Two Ribbons on the back of the Balmoral cap.

[CollinMacD]

Recently I received a new Balmoral Hat from Mackie, and its quiet nice. I have received a couple in the past that I ordered from Mackie and this time the Balmoral arrived with the two ribbons in the back tied into a bow. Now I know this was done at one time, but rarely do you see this done anymore. I happen to like it this way, and most likely will keep it like this, however I am wondering why not more are ties in bows, instead left untied and flowing down. Why aren't these being tied? Is there any reason? Just wondering.

[ctbuchanan]

From my limited knowledge it is a matter of personal preference now.
In time gone by the ribbons or a strip of cloth or leather actually went around a "hem" (my word) in the cap and were used to tighten it so they had to be tied.
Now caps come presized.
CTB

[ShaunMaxwell]

Recently I received a new Balmoral Hat from Mackie, and its quiet nice. I have received a couple in the past that I ordered from Mackie and this time the Balmoral arrived with the two ribbons in the back tied into a bow. Now I know this was done at one time, but rarely do you see this done anymore. I happen to like it this way, and most likely will keep it like this, however I am wondering why not more are ties in bows, instead left untied and flowing down. Why aren't these being tied? Is there any reason? Just wondering.

All three of my Mackie bonnets have the ribbons tied (one was from Dunadd Trading Company and the others from J. Higgins). I took Jock Scott's advice and made a couple of strategically placed stitches on each bow which are hidden but hold things together.

I prefer the ribbons tied so that they don't whip around in the wind.

Cheers,

SM

[Father Bill]

Yup; either bow with stitches or just cut the darned things off so they're not tickling at the back of your neck in the breeze.

[Tobus]

There are various rumoured "traditions" associated with the ribbons. One that I know of is that letting them fly loose means you're single whilst having them tied in a bow means you're married. Most (all) of these alleged associations are pure hogwash. It's just personal preference.

I have the tails loose on two of my Balmorals, and tied in a bow on the other. Personally, I like the looks of the loose tails but hate the way they flap in my face when the wind blows.

The Mackie Balmorals have narrower and softer ribbons that are easier to tie into a bow. Other brands (like the ones sold by glengarryhats.com) have wider and stiffer ribbons that aren't well suited to tying.

[MNlad]

Like Father Bill I soon tired of the things and consigned them to the waste basket. I've never missed them.

[FossilHunter]

There are various rumoured "traditions" associated with the ribbons. One that I know of is that letting them fly loose means you're single whilst having them tied in a bow means you're married. Most (all) of these alleged associations are pure hogwash. It's just personal preference.

I have the tails loose on two of my Balmorals, and tied in a bow on the other. Personally, I like the looks of the loose tails but hate the way they flap in my face when the wind blows.

The Mackie Balmorals have narrower and softer ribbons that are easier to tie into a bow. Other brands (like the ones sold by glengarryhats.com) have wider and stiffer ribbons that aren't well suited to tying.

Before my time here, user creagdhubh stated that the Macphersons hold a tradition of leaving the ribbons untied.

Post #13

I don't know much about it beyond what he stated.

[ThistleDown]

There are various rumoured "traditions" associated with the ribbons. One that I know of is that letting them fly loose means you're single whilst having them tied in a bow means you're married. Most (all) of these alleged associations are pure hogwash. It's just personal preference.

The bit about single vs. married is an American myth akin to the 'ancient' Scottish tradition of Kirkin' the Tartan and the sgian dubh being derived from a weapon. The bow (or even a simple knot) is traditional, but today -- in the Highlands, where the wind blows free -- it's a personal preference. I've never seen the ribbons cut off, but that would be personal so is likely done by some. My Balmoral has a simple knot and the ribbons hang free, but I do have a doo-lander that has a bow.

[Bruce Scott]

I simply tied a knot in the ribbons on my Mackie and folded the free ends inside the crown out of the way.

[ThistleDown]

To further the preference point, of these six chiefs, Mackintosh of Mackintosh has no knot, Macpherson of Cluny has a bow, Farquharson of Invercauld has a knot, McBain of McBain has a knot, Macpherson Grant of Invereshie has no knot, Maclean of Dochgarroch has a bow and, out of the picture, Brigadier General Macfarlane has no knot. Six of the seven live in Scotland.