New Balmoral

**gsmacleod** · 12th August 19, 05:21 AM

I had been kicking around the idea of getting a Balmoral bonnet but since I had no idea how much is wear one, I hesitated to pull the trigger. Then the local highland wear company had a sale and I picked up a Mackie Balmoral for $25.

After that, it was off to Jock's thread and the process began. When I was in the Canadian Forces, I remember when the air side first got our berets. Many just pulled them on like a sock but some of us were fortunate enough to have former Army types around to explain the process of forming a beret. While somewhat different, this certainly took me back.

First, a good soaking:

IMG_20190726_190902.jpg

I then wrung it out, hung it out (out of the sun) and let it mostly dry. Put it on and decided it needed a second soaking. Again, wrung out and then started the shaping process; moving fabric forward and to the right. Let it dry on my head and while it was better, I was still not happy with the shape. Soaked it again, repeated the process and am pretty happy with where things ended up:

IMG_20190810_134628.jpg

Shane

**Me cousin Jack** · 12th August 19, 06:44 AM

Looks great, is that sale still going on?

**Braw Cathairneach** · 12th August 19, 08:26 AM

Received my 1^st Mackie a few weeks before the seasonal triple-digit heat arrived. Needless to say, it remains on my shelf until sweater weather returns to the Mohave Desert. I liked how it fit right out of the mailing box and will soon be ordering another Mackie with in brown and diced band to wear with my army leather A-2 jacket. I personally seen no need to soak, shave, and otherwise break-in a Mackie for my own use. My Mackie will likely be daily wear when the cooler weather arrives. I don't plan on restricting it to kilt wearing.

**Tobus** · 12th August 19, 09:37 AM

Wow, $25 for a new Mackie Balmoral is a very good deal! Nice job on the "jocking" as well.

**gsmacleod** · 13th August 19, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Me cousin Jack

Looks great, is that sale still going on?

I'm not sure; it is L & M Highland Outfitters if you wanted to check with them.

Shane

**gsmacleod** · 13th August 19, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Wow, $25 for a new Mackie Balmoral is a very good deal! Nice job on the "jocking" as well.

I almost picked up a navy one with dicing; still not sure how much is wear it so figured one would do.

Shane

**Blaidd** · 14th August 19, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by gsmacleod

I had been kicking around the idea of getting a Balmoral bonnet but since I had no idea how much is wear one, I hesitated to pull the trigger. Then the local highland wear company had a sale and I picked up a Mackie Balmoral for $25.

After that, it was off to Jock's thread and the process began. When I was in the Canadian Forces, I remember when the air side first got our berets. Many just pulled them on like a sock but some of us were fortunate enough to have former Army types around to explain the process of forming a beret. While somewhat different, this certainly took me back.

First, a good soaking:

IMG_20190726_190902.jpg

I then wrung it out, hung it out (out of the sun) and let it mostly dry. Put it on and decided it needed a second soaking. Again, wrung out and then started the shaping process; moving fabric forward and to the right. Let it dry on my head and while it was better, I was still not happy with the shape. Soaked it again, repeated the process and am pretty happy with where things ended up:

IMG_20190810_134628.jpg

Shane

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

**Tobus** · 15th August 19, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by Blaidd

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

I believe that's what I'm going to end up doing with my Mackie Balmoral. I've "jocked" it several times and although it has a nice shape to it, it still feels a bit bulky on the 'floppy' side. I find myself not wanting to wear it (and instead wearing other Balmorals that I have). At this point, with nothing left to lose, I may just cut out the lining.

**gsmacleod** · 15th August 19, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Blaidd

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

That was always the first order of business with a new beret but I wasn't sure with the Balmoral so I left it in for now.

Thanks for the info!

Shane

**Jock Scot** · 15th August 19, 09:54 AM

Ummm, just a few things for you chaps to consider before putting your balmoral to the knife. Remember, that a balmoral is not a beret. Is the super shrunk, shaved and internally "doctored" military look appropriate for civilian attire? In my humble opinion, it isn't and whilst I fully understand those from a military background are used to that "look", its not a look that many traditional kilt wearers strive for. Tailored? Absolutely. Severe "doctoring"? Not really the look that most THCD kilt wearers want, I respectfully suggest.

Just saying.