Highland games attire

[Tobus]

Especially at hot sunny US Southwestern Highland Games what I might call a new style of traditional Highland Dress has emerged, all traditional, as one might see at a Games in Scotland, but with a brimmed hat such as a Tilley hat.

Yours Truly and other X-Markers at the Sacramento Games

Very sensible choices! I also wear a Tilley hat to Highland Games in hot weather. After having a scare earlier this year with potential skin cancer, I am done with exposing my skin to the blazing sun when I don't have to. I spent way too many years out working in the sun without proper protection. Those of us with pale skin and blue eyes have the highest risk of skin cancer.

It must be nice, though, to have the kind of "hot" weather where you can still wear ties and waistcoats! The Highland Games that occur here in Texas during the summer usually involve heat of between 95-105 degrees F and 90% humidity. We would roast inside waistcoats and soak them completely through with sweat. I will suffer a little for fashion or tradition, but I must draw a line somewhere!

When it's that hot, I typically opt for comfort over tradition, as most people do here. My preference is for a linen shirt, either short-sleeved or with long sleeves rolled up (and sunscreen liberally applied on all bare skin). I haven't yet found a material that breathes like linen.

[Baeau]

.....It must be nice, though, to have the kind of "hot" weather where you can still wear ties and waistcoats......

Ask Richard & the attended rabble, about Pleasanton, last year.

[Richrail]

Ask Richard & the attended rabble, about Pleasanton, last year.

HOT HOT HOT at UN-Pleasanton my wife and I attended both days we brought our Japanese exchange student we had living with us at the time. Poor thing almost melted but still had a good time.

2017Pleasanton_wildcat - Edited (1).jpgpleasanton2017.jpg

[ForresterModern]

What I do see over here with the kilt when the sun is out.....

What you fail to mention Jock is that when this occurs it is considered a Scottish national holiday. Scotland, home of the Edinburgh tan (aka fishbelly white).

IMHO, to the OP's original question, I believe as long as you are wearing clothes, I think you will be fine. Beyond that, pretty much anything goes. Now if you want advice on how to look dapper, well a traditional tartan kilt with proper tweeds and tie and brogues or ghillies and a proper bonnet generally look grand as one strolls the grounds taking in the whole event. See this 2012 gaterhing of many of our friends here at the rabble attending the Stone Mountain Games for some ideas.



The little guy front left is my son sporting the casual look, and I am above him in the back row in the dark red vest and white balmoral. But the others are sporting a variety of self determined looks. Anything goes. Enjoy.

On a sadder note, I just realized this is the last photo I have of our long-departed friend Turpin, squatting front right, may he rest in eternal peace. He is sorely missed. And his beloved Beverly looking lovely as usual at his right shoulder. (the mustard bonnet I am sporting in my avatar photo was made by Beverly).

[kiltedsawyer]

What you fail to mention Jock is that when this occurs it is considered a Scottish national holiday. Scotland, home of the Edinburgh tan (aka fishbelly white).

IMHO, to the OP's original question, I believe as long as you are wearing clothes, I think you will be fine. Beyond that, pretty much anything goes. Now if you want advice on how to look dapper, well a traditional tartan kilt with proper tweeds and tie and brogues or ghillies and a proper bonnet generally look grand as one strolls the grounds taking in the whole event. See this 2012 gaterhing of many of our friends here at the rabble attending the Stone Mountain Games for some ideas.



The little guy front left is my son sporting the casual look, and I am above him in the back row in the dark red vest and white balmoral. But the others are sporting a variety of self determined looks. Anything goes. Enjoy.

On a sadder note, I just realized this is the last photo I have of our long-departed friend Turpin, squatting front right, may he rest in eternal peace. He is sorely missed. And his beloved Beverly looking lovely as usual at his right shoulder. (the mustard bonnet I am sporting in my avatar photo was made by Beverly).

This looks like Stone Mountain. I see Matt Newsome in the background as well. I think I was there that year, (Turpin's last, sad to say,) but missed the photo meet-up.

[OC Richard]

Ask Richard & the attended rabble, about Pleasanton, last year.

Yes I heard all about that!!

But sadly I missed it

I've been attending those Games long before they moved to Pleasanton, but last year I decided to skip them and attend the Long Beach Comic Con. It was only in the upper 80s down here in Long Beach.

Due to Pleasanton being around 113 the WUSPBA officials in attendance decided to suspend the usual rules about Pipe Band dress and allow bands to compete in t-shirts and golf shirts. I'm going this year with the band and we're bringing band t-shirts just in case there's a repeat.

Here's the Pasadena Scots competing in the 113 heat wearing golf shirts. Only pipers who have played in these conditions can relate to how difficult it is to get a decent tone out of the pipes, and they did an admirable job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo-R6mc7AdY

Very smart and sensible attire there RichRail, as always!

And thanks for posting that wonderful photo, Forrester. So sorry to hear of Turpin's passing.

When my Mom was living in the area I attended Grandfather Mountain regularly, since she's moved back to West Virginia I haven't been.

[Macman]

On a sadder note, I just realized this is the last photo I have of our long-departed friend Turpin, squatting front right, may he rest in eternal peace. He is sorely missed. And his beloved Beverly looking lovely as usual at his right shoulder. (the mustard bonnet I am sporting in my avatar photo was made by Beverly).

Yes, and thank you for pointing that out. Turpin is indeed missed.

[Styckbow]

It was very hot, indeed so hot in fact they moved the closing ceremonies up a hour, My hybrid utility kitl is a black utility kilt with royal stewart tartan sewn into the pleats and I was pleased to see I was not the only one attired so. In fact there were 2 vendors selling the exact same kilt I was wearing and while my baseball cap is not Scottish it was a necessity that day. We had a incredible time and plan to attend more games next year