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Tam (cap)




The tam is a tall, round knitted cap, which is often brightly coloured.


ORIGINS

The tam comes from Scotland and Ireland . The name likely derives from the British colonial era, after the Scottish national cap, the Tam O'shanter . The military version of this cap is the Balmoral .


RASTAFARIANISM

It is associated with the Rastafarian movement as a way for Rastas to tuck away their Dreadlocks . It can be Crocheted , Knit , Sewn , or constructed in a number of different ways.

Tams range in size and shape, as well as uses. People with Dreadlocks and 'non-dreaded' folks alike wear tams for fashion, convenience, and a number of other reasons.

In construction, it is similar to the Tuque , but much larger.


ACADEMIC ATTIRE

The name tam is also given to a 4-, 6- or 8-sided flat cap worn as part of American Academic Dress by holders of Doctorate s. This also has a clear family resemblance to the Tam O'shanter .