Tell me about wearing the glengarry

[David Thornton]

I like hats, have many. Tell me please about the glengarry.
Is it just a hat, wear it if you like it? Who wears it, who doesn't?
What about something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mans-Kilt-The-Br...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks
David

[Owl of Oban]

The glengarry is of military origin, and some folk will say that only soldiers should wear them.
I like wearing mine, and even took the step of replacing the black Hanoverian cockade with a white Saltire one.

Just like with the kilt, if you choose to wear it, wear it respectfully and with pride and you'll be fine.

[macwilkin]

I own a glengarry, but I only wear it as part of a colour party for our St. Andrew's Society. I tend to follow the "traditionalist" view and reserve it for soldiers and pipers.

As it has been stated earlier, the glengarry is traditionally a piece of military headgear, having it's origins in the old Kilmarnock or Hummel bonnet worn by Scottish regiments, as well as Gurkha and some Canadian militia units in the early to mid-19th century.

At one time in the 1800's, all British Soldiers wore a plain glengarry with a regimental badge, and not just Scottish regiments -- witness the uniform of the British Army in the Zulu War. I've seen white cockades on glengarries, but it just doesn't seem "right" to me, as Jacobite forces would have not worn a glengarry, since it had not been invented at the time of the '45, and it's association with Government forces. Again, I'm not trying to say that anyone is wrong, just that it doesn't work for me.

I really prefer the look of a bonnet to the glengarry, but that's just me.

Cheers,

Todd

[sav]

There has been some speculation as to the origins of the Glengarry, namely that, as Todd mentioned, it began as a Kilmarnock bonnet that some wore with a crease in the middle, therefore creating the distinct shape. Just as the American "piss-cutter" and other General Service caps of other nations, the Glengarry is traditionally a military cap. I wear one often, as both a piper and a Scottish military reenactor. There are many variations in color, dicing, and hackles, all which have special significance to their regiment-specific beginnings. I have tons of photographic sources from the Crimean Wars up until the present day. If you're interested in seeing some, I'd be happy to post a few pics. Just as your kilt, to wear a glengarry or not is a personal choice. If you choose to wear one, however, wear it proudly and understand its significance!
Hope that helps,

[Planopiper]

I don't think it's a real practical hat, though it does help keep my hair from flying around. I think of it as a uniform piece, like a pith helmet. If it's not part of a uniform, you really shouldn't be wearing it. But that's me. ymmv. There are some rules about wearing it correctly that most people don't know or ignore. To me, they make it more likely to fall off.

[Hamish]

I have to say that I agree with the majority on this one - the Glengarry is part of a uniform and should only be worn if you are legitimally wearing the remainder of that uniform - either in the military or as a member of a pipe band.

Personally, I would not dream of wearing one - but then, I loathe hats!! ;)