New Balmoral

[Blaidd]

I had been kicking around the idea of getting a Balmoral bonnet but since I had no idea how much is wear one, I hesitated to pull the trigger. Then the local highland wear company had a sale and I picked up a Mackie Balmoral for $25.

After that, it was off to Jock's thread and the process began. When I was in the Canadian Forces, I remember when the air side first got our berets. Many just pulled them on like a sock but some of us were fortunate enough to have former Army types around to explain the process of forming a beret. While somewhat different, this certainly took me back.

First, a good soaking:

IMG_20190726_190902.jpg

I then wrung it out, hung it out (out of the sun) and let it mostly dry. Put it on and decided it needed a second soaking. Again, wrung out and then started the shaping process; moving fabric forward and to the right. Let it dry on my head and while it was better, I was still not happy with the shape. Soaked it again, repeated the process and am pretty happy with where things ended up:

IMG_20190810_134628.jpg

Shane

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

[Tobus]

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

I believe that's what I'm going to end up doing with my Mackie Balmoral. I've "jocked" it several times and although it has a nice shape to it, it still feels a bit bulky on the 'floppy' side. I find myself not wanting to wear it (and instead wearing other Balmorals that I have). At this point, with nothing left to lose, I may just cut out the lining.

[tokareva]

I believe that's what I'm going to end up doing with my Mackie Balmoral. I've "jocked" it several times and although it has a nice shape to it, it still feels a bit bulky on the 'floppy' side. I find myself not wanting to wear it (and instead wearing other Balmorals that I have). At this point, with nothing left to lose, I may just cut out the lining.

I had to cut out the lining on mine, I recommend you only cut out the floppy side first however. I had to stick a piece back in the very top because it looked too close to my head. Also the bare wool is scratchy if you're follicly challenged.

[gsmacleod]

Looking good Shane. Of course, removing the lining is also an 'old sweat' trick if the crown shape is still not right for you.

That was always the first order of business with a new beret but I wasn't sure with the Balmoral so I left it in for now.

Thanks for the info!

Shane

[Jock Scot]

Ummm, just a few things for you chaps to consider before putting your balmoral to the knife. Remember, that a balmoral is not a beret. Is the super shrunk, shaved and internally "doctored" military look appropriate for civilian attire? In my humble opinion, it isn't and whilst I fully understand those from a military background are used to that "look", its not a look that many traditional kilt wearers strive for. Tailored? Absolutely. Severe "doctoring"? Not really the look that most THCD kilt wearers want, I respectfully suggest.

Just saying.

[Tobus]

Ummm, just a few things for you chaps to consider before putting your balmoral to the knife. Remember, that a balmoral is not a beret. Is the super shrunk, shaved and internally "doctored" military look appropriate for civilian attire? In my humble opinion, it isn't and whilst I fully understand those from a military background are used to that "look", its not a look that many traditional kilt wearers strive for. Tailored? Absolutely. Severe "doctoring"? Not really the look that most THCD kilt wearers want, I respectfully suggest.

Just saying.

I absolutely agree, sir. That is what has held me back from cutting out the lining thus far. I don't want it to be a limp pancake on my head, and I think the lining helps give it a little more structure around the crown. The only real complaint I have about the lining is on the low side, where the material folds back up. It just seems bulky there. My other thought was to just reduce the lining on that side so it doesn't necessarily follow the same interior contour as the felted wool exterior.