Stetson with kilt

[James Hood]

GREAT pics of tartan and plain kilts w/ & w/o "serious" hat.

Agreement with sentiments; one's ensemble should be for comfort, practicality, utility, appropriateness...and freedom.

Treating the kilt as trousers is personal preference; other parts of kit are usually "in harmony," though not always perfect unity.

[Matty Ross]

Here are a couple of my Favorite pics in my Stetson.
101_6442.jpgIMAG0253.jpg

[Hexdef101]

As a former member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry 1st. CD at Ft. Hood, I say go for it... Though I probably wouldn't go with the Vest.
I would suggest either The Class A or B Shirt or a White or Blue (black?) Mess Jacket/ White Shirt combo, to go with the Army Tartan and Stetson. Definitely have to go with solid black kilt hose and Corframs if you have them. Though I suppose if you were awarded the Spurs you should wear Combat Boots in black. Of Course this depends upon whether this is a formal or informal reunion. If you were a member of the 7th Cav you would of course choose the 7th Cav. Tartan. In fact This is almost the exact uniform the Australian Army uses with the Kilt. Of course when using uniform Items as a civilian one must be sure not to Break tradition and regulations. That said As long as you remove any Rank Symbols I don't see an issue.

[Hexdef101]

@ Matty Ross: I forgot about the Drill Stetson.... I was thinking of the Cav Stetson. And I definitely Forgot the Green Army Pullover. Though I believe the Black one would look better with the black Cav Stetson.

[azwildcat96]

I wear a Western style hat with my kilt on the athletic field, both when judging and when competing.

[Benning Boy]

I have a picture on a camera I've wanted to post since September, but I can't get it to down load to the computer. So,you'll just have to accept my description as true.

The pic is of the Town Marshall of Dodge City, Kansas in a kilt wearing a Stetson with a Gus crease, and very loud custom cowboy boots. His kilt in the Bailey tartan, he being a Bailey.

It looked odd, but also just right for one in his position. For a pony soldier wearing a hat in a style that was never really Army issue, the combination of Stetson and kilt would probably be OK. It's a lot like the fantasy combinations of garb worn by the steam punk crowd.

A dark blue shell jacket, or mess jacket would look well with the kilt and Stetson combo. I think if I were to wear a kilt and Stetson combo often I'd invest in a shell jacket.

As for me, I'd wear a 1898 hat if I were ever to go for this get-up. That's what Frederick Funston and the kick *** 20th Kansas wore. A newly made reproduction 1904 pattern would do.

[McMurdo]

Indian Chief? My fav motorcycle ever...

Looks like a Kawasaki Vulcan to me.

[McMurdo]

As you put this in the Putting it on Properly thread, I'd have to say no. Just as I warn about not mixing formalities I would also warn against mixing cultural clothing.

[Tarheel]

Looks like a Kawasaki Vulcan to me.

To clarify, the bike is a 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 "Drifter". There is more to this, but not for this forum.

[Steve Ashton]

And to clarify what seem to be some confusion.

The OP asked about wearing his "Stetson" to a Tankers reunion at Ft. Hood, TX.
The hat he is referring to is a very specific style of headgear. It is not the classic cowboy hat that many think of when the hear "Stetson".

This is the Cavalry Stetson.


Whether you are a current or former member of the Cav, be it Horse Cavalry, Armored Cav, or in my case Air Cav, this type of hat is the recognized symbol of The Cav.

When attending a function such as a Cav reunion it is not only acceptable but almost a required item. Much as a regimental tie would be expected to a reunion of your old British unit. It is one of those distinctive things like Airborne blousing their trousers and Rangers wearing a red beret.

This headgear is not covered by Army Regulations except as a "Unit specific" item so is not seen like wearing medals or parts of the uniform with civilian clothing. It is perfectly acceptable for wear with civilian clothes.

I have my Stetson and if I were attending a reunion you can bet I would wear it.
If the reunion included a formal dinner I would wear my Cav Stetson with my Prince Charlie and have no problem at all.

And a post script to this - The braid worn with the Cav Stetson denoted rank. Enlisted members wear a solid gold or yellow braid. Warrant Officers wear a Silver and Black braid. Commissioned Officers wear a Gold and Black braid.

And a post, post script In the US Military, a Warrant Officer is very different from those in the British Military.