Balmoral - sizing, style, etc.

[Jock Scot]

You have already had some good advice and I can add little to it.A couple of thoughts cross my mind though, firstly the balmoral does not have to have a badge,but I really do think that they look better with one. One thing to remember is, make sure the clan badge goes with the tartan you are wearing. It is likely that if they don't, you will upset two clans! Actually it is just one of those common courtesies.

Secondly,are you really sure you want light blue? Nothing wrong with light blue, but for your first balmoral?

Oh and don't forget "beaten up" is the way to go with a balmoral.

[ForresterModern]

Royal or light blue was indeed the color of choice for the Jacobites, reportedly, with a white rosette being what really made the blue bonnet distinguished as being of Jacobite representation.

Aside from the Royal UK military and Canadian units derived from there, and maybe some other countires of British Empire derivation, most other countries wear berets rather than Balmorals, and the tails should help separate you from that crowd, even if you do make a color combination choice that is potentially offensive to someone who might have worn a beret of those colors in the service themselves. If you are wearing a clan cap badge with it (the preferred look really) and not a military badge, and your tails are flying demonstrating that it is not a military beret but rather a Balmoral, you should be good with whatever colors you choose to wear. Adding things like feathers or hackles might also get some peoples "hackles" up (pardon the pun) for various reasons so best to avoid those as well.

If you like the look of the Bal but not the rosette and badge part try wearing a simple tam of the chosen color. Without any badge or rosette it is tough for anybody to imply that you are trying to imitate any specific military or other group in particular. Not a whole lot of difference between a tam and a Bal, except no tails or rosette on a tam.

[Tobus]

Im not sure about the Army Air Corps but I know that the UN peace keeping guys wear a light blue berret when seconded to the UN.

Hrm. Good point. Those guys are most definitely unpopular around here. I don't *think* anyone would associate me with a UN peacekeeper, but it's definitely something to consider in color choice.

Secondly,are you really sure you want light blue? Nothing wrong with light blue, but for your first balmoral?

Well, the only other colors I see are black, royal blue, navy blue, maroon, khaki, desert tan, and forest green. Most of those are associated with military service except maybe black and royal blue. I'm not sure I'd want black - not only because it's hot, but because they usually have a red toorie. I do not want a red toorie. Plus, black just seems boring. I like the desert tan but it doesn't really match anything I would wear (my tartan is blue, green, and black, with narrow red and white stripes). Royal blue might be an option, though. More subdued than sky blue. Is royal blue associated with any military/police stuff, though?

Yes, obviously if I wear a clan badge it would match my tartan and clan kilt pin. I couldn't think of any reason why I'd own any clan-associated stuff from more than one clan.

[Jock Scot]

Hrm. Good point. Those guys are most definitely unpopular around here. I don't *think* anyone would associate me with a UN peacekeeper, but it's definitely something to consider in color choice. Well, the only other colors I see are black, royal blue, navy blue, maroon, khaki, desert tan, and forest green. Most of those are associated with military service except maybe black and royal blue. I'm not sure I'd want black - not only because it's hot, but because they usually have a red toorie. I do not want a red toorie. Plus, black just seems boring. I like the desert tan but it doesn't really match anything I would wear (my tartan is blue, green, and black, with narrow red and white stripes). Royal blue might be an option, though. More subdued than sky blue. Is royal blue associated with any military/police stuff, though? Yes, obviously if I wear a clan badge it would match my tartan and clan kilt pin. I couldn't think of any reason why I'd own any clan-associated stuff from more than one clan.

I quite understand you not wanting to look military, I wish more people would think of that, but rest assured a balmoral, of any colour, is purely a civilian piece of clothing.Yes on occasion some "blowhard" might make a mistake, but a balmoral and clan badge stuffed under the fellows nose is all that is needed to resolve these very rare misunderstandings. If it were me, I would start with khaki and not wear it with the kilt at first, just wear it with your "normal" day wear and see how you go. In a very short space of time it will become just another bonnet. Oh and forget all that matching up nonsense, life is complicated enough without having to worry about all that carry-on. Oh and my tartan colours are almost the same as yours. Good luck.

[macwilkin]

Hrm. Good point. Those guys are most definitely unpopular around here. I don't *think* anyone would associate me with a UN peacekeeper, but it's definitely something to consider in color choice.


Well, the only other colors I see are black, royal blue, navy blue, maroon, khaki, desert tan, and forest green. Most of those are associated with military service except maybe black and royal blue. I'm not sure I'd want black - not only because it's hot, but because they usually have a red toorie. I do not want a red toorie. Plus, black just seems boring. I like the desert tan but it doesn't really match anything I would wear (my tartan is blue, green, and black, with narrow red and white stripes). Royal blue might be an option, though. More subdued than sky blue. Is royal blue associated with any military/police stuff, though?

Yes, obviously if I wear a clan badge it would match my tartan and clan kilt pin. I couldn't think of any reason why I'd own any clan-associated stuff from more than one clan.

I really like the desert tan balmoral Ian offers, and I own one of his CEF Khaki bonnets. Both are good neutral colours and will not be as hot as a black bonnet. I concur with Jock; don't worry about matching so much -- take a look at the photos of the various Clan Chiefs on the forum, and you'll see many of them don't worry about such things.

T.

[svc40bt]

I kind of like Dave's answers.

Definitely order the 7. A balmoral is pretty loose, not like a cowboy hat, and--just as importantly--the sizes are never very exact. I've bought severl balmorals, all in the same 7 1/2 size, but none of them fit exactly the same. The two I got from Glengarry Hats seem to have different amounts of wool in the crown; one is bigger than the other.

When you get it, I always advise soaking it in cold water, shaping it, and letting it dry. That'll take the crispmess out and make it look "worn." You want it ffloppy. Be usre to put it on your own head while wet so that it conforms to your head.

Also, if you use hot water--do so very cautiously!--you can even shring it a little.

As to the colors, I'm pretty sure you're safe with any color. Just remember the pictures rule.

I purchased a navy balmoral from another member here. It turned out to be a bit large. I soaked just the bottom inch or so in boiling water then soaked the whole thing in cold water then put it on till dry. It did shrink a bit.

[Macman]

I have a CEF Khaki Balmoral from Glengarry Hats and am very happy with it. Even after a soak, it was a little large. I just put a few stitches in to tighten the back, and it's perfect. Believe me, I am no sewer, so if I can do it, anyone can.

[Standard]

I'll add my 2 cents worth here. As for colour, black is of course the basic colour and goes with anything. If you want something else, how about a nice lovet green? This colour couldn't possibly be mistaken for a green beret, or any other military headgear. I agree with the post that said to just wear your new balmoral with your everyday clothes to get used to wearing it. I wear my balmoral nearly everyday, kilted or not, and it is definately the cap that I choose to wear more often than not. For me a balmoral just doesn't look complete without some sort of badge. If you don't want a clan badge a nice XMarksTheScot badge would look good, or a "generic" saltire or thistle cap badge would do very nicely.

[Tobus]

Yikes. I was reading this thread at home last night and my wife wandered in and asked what I was doing. I told her I was thinking of buying a Balmoral and showed her a picture. Her reaction was pretty much along the lines of, "I will not be seen in public with a guy wearing a floppy hat with a fuzzy ball on top." Which is why I had reservations about it in the first place. That seems to be the common sentiment around these parts. She, like most everyone else around here, has no experience with Balmorals in a Scottish context, and sees them as something men should not be wearing. Not even with a kilt.

So I think I need to do some convincing before making this purchase. There's no sense in buying a hat that will make my wife not want to be seen with me. Maybe what I need to do is get her to some more Highland Games (she's only been to one) and point out the Balmorals to show her that they are perfectly acceptable on men.

*sigh*

[thescot]

Well, dealing with your wife is always a personal thing that none of us are very good at. Good luck.

I have found that a bit of quid pro quo is the best approach. Forget reason and logic as that rarely works with girls.

As to the bonnet, I think Jock's advice is excellent. A khaki bonnet goes with any color. I wear mine with civilian clothes quite often in the winter--like today!--and it gives you an alternative to one of those sock hats that I detest.

On the other hand, a navy or black also matches anything, and they are easily purchased with a black toorie. I have one with a red toorie from Glengarry Hats, and one with a black toorie form Scotland, and I find that the black toorie is always my favorite. Plus, it does look more "masculine," I guess, if that is the concern.

Anyway, good luck. Maybe you can do some negotiating since Valentien's Day is close. I used that to my own advantage regarding highland attire, but we won't get into that here.