. Sadly that is now changing. Again I cannot speak for the modern "utilikilt" style as I have only ever seen three, perhaps four, of that style in Scotland.

You may also be interested to know that there is still a bye law in the city of York(England)that was brought in during the Middle Ages, where Scotsmen were to be put to death on sight and the kilt was regarded as a give away, that has not been repealed. I hasten to add that no Scot has met a sticky end for the last couple of centuries by that law being invoked!

So yes, times are changing and in normal day to day life these days the majority fuss very little about cross border attire choices.

You may be interested to know that I do not wear a flat cap when wearing the kilt and I rarely wear the kilt outwith the Highlands of Scotland. I am not alone in thinking this way, although it is probably fair to say our numbers are dwindling as time and thinking moves on.

[Crazy Dave]

Interestingly the two items of clothing(the combination used to be a "nuclear issue" on this website some ten years ago!) that you mention the flat cap(of any make) and the kilt ARE the two items that have minor issues both sides of the border.

Until recently the flat cap and the traditional tartan kilt and a tweed cap worn together was/is still, in some traditional quarters in Scotland----since about 1918---- regarded as a no no. Sadly that is now changing.

So yes, times are changing and in normal day to day life these days the majority fuss very little about cross border attire choices.

You may be interested to know that I do not wear a flat cap when wearing the kilt and I rarely wear the kilt outwith the Highlands of Scotland. I am not alone in thinking this way, although it is probably fair to say our numbers are dwindling as time and thinking moves on.

This is a very good to know, particularly if I'm in Scotland, where I do plan to visit. My grandmother's maiden name was McPerson and I want to see the McPerson Museum among other things. I understand I will be immediately branded as a tourist when I wear a kilt in Scotland, but that is OK, because that's exactly what I will be!

[Crazy Dave]

I usually wear a Kangol flat cap when I'm out. And I also quite often wear Dr. Martens boots.

Excellent question, though, about the implications of mixing them. Never really thought about that. But then I'm American and have ancestry from both countries anyway. Clearly they could put aside their differences for something much more serious than the origin of their hats!

I have Scottish, Irish and English blood too. For some reason, unknown to me, I seem to be drawn most to the Scottish side, although I do have an Irish kilt too. So when not in Scotland, I will keep wearing my Kangol hats with my kilts. They really do look good together.

[kingandrew]

Most of the traditional bonnets worn with kilts would probably fall into the "cap" category (rather than "hats," which generally feature a brim all around). Some on this forum strongly object to tweed "flat" or driving caps with kilts, although I think they look fine for casual wear. So I would see no issue with the Kangol in question. I do share the general dim view of baseball caps with kilts.

I will admit to having worn a variety of headgear with my kilt--including not only balmorals and a tam (mine is tartan, which is considered gauche by some on this forum), but also a tweed flat cap and a pith helmet during the summer. Someday I will get a proper deerstalker (Sherlock Holmes) model to wear kilted. I sport many other styles of hat when I wear trousers, which I do most days.

If you like it and wear it with pride, most folks will show respect, in my experience.

Andrew

[Crazy Dave]

I do like deerstalker caps but they are a little pricy and want a better kilt first. I am sure a tam will be in the future.