Boys' Pipe Band Uniforms: Garments


Figure 1.--Almost all pipebands use the kilt uniform. Some bands use the same tartan while others let each member choose his own tartan.

Pipe bands are best known for wearing kilts, but there are many more items to the full Higland uniform. Not all the items are required and there are some differences among bands. There are both Scott and Irish pipebands. The differences between the garments worn are only minor. The proper cap to be worn by a kilted pipe band is the Glengarry bonnet. There are several different versions. There are both plain and diced headbands. They almost always come with streamers. Some have poms. One popular style is a blue Glengerry with a red pom. Glengarrys are worn with full-dress military attire, or when wearing military ribbons and/or armaments with summer (white shirt) uniforms. A proper kilt is 8 yards and hand-sewn by professional kiltmakers. Pipe bands wear kilts are available in Scottish clan tartans, Scottish district tartans and Irish county tartans. They generally come in middleweight, heavyweight and regimental weight. They can be quite expensive. A man's kilt can cost $300 or more. Boys' kilts are somewhat less, depending on the boy's size. Many pipe bands instead of jackets choose the less expensive options of sweaters. Waistcoats are traditionally wool garments, but most suppliers now also offer polyester versions. Made to a common band pattern from suede leather, with Inverness flaps and shoulder guards, dark color-coordinated to wearer's kilt. Worn over peasant shirt on cooler days, or on more formal occasions. There are various standard Scottish or Irish military style tunics, with shoulder guards, fabric and piping color-coordinated to wearer's kilt.

Caps

The proper cap to be worn by a kilted pipe band is the Glengarry bonnet. There are several different versions. There are both plain and diced headbands. They almost always come with streamers. Some have poms. One popular style is a blue Glengerry with a red pom. Glengarrys are worn with full-dress military attire, or when wearing military ribbons and/or armaments with summer (white shirt) uniforms. It is considered inappropriate to wear a Balmoral bonnet with the kilt. I'm not sure why that is. Thus it is thge Glengarry that pipe bands normally wear. Many pipers wear Glengarrys with plaid or checkered bands, but plain blue Glengarrys are also cmmonly worn. The Glengaeeys are wool and and almost all have stramers of various length. Some have have poms--usually red. The Glengarrys come in various colors, most commonly black, navy blue, light blue and green. Some caps have a cockade of different colors. Often this is worn instead of a pom, but not always. A few bands have feather bonnet. These come with or without hackles which come in a range of color. Some caps are worn with clan crest badge. They are worn with all types of caps, either personal clan badge, or band badge when available. Other caps are worn with a decorative feather. They are worn with all types of caps, behind the Cap Badge. Some bands have destinctive colors for the different members of the band. One band for example uses royal or navy blue for the Pipe and Drum-Majors, red for Pipe and Drum-Sergeants, green for Pipe and Drum-Corporals, black and white for all others.

Kilts

A proper kilt is 8 yards and hand-sewn by professional kiltmakers. Pipe bands wear kilts are available in Scottish clan tartans, Scottish district tartans and Irish county tartans. They generally come in middleweight, heavyweight and regimental weight. They can be quite expensive. A man's kilt can cost $300 or more. Boys' kilts are somewhat less, depending on the boy's size. The modern Scottish kilt worn by pipebands has been influenced by of all people an Englishman who was hiring Scottish workers. It was also influenced by English generals who established Scottish regiments and made decissions about army uniforms. And of course there was Queen Victoria who helped to popularize the kilt in the 19th Century as boys' clothes, introducing the kilt to unsuspecting English boys and eventually to American boys without a drop of English blood and who had never even heard of Scotland. Some bands allow members wear a kilt in the tartan of his or her choice. The variety of tartans is used in the band program to explain the history of the tartan and the kilt and to illustrate the wide variety of tartan patterns. Some bands caution their members, "Be cautious of going cheap, here!" There is absolutely no substitute for the comfort, fit and years of service of a properly made kilt. We take particular care to have them made by competent tailors, and to maintain and wear them with pride! Individuals may choose their family tartan, a district tartan, or other kilt-making cloth from other Celtic cultures. Some may be "Dress" pleated (to sett), and others may be "Military" pleated (to stripe). Peasant attire can include some of the more ancient forms of the kilt!

Sweaters

Many pipe bands instead of jackets choose the less expensive options of sweaters.

Waistcoats

Waistcoats are traditionally wool garments, but most suppliers now also offer polyester versions.


Figure 2.--This boy's band wears Glengary caps with red cockcades, lending a bit of dash to his unifiorm.

Vest

Made to a common band pattern from suede leather, with Inverness flaps and shoulder guards, dark color-coordinated to wearer's kilt. Worn over peasant shirt on cooler days, or on more formal occasions.

Tunic

There are various standard Scottish or Irish military style tunics, with shoulder guards, fabric and piping color-coordinated to wearer's kilt. (See Belts, Buckles, Plaids and Armor, below.)

Shirts

Bipe bands wear short and long-sleeved white shirts. This is necessary in countries like the United States where they often perform in hot weather. Pipebands in the United Kingdom might only have long-sleeved shirts. Band members, either gender, might wear their shirts opened-collar, indoors and outdoors, from May through September, when weather is hot. Long-sleeved shirt may be used indoors during other months, often with black ties. Short and long-sleeved white blouse (with jabot): option to white shirt for women, on occasions when others wear neckties. Some bands wear peasant shirts made to a common band pattern, with laced front, color-coordinated to wearer's kilt. Worn with coordinated jabot on formal occasions.

Footwear

most boys' pipe bands let the boys wear their own shoes with in a range. Some bands have the pipers cover their shoes with white spats. The meticulous piper might choose Ghillie Brogues. White spats come with traditional buttoned canvas footstraps. There are also some eith velcro closings. Spats help give pipers with different shoes a uniform look.


Figure 3.--This boy wears plaid kneesocks with white canvas spats to give the band a uniform look.

Hosiery

Kneesocks are usually heavy turn-over-top socks. They come in plain colors (usually cream, off-white or bottle green). Patterned knee socks come in cream, green or Lovat blue. The patterned socks are commonly known as Argyles, but this is just one tartan patterns. One popular design is white hose with a bramble top. Hose tops are available in tartans. Garter flashes are available in a wide variety of colors (red, green or blue) and tatans. Garter flashes are also avilable in doubles. Guards garter flashes are worn in red, green or light blue.

Other Items

Insignia of rank

Most bands have insignias of rank for different members. This varies from band to band. The devices worn by one band provide an example:
Pipe-Major and Drum-Major: On tunics, standard gold chevrons and pipe or drum insignia are worn. Black slip-on shoulder boards with four 1/2 inch wide gold stripes are worn on white shirt epaulets.
Senior Pipe and Drum-Sergeants: On tunics, standard gold chevrons and pipe or drum insignia are worn. Black slip-on shoulder boards with three 1/2 inch wide gold stripes are worn on white shirt epaulets.
Area Pipe and Drum Sergeants: On tunics, standard silver chevrons and pipe or drum insignia are worn. Black slip-on shoulder boards with three 1/2 inch wide silver stripes are worn on white shirt epaulets.
Area Pipe and Drum-Corporals: On tunics, standard silver chevrons and pipe or drum insignia are worn. Black slip-on shoulder boards with two 1/2 inch wide silver stripes are worn on white shirt epaulets.

Sporrans

Kilts of course have no pockets. Thus sporrans are worn to provide a waybof securing coins, keys, and othervvaluables. They are made in several materials and styles, including leather, semi-dress, dress and horsehair. A great variety of sporans are worn, made from various shades and colors of horse hair for full military regalia, to smaller fur and leather models -- some plain--some with brass or silver bright work, and even with mounted jewels. These are the kilt wearer's "fanny pack!"

Belts

Dress waistbelt, usually black leather, are worn with buckle. Less commonly brown belts are worn. Crossbelts are worn by many pipers and drummers. They are equipped with metalwork to supportbthe instrument. Many pipers wear distinctive belt buckles. Clan crested buckles are particularly popular.

Capes

Capes are worn in black, red, navy, olive green, grey, burgundy, emerald, and royal. One popular style is the inverness cape with pouch.

Plaids

Plaids are worn by many bands. They are often fringed and twisted. They come in mediumweight or heavyweight. There are different types incliuding piper's plaid, drummer's plaid, and fly plaid.

Doublets

Doublets are made of either barathea or melton material with a choice of trim colour, collar style, cuff style , shell style and tashes style.

Armor

Armor is usually optional items and usually can be worn or carried only when authorized by the Pipe-Major or the Drum-Major. All blades over six inches in length should not be sharpened. Blades, of any length, will be kept in their sheathes when operating in an unsecured area. It is wise to wire, or otherwise secure blades in their scabbards, to prevent their being drawn by others. Battle axes, maces, flails and similar medieval items are generally not be carried or displayed by band members at band appearances

Sgian Dubhs and dirks

Sgian dubhs are worn withnthe kilt. One of the most popular is the "clan crested" sgian dubh. Highlander dirks made of steel blade, cowhide sheaths with various pommel (handle) styles and metalwork. Clan crested dirks are popular.

Kiltpins

Clan crested kiltpins are the most popular. Kilt pins are used to keep the apron of the kilt in place during strenuous activity, or when the wind kicks up. Kilt pins come in many forms. Some may appear in the form of a Ptarmigan or Arctic Grouse claw mounted in silver metal (with jewel for evening wear), or as a horse blanket pin, or a miniaturized Dirk or Claymore, often with a clan badge superimposed over the blade or cross-guard of the claymore. Ladies have a wider selection of items, including some made with feathers.






Christopher Wagner







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Created: December 31, 1998
Last updated: July 9, 2002