Buy a balmoral?

[TheOfficialBren]

I've been on the fence about getting a Balmoral.

I typically do not buy clothes (hats included) that cannnot also be worn trousered (as I do not wear the kilt everyay). My fore-and-aft hat being an example.

Here are my concerns:

Living in Southern California kilts and Highland wear of any sort are rarely seen. I wouldn't want to risk looking like I was "dressed up" like a Scotsman in a costume (perhaps my age is showing?). While I really like the look of the Balmoral can it appropriately be worn when not kilted or is that just goofy?

Secondly, are they warm hats? My tweed flatcap and f&a hat get worn from Autumn through late Spring. Not at all during the Summer months (it gets over 100*F here during the Summer).

Lastly, am I over-thinking it?

Many thanks.

[frank_a]

At least for me, I wanted it for occasions when other kilted gents are about. Games, festivals, St. Andrew Society events, kirkin of the tartan at church, stuff like that. I have two nice wool fedoras, one medium green, one black, that are my go-to hats for normal wear.

Frank

[StevieR]

I've been on the fence about getting a Balmoral.

I typically do not buy clothes (hats included) that cannnot also be worn trousered (as I do not wear the kilt everyay). My fore-and-aft hat being an example.

Here are my concerns:

Living in Southern California kilts and Highland wear of any sort are rarely seen. I wouldn't want to risk looking like I was "dressed up" like a Scotsman in a costume (perhaps my age is showing?). While I really like the look of the Balmoral can it appropriately be worn when not kilted or is that just goofy?

Secondly, are they warm hats? My tweed flatcap and f&a hat get worn from Autumn through late Spring. Not at all during the Summer months (it gets over 100*F here during the Summer).

Lastly, am I over-thinking it?

Many thanks.

Mate, what about a hand knitted bonnet, such as the ones advertised on the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop? In my opinion, more informal than a Balmoral and also something you could easily wear when not kilted. This is something I will be investing in this autumn that should see a fair bit of wear out and about without a kilt, in place of my usual wooly beanie.

[TheOfficialBren]

Mate, what about a hand knitted bonnet, such as the ones advertised on the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop? In my opinion, more informal than a Balmoral and also something you could easily wear when not kilted. This is something I will be investing in this autumn that should see a fair bit of wear out and about without a kilt, in place of my usual wooly beanie.

Not a bad idea, coz. I shall look into it. The absolute last thing that I want is accidentally do what is "not done."


Thank you, Steve.

[StevieR]

Not a bad idea, coz. I shall look into it. The absolute last thing that I want is accidentally do what is "not done."


Thank you, Steve.

I reckon one would go a treat with that new kilt you're waiting for (can't be long now, cousin?) and here's a precedent for wearing one with trousers:

phstk4.JPG

[TheOfficialBren]

I reckon one would go a treat with that new kilt you're waiting for (can't be long now, cousin?) and here's a precedent for wearing one with trousers:

phstk4.JPG

Ah! Very nice, cousin. Thank you for sharing.

Btw, I should have my new kilt in about a week or so.

Yes, it would be quite a treat.

Thank you for posting that photo. I've seen it before. A classic photograph of St. Kilda islanders.

[BCAC]

I've been on the fence about getting a Balmoral.

I typically do not buy clothes (hats included) that cannnot also be worn trousered (as I do not wear the kilt everyay). My fore-and-aft hat being an example.

Here are my concerns:

Living in Southern California kilts and Highland wear of any sort are rarely seen. I wouldn't want to risk looking like I was "dressed up" like a Scotsman in a costume (perhaps my age is showing?). While I really like the look of the Balmoral can it appropriately be worn when not kilted or is that just goofy?

Secondly, are they warm hats? My tweed flatcap and f&a hat get worn from Autumn through late Spring. Not at all during the Summer months (it gets over 100*F here during the Summer).

Lastly, am I over-thinking it?

Many thanks.

I think that maybe, just maybe, you ARE over thinking somewhat.

I regulary wear my Balmoral, kilted or not.

Yes they are quite warm (they are made of wool) but that never stopped me wearing mine, even in the relatively hot summers we get over here. This is probably due to the fact that I had a long military career, and always wore a beret, whatever the weather!

[TheOfficialBren]

I think that maybe, just maybe, you ARE over thinking somewhat.

I regulary wear my Balmoral, kilted or not.

Yes they are quite warm (they are made of wool) but that never stopped me wearing mine, even in the relatively hot summers we get over here. This is probably due to the fact that I had a long military career, and always wore a beret, whatever the weather!

Ah! Gotcha. Many thanks, BCAC. We newbies do tend to over-think things from time-to-time.

[Pleater]

They do need to be washed - head gear can get soiled, smelly and harbour bacteria enough to cause rashes or even open sores. Gentle dunking in warm water with a drop of detergent or even a rub with hand soap will clean off oil and remove salts - though if the soiling is heavy it might need to soak a while. Several rinses with a splosh of white vinegar in the last one (to give it a pH where wool is happiest) should restore the cap. Squeeze it in a towel to remove water then stretch it out into shape and let it dry in a warm place.

[creagdhubh]

They do need to be washed - head gear can get soiled, smelly and harbour bacteria enough to cause rashes or even open sores. Gentle dunking in warm water with a drop of detergent or even a rub with hand soap will clean off oil and remove salts - though if the soiling is heavy it might need to soak a while. Several rinses with a splosh of white vinegar in the last one (to give it a pH where wool is happiest) should restore the cap. Squeeze it in a towel to remove water then stretch it out into shape and let it dry in a warm place.

Excellent advice, Pleater. I wonder though, for Highland bonnets to become that severly soiled and smelly, what on Earth is that particular person doing? Running a marathon whilst kilted and wearing a bonnet?! I realise it's a rather subjective topic; relative to each individual case, since most people perspire in varying amounts. Speaking from personal experience, I've never had any severe soiling or profuse sweat stains on my Balmorals, and believe me, I've worn them on some extremely warm days, but that's just me. I understand that everyone is different. Perhaps over time, and in my own particular case, an accumulation of sweat and soiling may be cause for alarm and proper cleaning as you so aptly described.

Kindest regards,