Just ordered a Balmoral

[kingandrew]

Tokareva,

I'm no expert, but that looks like the current Royal Regiment of Scotland cap insignia. So it would probably be frowned on for someone who has not served in the regiment to sport that specific cap emblem. Others can correct me if I am wrong.

But I do agree it is a very attractive design.

Andrew

[tokareva]

Tokareva,

I'm no expert, but that looks like the current Royal Regiment of Scotland cap insignia. So it would probably be frowned on for someone who has not served in the regiment to sport that specific cap emblem. Others can correct me if I am wrong.

But I do agree it is a very attractive design.

Andrew

Yes, I am sure you are right, the plain one is nice too though.I'll probably get one ,it looks like it might be a little cooler than my current Balmoral that has a quilted lining.

[PatrickHughes123]

I remember when I first got my black Balmoral, it was really stiff and when I took it off, it would often leave two read lines around my head. I think it was a size too small to begin with. But then I soaked it in water, started sitting down with it on my head while getting water all over my clothes.

I haven't had the stiffness or the red lines since.

[PatrickHughes123]

28832560_565964567101957_1013524629_n.jpg28740922_565965217101892_182780333_n.jpgThis is my Balmoral. Nothing special. Just a standard Balmoral.

[Nomad]

Yes, I am sure you are right, the plain one is nice too though.I'll probably get one ,it looks like it might be a little cooler than my current Balmoral that has a quilted lining.

Common practice with many British soldiers is to cut the lining out as it is cooler, reduces bulkiness and is easier to shape. Understandably you may balk at savaging your hat, it's just a suggestion that you can happily ignore.

[PatrickHughes123]

What I find interesting is, Glengarries and Balmorals are for civilians and Feather Bonnets are for pipers. I wonder if a new kilt fashion will ever come about where civilians wear Feather Bonnets. I would love that to happen. I have thought about buying a Feather Bonnet and wearing it with my kilt but I think even other kilt wearers would give me funny looks, never mind people in plain clothing.

[PatrickHughes123]

For general wear with pants I often choose a black balmoral with a red ball (the proper name escapes me now). And generally wear the X Marks the Scot clan badge. Good conversation starter!

The red ball on top of a bonnet is called a toorie!

[Terry Searl]

What I find interesting is, Glengarries and Balmorals are for civilians and Feather Bonnets are for pipers. I wonder if a new kilt fashion will ever come about where civilians wear Feather Bonnets. I would love that to happen. I have thought about buying a Feather Bonnet and wearing it with my kilt but I think even other kilt wearers would give me funny looks, never mind people in plain clothing.

I am one that believes that a person can wear whatever they want .......within the bounds of respect for tradition and heritage . As i understand it feathered bonnets are reserved for chieftains ......and if that is so then no amount of time, should change that tradition. Yes the wearing of the kilt has evolved and will continue to do so, but without the history and especially the traditions the respect for the kilt will lessen.......and we will all be the poorer for that........my opinion but I really do think it is sincerely valid

[PatrickHughes123]

I am one that believes that a person can wear whatever they want .......within the bounds of respect for tradition and heritage . As i understand it feathered bonnets are reserved for chieftains ......and if that is so then no amount of time, should change that tradition. Yes the wearing of the kilt has evolved and will continue to do so, but without the history and especially the traditions the respect for the kilt will lessen.......and we will all be the poorer for that........my opinion but I really do think it is sincerely valid

Terry, the feather bonnet developed over time. It started in the 17th century, maybe the 18th century, when Scots kept putting feathers on their bonnets and it eventually became the feather bonnet by the end of the 19th Century.

I think you are talking about the fact that only chieftains can wear feathers on ordinary bonnets, such as Glengarries or Balmorals.

But yes I do agree that there is a line, yes the kilt should evolve but should also keep ancient traditions alive with it as it goes. For example, the feather chieftain rule should still and always apply but the bonnet should be worn with a modern kilt and sporran. I try to keep a balance between ancient and modern. I would happily parade around the street in a modern kilt but I would not be caught dead in a Belted Plaid.

[tokareva]

Terry, I think he is referring to this kind of feather bonnet, not a bonnet with a feather.

download.jpeg

Edit: Never mind, I see he has already explained it.