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

Origins

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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.

Rastafari

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It is associated with the Rastafari 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

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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 doctorates. This also has a clear family resemblance to the tam o'shanter.

Caps