Differences between Tam O'Shanter vs Balmoral

**kiltedsawyer** · 25th March 09, 06:15 AM

I think Jack has hit upon why hat-wearing has fallen out of fashion. It is because hair styles have changed. When men wore their hair slicked back, it didn't move so much when a hat was applied, and if it did was easily put back in place. Today's hair styles make wearing a hat difficult if one has to remove it with any regularity, as when entering a building or dining, etc. I like hats for what they add in terms of style, etc, ( still don't get the knitted ski caps in the heat of the summer,) but they do muss up your hair. I wear a fedora in the winter but otherwise go uncovered, unless I will be in the sun for extended periods, then it's whatever works.
Respectfully,
David

**thescot** · 25th March 09, 07:29 AM

Yep. Ole Jack DAw said it. Guys re much too worried about their hair dos to wear hats--as any proper gentleman should. I am much lie Radio Ken. I like wearing hats--any kind of hats. And since I am not kilted most of the time, I wear many different styles--fedoras, cowboy hats, Gable-style rain hats, Irish walking hats, berets, tams, and balmorals.

Since the originl discussion involved the difference between balmoras and TOS's, I think I'll chime in. All balmorals are made from one piece of wool, gathered together to form the head band with grosgrain ribbon (a left-over from the knitted bonnet days when the ribbon was used to size the hat). They also have long ribbons at the back which shoud be properly tied into a neat, small bow (no matter what anyone else says!

).

I don't know of much of anyone but the Blackwatch wearing it without the cockade; they wore the red hackle in lieu of the cockade. Here's a photo with a white cocade which clearly shows it. (Don't expect good looks; just see the bonnt!

)

Below is a new style regimental TOS. You can see that the newer ones have a much smaller diameter than the older ones shown above.

Depending on the regement (all of which are now defunct and amalgamated), it may or may not have had a tartan flash instead of a cockade, and it may have had a hackle. Unlike a balmoral, the regimental TOS is made from a flat piece of wool sewn to the side pieces which were then sewn to doubled wool for the sweatband--and that wool sweatband itches like crazy until you get used to it!

Other tams are sometimes sold that look kind of like a balmoral but made from thin cloth and fastened to an elastic head band or some other such contrivance,and they are usualy unlined. A good balmoral has a very nice lining.

Bottom line, a balmoral is the proper headear for a wel-dressed man in highland attire; a TOS really is not. Having said that, I do sometimes wear a regimental tam with jeans, khaki tousers, or a very casual kilted outfit with a khaki shirt. I alternate tams between the newer, very small diameter version and the slightly older--but not extreme as the WII version--which is a bit larger.

And now I will shut up since this is probably a lot more than you really wanted to know.

**macwilkin** · 25th March 09, 07:33 AM

I don't know why I didn't post this article sooner:

http://www.stewarton.org/History/Bonnets.htm

Interesting reading, if nothing else.

T.

**tulloch** · 25th March 09, 03:00 PM

Very interesting reading. I have printed it out for future reference. I think hats are pretty much out because of fashion - changing in the time of President Kennedy (that's an Irish name, no?). Hair styles have maybe become elaborated since then because of the freedom from the social convention of being covered out-of-doors. I for one keep my hair simple and nearly always wear a hat. Not necessary most of the time but always a comfort. I wonder when the neck tie will become optional for business? I would be bounced out of court if I appeared without a tie or, I expect, with a kilt but all my hats have been accepted in all kinds of social settings.

I like the Scottish bonnets and the development of the styles. Hand-made is ok. I have always liked knitted caps pulled to one side. When I get up to speed I will post a pic.

Thanks to all for the information.

**Highland Logan** · 29th March 09, 07:57 AM

Here in Canada, the Highland regiments which wear the regimental TOS refer to it as a balmoral. The rest of us just called it an "elephant slipper".

Frank

**Bugbear** · 29th March 09, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Highland Logan

Here in Canada, the Highland regiments which wear the regimental TOS refer to it as a balmoral. The rest of us just called it an "elephant slipper".

Frank

Somehow I seem to get the impression that the larger TOS are not well liked... Such is life.

**Highland Logan** · 29th March 09, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Somehow I seem to get the impression that the larger TOS are not well liked... Such is life.

I wouldn't say that. The rest of the Canadian Army wore berets, so the TOS just stood out and begged for a nickname, hell a good lot of them (those of the Highland regt) called it the same.

Frank