Ghillie Hat

[TheOfficialBren]

***, Jock. Since taking a shining to this style of hat I have seen variously-styled hats mislabelled under the umbrella term "deerstalker."

[Jock Scot]

It was the marketing term used by Scotweb. Until this (see below) thread I had never heard "fore-and-aft" hat.

Here's where I got that, Jock (edited down to get to the guts of the post):

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...stalker-42338/

31st October 08,04:04 AM#4Jock Scot
Join Date
6th July 07
Location
The Highlands,Scotland.
Posts
9,368
"Haggarts of Aberfeldy label their hats the same way. I have had it explained, by some one who knows, that they are so tired of explaining to visitors which hat is which, that they have bowed to pressure to call a deer stalker aSherlockHolmes for a quiet life! I could be wrong(please accept my apologies if I am), but at a guess the Sutherland Tweed shop probably gets their hats from the same source as Haggarts, hence the same labeling. REST ASSURED WE LOCALS call a deer stalker a deer stalker NOT repeat NOT EVER aSherlockHolmes and WE call a fore and aft a fore and aft and NOT repeat NOT EVER a deer stalker. In other words, Deer stalker with flaps. Fore and aft WITHOUT ear flaps."

OK, I am sorry, you've got me!-------------------------can you remember what you said 5 years ago?

[TheOfficialBren]

Well...I have Aspergers Syndrome so...probably. Lol.

No worries, my friend Jock.
I value your guidance and experience in all things Scottish.

;-)

[ronin6290]

Thanks guys.. some great information. A big Holmes fan here as-well. Yep my Barbour had the shape of the deerstalker however it lacked the ear flaps as you stated.

[TheOfficialBren]

Good to have you on the board, Ronin.

[TheOfficialBren]

And now...I present...for your viewing pleasure (with a special request from Kyle MacPherson)...

My new Fore-and-Aft hat!!!















I LOVE THIS HAT!!! It arrived slightly later than Scotweb projected but here's my review:


First, the materials. It is made of tweed. I'm not sure which kind of tweed but certainly not Harris tweed...although that is in no way off-putting. This tweed is VERY robust and stirdy. It is a bit on the "hairy" side but I like that characteristic in tweed. The liner is a smooth, soft synthetic fabric (feels like a polyester of some sort, maybe) that is quilted with a soft layer underneath...well made. The bills are very firm and quite stiff out of the package...very robust and built to last.

The seams are all very solid. This hat is quite stirdy. I was very pleasantly surprised when I received it...although, for the price, it had better be a decent hat!

My head size is a bit on the odd end. I wear between a small and a medium, depending on the hat type. I ordered the small. It fits just right, snug but not too tight.

I have had it for three days and have worn this hat with jeans and (like today) a pullover.

The colours are really vibrant, much better than the photos, and I have received several compliments already.

I think that my flatcap has been dethroned as my daily cover. Lol.

I have yet to wear my new hat kilted but, to be honest, I am reserving that for when my new kilt arrives from Rocky and the gang.

Another note, the manufacturer is a company called Glencroft. I am not familiar with their products but this hat is high quality so I assume that this manufacturer is one of good repute.

Lastly, be warned that the tweed colours are NOT guaranteed when you order. Scotweb does not give the option to choose your colours. They told me that the reason is due to availability from their supplier. I saw one tweed on the Scotweb site that I hated...really hated (the grey with yellow) and hoped to heck that I didn't get that one. I was thrilled and relieved to receive this hat (think I like it?) because the colours are rich and it matches a lot of my existing wardrobe.

The bottom line: I WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend this hat. Scotweb calls it a Ghillie hat for marketing purposes, in case you are interested.

One satisfied customer here!
ith:

[Scott R]

Nice hat!

[Jock Scot]

Now, that is what I call a hat! Well done.

[TheOfficialBren]

Scott, thank you.

Jock, who am I to argue?!

Thanks, gents.

[ronin6290]

Thanks. Good choice! Looks great. A nice choice of tweed. Suites you well.