Find the Right Glengarry for Your Outfit and Occasion

Wearing traditional outfits at formal events is a popular approach in Scotland. In their cultural kilt outfit, most of the components are essential to wear, while a few depend on your personal choice. A common example that you can wear as per your choice is a Scottish hat. These hats are available in many forms, while the most liked choice among them is Glengarry. People wear it in many settings, but some of them don’t know appropriate choices for different occasions. In this article, we will address them and familiarize them with different forms of Glengarries and suitable events to put them on. Let’s begin our discussion.

Understanding the Glengarry

Scots use different kinds of traditional caps with their traditional attire and the Glengarry hats are the most traditional ones. They are usually made with wool and have several patterns, which specify them for several events. People consider this particular hat variation as a simple hat, but the reality is a bit different, as this also is Scottish pride, just like men’s kilts. Regarding the parts or the visuals of Glengarry hats, they often have round shapes. They are fabricated with a rosette or a clan crest, while the presence of a pom-pom (toorie) on the upper part signifies their connection to the tradition of Scotland. Its association with military regiments and bagpipers shows that they are not an everyday wear, while tartan patterns specify them to particular Scottish clans.

Types of Glengarry Bonnets

Some people mistake Glenngary Bonnets to have different shapes, classifying them in different variants, while the story differs here. The patterns that Glengarry hats have make them suitable for different events. Let’s have an overview of different patterns and suitable events for them.

Plain Glengarry

The most common type of Glengerries is the one that has a boat shape and comes in a plain shade which is the reason to get this name. It usually has a toorie on top. Two ribbons hang on the back, while a single ribbon exists on its body as a pipe. The solid color of the hats specifies it to any piping band, and they are usually worn at formal events.

Diced Glengarry

Another popular version of the Glengarry hat is the one that has checkered patterns looking like tartan. The pattern often has a red & white or black & white combination. Moreover, the clans also design their traditional tartan patterns on them. The rest of the aesthetic features are the same as Plain Glengarry. In the regards of suitable events, they are choices for ceremonial or formal events, while their acceptability has also risen in casual settings.

Regimental/Military Glengarry

The Regimental or military Glengarry looks pretty similar to Diced Glengarry. However, the only difference lies in their pattern, as these particular hats have military-related patterns. This variation was first worn by Highlanders in the British army and is now common in regimental ceremonies among the Scots. People there now also wear it as a forage cap, and it remains a traditional symbol in Scottish heritage.

Piped Glengarry

Piped Glengarry is a common variation of Scottish hats whose acceptability peaks in the pipers community. Its connection with the Glengarry Fencibles offered it this name during the 18th century. Moreover, within no time, they became popular among the Highlander military and civilians. The fame of Piped Glengarries among the people from every domain clarifies that they can be worn at every type of occasion.

On which Occasions can you wear a Glengarry Hat

The types of Glengarries and their suitability for different occasions must be clear. Now, let’s clarify the chapter of occasions in more detailed ways to make things more clear. Weddings: As we know, weddings fall on the list of formal events, so kilt hats can be worn. But remember, they are suitable for ceremonies that are going to take place outdoors. Military Parades: Military parades often take place on special events where regimental people wear Glengerries as an essentiality. Therefore, civilians also wear tartan hats to represent their claims. Clan Gatherings: Scottish clans ensure gatherings after a specific time period. The meetups bring people together who live at long distances, and this occasional gathering is called a clan gathering. Here people wear Glengarry as the right choice to admire the shared heritage. Highland Games: The largest gaming event worldwide, Highland Games witnesses a large number of bands and pipers showing themselves to represent culture in their attire, including Glengarry hats. Funerals and Remembrance Ceremonies: Scots do not forget to admire their tradition, whether it is a wedding ceremony or the funeral. They show respect for their tradition, even at funerals, by wearing Glengarry hats.

How to Match Your Glengarry with Highland Wear

Now when you are choosing the right Glengarry hat for the upcoming event, it is essential to know how to match it with your overall attire. Doing so is an easy process and does not require specific consideration.

• The tartan pattern of the Glengarry should match with your tartan kilt. Similarly, wearing a solid-colored cap is also possible.
• Parts of the hat, such as the toorie, pipe, and ribbon, should match other kilt accessories.
• The variation should be chosen according to the event’s theme.
• A Glengarry can have a military or band-like feel. So wear it with a suitable kilt outfit for occasions like ceilidhs, weddings, or Highland games.

Materials & Construction of Glengarry Bonnets

Traditional glengarry hats are made of thick-milled wool. They usually have a boat-like form with two ribbons hanging down the back and a toorie (little bobble) on top. To symbolize a particular Scottish clan, the hat’s body is constructed of 100% wool or acrylic tartan cloth. Similarly, plain black color is also common in their construction. On the sides, this particular Scottish often has a rosette cockade or other ornamental embellishment and the ribbons sewn on its back.

How to Wear a Glengarry Properly

Wearing a Glengarry hat is not challenging; in fact, a little effort can help you obtain a true Scottish look. Start by positioning it straight on your head in a way that the badge should be on the right side. The central point on the cap should be in the middle of your right eye. Remember, it is a traditional approach to lower it on one side, but the modern style favours a level, balanced, and uniform appearance.

Modern vs. Traditional Glengarry Styles