Why they hate for the flat cap?

[BadenochWolf]

Hullo, rabble,

I've been browsing through older threads here, and I keep seeing people who feel the need to apologize for wearing a flat cap. I'm not trying to start a flame war; I'm just wondering why it's such a bone of contention that people feel the need to apologize for it. I went back nearly three years, but couldn't find a reason for the approbation.

Best,
BW

[IsaacW]

I may stand corrected, but I believe the reason is that it is not considered "Highland Dress" and those that apologize tend to be THCD folks that wear them anyway. Also, not only do they not fit modern tradition of Highland Dress, but they are not worn with such in Scotland today. This said, there are a number of historical examples (late 19th and early 20th century) of it being done. Of course, there are also among those, examples of argyle and diced hose as well as hair sporrans being worn with daywear, which is also not a standard thing today. Needless to say, I am a fan of all of the former mentioned things (including flatcaps) but do so conservatively and in moderation (if that is possible).

Isaac

[The Wizard of BC]

If you look through the archives I think you will find quite a few posts about similar clothing items. White hose, pith helmets, fez, fedoras, green tights and a host of others.

One attitude towards flat caps and these other items started to show up about 10 years ago. One member would post a photo and ask "what do you think of my outfit?" and would be met with "No, it's not traditional" or "No, that's not how it's done in the Highlands".

When you have a newbie who wants a little acceptance for the kilt outfit he has put together, who has then been scorned -- well, once burned, twice shy.
What usually happens is that the poor guy slinks away, never to be seen again. Until he finds another kilt forum and posts about the reception he got here.

If it is a member who has been around a while they will usually apologize just to keep the peace. Sort of like saying "I already know that a few won't like this, but I do. So I'll apologize up front. Then you don't even need to say it."

And sometimes it is done as a way of making light of a topic that was quite argumentative at times. Hopefully those days, and those arguments, are behind us.

[Norbo]

I have a couple of flat caps I used to use them when I was at school and teenager but I don't use them any more I use a Oz'y cowboy hat now . But I wouldn't apologues for any thing a decide to put on my head .

[MacEanruig]

I may stand corrected, but I believe the reason is that it is not considered "Highland Dress" and those that apologize tend to be THCD folks that wear them anyway. Also, not only do they not fit modern tradition of Highland Dress, but they are not worn with such in Scotland today. This said, there are a number of historical examples (late 19th and early 20th century) of it being done. Of course, there are also among those, examples of argyle and diced hose as well as hair sporrans being worn with daywear, which is also not a standard thing today. Needless to say, I am a fan of all of the former mentioned things (including flatcaps) but do so conservatively and in moderation (if that is possible).

Isaac

I agree with everything Isaac stated; however, I feel that if you wish to wear a flat cap then more power to you. I have worn one with a kilt, and most likely will do so again depending on the occasion. Even though this forum eponymously refers to Scots, there are other Celtic and non-Celtic folks who care less for strictly following Scottish traditions.

[RCAnderson]

I have numerous flat caps in various colors and materials, including two Harris Tweed flat caps that perfectly match my Harris Tweed kilt jacket and vest sets, and I wear them almost daily.

Occasionally I will wear a balmoral, but it is not very often at all anymore. The only time I wear a glengarry is when I am with the band and thats only because its part of the uniform.

I will not apologize for what I wear, which is the reason I started wearing the kilt everyday again. I finally got tired of caring about what other people thought about what I wear. Its time for me to dress for me, not for them.

[Benning Boy]

I've come to the conclusion that the argument over flat caps comes down to this: those who are against it wear their garb as costume, or regalia; those who are OK with it just wear their kilts as they would regular clothes, and aren't trying to pretend they are something they are not.

[Ordway]

Dear Benning Boy.
With all due respect to your right to an opinion, I do believe your logic is fallacious. I wear highland attire neither as a costume, or regalia, nor am I pretending to be something I am not. I do not wear flat caps with the kilt because it is not the traditional manner of dressing.
You can wear whatever makes you happy, but don't presume to understand what motivates me in matters of highland dress.
Sincerely,

Ordway