Buy a balmoral?

**TheOfficialBren** · 28th September 13, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by StevieR

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** · 28th September 13, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

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** · 28th September 13, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by StevieR

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** · 28th September 13, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 28th September 13, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by BCAC

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.

**TheOfficialBren** · 30th November 13, 01:47 AM

I'm mulling over a Balmoral bonnet.

Tan, fawn, khaki and navy are my current lead contenders. What do you guys prefer? Pics would be helpful for comparrison. Thanks.

**Domehead** · 30th November 13, 06:10 AM

If none have purchased yet, please check out the thread

"Brilliant Balmoral from SempreFyffe"

in the DIY section. He is a XMTS member and made that bonnet for me. Wonderful person to work with. It is the only bonnet I wear now. His communication was excellent and he's written back just to check on the hold up of the construction and material. I highly recommend his efforts, but the comments speak for themselves.

P.S. As far as I know, this was not a cottage business. He did this as a labor of love.

**MrLion** · 30th November 13, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by frank_a

This is the Glengarry one I like: http://www.glengarryhats.com/balmora...oralmaroon.php

Thing is Steve, I'm asking family for kilt gifts and one son wants to buy me a hat. I'll get hold of glengarryhats.com (who I believe is the company you referenced?) and see what they say, then relay the info.

Thank you VERY much!

Frank

I have a RED balmoral from Glengarryhats.com I got on ebay (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-Scarlet-R...item5d2ba1461c). I know, it's not a 60 cm one showing.... they don't appear to have that size available at the moment. I wear a 60 cm myself. Never noticed inadequate coverage over the right ear on mine: My brother and I at the Portland Highland Games this past July:

.
When I'm ready for other colors, I'll be checking Glengarryhats.com again. I like the maroon one myself too!
Had great service from Glengarryhats, quick delivery.
Merry Christmas early Frank.

**TheOfficialBren** · 30th November 13, 11:43 AM

Hmm...thanks, guys. I appreciate the tips.

**Nathan** · 30th November 13, 11:55 AM

One issue I have with my Robert Mackie Balmoral is that the ribbon is colour matched to the lovat blue balmoral. After a couple of wears at our summer highland games I have a nice band of sweat stain across it so I tend to wear my military TOS more often. I will likely replace the band with black ribbon, but if you live somewhere warm, this is something to consider.