HAT

A style thought to have been based on flat bonnet hats popular in Europe in the 16th century, the Tam O'Shanter hat is now considered a staple of Scottish headwear. Called a "tam" or "tammy" the hat has a distinctive wool pom-pom, called a "toorie", tam hats were fashionable amongst men and servants. The hat received its name from the famous 18th century poem of the same name by Robert Burns.

Traditionally, tam hats would be made using natural dyes, including indigo, giving the hat it's nickname "blue bonnet". It the mid-1800s, tam hats began to be made in bright colours and tartan.

Tam O'Shanter hats became an official part of Scottish military uniform during the First World War and are today worn among Canadian and Australian regiments.