Balmoral

Traditional hat from Scotland

The Balmoral, known as the Balmoral bonnet or Balmoral cap, and formerly called the Kilmarnock bonnet, is a traditional Scottish hat that can be worn as part of formal or informal Highland dress.

Dating back to at least the 16th century, it takes the form of a knitted, soft wool cap with a flat crown. It is named after Balmoral Castle, a royal residence in Scotland. The Balmoral is an alternative to the Tam o’ Shanter cap and the  Glengarry bonnet.

Reshaping a Balmoral

Wash it in Woolite and shape while wet on a mannequin head or any suitable substitute. Shape with the flat to the right and up and over on the left. Use clothes pins on the side to hold the shape and let it dry.

Other names for the Balmoral

• Balmoral bonnet
• Balmoral cap
• Kilmarnock bonnet

Famous wearers of the Balmoral

• Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
• Highlanders
• Canadian highland regiments
• Hong Kong Police Band bagpipes section