Another Noob Question

**Babyvett** · 29th January 13, 01:18 PM

Okay, here's the situation.. Charles doesn't seem to like the idea of wearing a Balmoral.. I don't know if he's associating it with being "old" (please take no offense) or if he doesn't like the tweed look, but ever time I show him one of yalls pictures to show him how handsome it looks with the kilt, he baulks. Now, he's got this idea that he wants to wear a military style beret instead. Would that be acceptable??

This is basically what he has in mind
BTD03_lg.jpg

**ShaunMaxwell** · 29th January 13, 01:42 PM

Frankly, there's not all that much difference between the look of a military-type beret and a proper Balmoral, especially if you get a Balmoral without the dicing. Given that, I'd go the traditional route and stick with the Balmoral. What is it about the Balmoral that he objects to? Is it the toorie on top? That could be removed easily enough.

It took me a while to warm to the idea of a Balmoral as well. For years, I've gone hatless, as I didn't want to wear a Glengarry (worn mostly by pipers). I finally did order a Balmoral, and it's growing on me. Given that I live in Southeast Texas where it's nice and hot nine months of the year, it's unlikely that I'll have much opportunity to wear it, but I'll have it should I need it.

To each his own, but I'd rather err on the side of tradition.

**Tobus** · 29th January 13, 01:47 PM

IMHO, wearing a military beret will make him look like he wanted a Balmoral but couldn't afford one, so he made do with something "Balmoral-like".

Were it me, I'd either wear a proper Balmoral or some other completely different style of hat.

**creagdhubh** · 29th January 13, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

IMHO, wearing a military beret will make him look like he wanted a Balmoral but couldn't afford one, so he made do with something "Balmoral-like".

Were it me, I'd either wear a proper Balmoral or some other completely different style of hat.

***

I agree. Perhaps he'll like a Glengarry style bonnet better? I have seen numerous Americans at various Highland games and gatherings of a similar nature here in the US, wearing such a bonnet. Almost more so than its counterpart, the Balmoral. Personally, I prefer the latter.

**MNlad** · 29th January 13, 02:48 PM

Two other alternatives that kind of split the difference between a Balmoral and a Beret are the Tam O' Shanter and Irish Caubeen. I'm kind of partial to the Caubeen myself, even though my avatar is a Tam.

**Babyvett** · 29th January 13, 03:44 PM

Shaun, I think its the torrie and the dicing. He's not a fan of either I don't guess... The main objection I've heard from him is the torrie though, he constantly objects to the "ball".. He's thinking more of like you said, going hatless if nothing else. It gets pretty hot here as well. (Thank God we don't have the humidity here like SE Texas does!!! )

MNLad, we'll look into those two styles. I'd hate to see him decide he's gonna go with a baseball cap LOL

**TheOfficialBren** · 29th January 13, 04:05 PM

Is he insistant on a military-styled hat? There are plenty of options.

Also, he could, as stated before, orderva Balmoral with no dicing and no toorie.

**bikercelt1** · 29th January 13, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by MNlad

Two other alternatives that kind of split the difference between a Balmoral and a Beret are the Tam O' Shanter and Irish Caubeen.

I like my Caubeen but with it's taller height I wouldn't say it splits the difference between a Balmoral and a Beret. Compared to my Caubeen a Balmoral looks more conservative. It does take a little getting used to either one but like Tobus said, a Beret would look like you were just "making do until you could get the right thing".

Jamie

**mookien** · 29th January 13, 04:27 PM

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with a beret, if that's what he likes.

Perhaps he might favor a ghillie hat or a bucket hat, both of which may be seen at posts #7 and #20 in the thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...27/index3.html

though there are certainly better pictures (but not better guys!) elsewhere.

Also, how 'bout a flat cap? See some at post #s 22, 30, 42, 60, 61, et. al. in thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...12/index9.html

Good luck in your quest for bonnets.

**Babyvett** · 29th January 13, 04:28 PM

I know he prefers a military style hat as that's what he wears on a daily basis.. (Hes USAF). I showed him the glengarry, thats definately a no go for him - he said it reminded him too much of the cap he had to wear during basic.. He's soooooooooo picky - just finding a pair of hose that he likes has taken a good month now.. LOL