SLOw Dress Code

[Lionelgee]

Hello SLOw Members,

Just wondering what is the correct Haute couture regarding styles of Pith Helmet for SLOw events?

To my surprise there is more than one style!!!

It seems that Col Coleman dons the Safari-style pith helmet; while there is also a British Colonial Jungle Safari style.

One would not want to look out of place at an event would one, what-oh!

Kind Regards
Lionel

[S3ute]

Lionel,

Hello from Brisbane and timely you should ask - I am packing the old Melville and Moons for Monday.

Anyway, I hope you are not taking the pith out of our helmets!

We take ceremonial protocol seriously in SLOW.

Note sure about the headwear, but I try to wear trousers at least to formal occasions.

Not sure if that helps.

Cheers,

Neil

[AndyG]

What no long white socks, sandals, Bombay bloomers

[S3ute]

What no long white socks, sandals, Bombay bloomers

Hello again from Brisbane and that fashion hint is well received - although edges on the worst fears of Mrs S3ute in general and Ms S3 ute in particular.

But to topic - at the end of the day the question of uniform and standards is up to the collective mandate of the SLOW community. I am but one source of opinion.

Nevertheless, the last time I ventured past a reputable hatters (a different beast to the usual mad hatters I generally hang about with) I couldn't but help notice the ingress of product from the land of the former enemy - Vietnam.

Now call me a Brandis if you will, but I frankly would hate to see a SLOW outing degenerate into a parody of a Viet Cong May Day parade. Too bad Charlie for your jungle green effort the rule should be Imperial khaki with pugaree.

But, as I said, only one small voice for tradition there.

Cheers,

Neil
.

[Lionelgee]

Hello S3Ute,

No I am not taking the pith . I have been doing some research as I ease back into the saddle of PhD-land after taking a couple of weeks off.

It turns out that there is a wide assortment of pith helmets and some, as you suggest have dubious backgrounds - shock horror that all is not what it seems!

What style is the most common variety at the moment? There are these two styles: Photograph 1 is a British Colonial Jungle Safari Khaki Pith and Photograph 2 is a Safari Pith Khaki Deluxe Desert Explorer Hunter Helmet

There are other hats described as "Livingstone Pith Helmet" as worn by Doctor David Livingstone during his expeditions into the dark continent.Made of genuine cork pith, covered with 100% cotton.

Colours available are: Forest, Khaki, Olive, or Stone.

Then there are the fancy dress market pith hats that are really taking the pith out of the helmets.

So which style and colour is the most in keeping with SLOw etiquette? See S3 Ute I was being above board! Almost serious too.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Scallops]

I use and own both the 1890's British tall, and the mid twentieth century Wolsley style depending on vehicle headroom and my current state of delusion. Both in the sand colour.

But any flavour of eccentricty is actively encouraged. Bowlers, Top hats, Bombay bloomers, grey lab coats, pebble rim glasses, lederhosen, kilts - anything goes.

In this club, we tolerate and actually encourage people with ideas that are different. It's virtual anarchy.

[MattyGM]

" .... I couldn't but help notice the ingress of product from the land of the former enemy - Vietnam.

Now call me a Brandis if you will, but I frankly would hate to see a SLOW outing degenerate into a parody of a Viet Cong May Day parade. Too bad Charlie for your jungle green effort the rule should be Imperial khaki with pugaree.

But, as I said, only one small voice for tradition there.

Cheers,

Neil"

Just as an aside, would Malaya conflict dress be deemed appropriate? (not sure if one could find an Owen gun nowadays though)

[Scallops]

Mine is as used by the finest British officers such as the famous explorer, Captain Walter Snetterten as seen and worn on the great "Cross the Andes by Frog" expedition of the late 1890's. Pure British all the way.

The Wolsley in sand colour is also perfectly acceptable and doesn't blow off in a open top 86!

[Lionelgee]

Mine is as used by the finest British officers such as the famous explorer, Captain Walter Snetterten as seen and worn on the great "Cross the Andes by Frog" expedition of the late 1890's. Pure British all the way.

The Wolsley in sand colour is perfectly acceptable and doesn't blow off in a open top 86!

Hello Scallops,

In keeping with your mention of a British Officer's style I found these sites ... Military Collection of Peter Suciu & http://www.militarytrader.com/milita...british_empire

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Scallops]

Hello Scallops,

In keeping with your mention of a British Officer's style I found these sites ... Military Collection of Peter Suciu & Pith Helmets of the British Empire | Military Trader

Kind Regards
Lionel

Very fine examples. Inc. sports a similar white number on formal club occasions, such as any club happy hour.

BTW - all pith helmets, even from the day, were sourced from materials derived from greater Asia/India. It's where the Pith plant suitable for such headwear actually grows. Many were made in the British ran parts theirin.