W. Brewin Kilt Hose Experience

[cessna152towser]

I found this e-bay seller's very cheap kilt hose were so good that I ordered several more pairs. They are made of a wool blend with some sort of elasticated material (lycra?) so would probably stay up on their own although I do also wear garters. Although my shoe size is UK size 9, I ordered the largest size (9.5 to 13) which were slightly too big on first wearing but shrunk to fit snugly. As I had a varicose veins op around 15 years ago and now feel more comfortable with lower leg support I find I am wearing the Brewin hose almost daily, with my kilts, with shorts to go jogging and even under long trousers on very cold days! One slight hiccup with my orders to Brewins - on one occasion they sent black instead of navy blue - an understandable error as their navy blue is very dark - but as I would wear blue or black I kept the two extra black pairs and re-ordered more navy ones.

[Zyzzyx]

That's a nice quick review, thanks. After Riverkilt posted 'em up the other day, been thinking about getting some. Always love the sock sizing issue though when you're on the edge. Go large and have 'em way too big, or go small and have 'em be tight. I wear a 9/8/42 (US/UK/Euro) size, so will probably order the smaller size they have.

Again, thanks for the info.

[Eujeankilt]

How are they for thickness? I've found that every manufacturer makes their hose in different thickness. The thickest can be uncomfortable in well fitted shoes and the thinnest show the elastic garter or flash.

Dale

[triolamj]

I had seen multiple posts extolling W. Brewin and their prices and variety of products posted on eBay were just right. I ordered a pair of cream 9-13 hose with shamrocks on the turndown cuff. The material is too thin and there seem to be some potential unraveling points where the threads seem loose. They also are snugger than my other hose. I'll wear them in the St Patrick's Day parade but I'm going to order some J. Higgins white hose with the terry cloth woven in and rely on my old Lochcarrons (which need some darning). My old fluffy acrylic hose from J. Higgins in white and lovat blue haven't given out at the seams yet but I would rather upgrade them. Update: When I got my pictures back from the St Patrick's Day parade, I could see wear the turndown cuff had curled back up a little at the bottom center of the cuff.

Thumbs down on W. Brewin.

[David Dalglish]

I have ordered from Brewin before, I found they are ok for day to day wear for the price.

[CDNSushi]

See my IOS review in the General forum as I also cover the topic of this particular hose manufacturer.

In a nutshell, they are thin hose -- not SO thin that they are unwearable with a kilt, but they ARE thin enough that if you wear a sgian, you will see it through the hose. Looks terrible.

Also, of the 6 pair I ordered, it turned out they sent the gray ones in the wrong size (too small) *grumble, grumble* :-(

[ForresterModern]

I too ordered several pair in various colors several months ago off ebay. Good quality basic kilt hose, thin enough to wear with most of my regular shoes but still thicker than regular socks (except maybe my hiking socks). Order big as they do draw down no matter how you wash and dry them. Good color palette and a reasonable price.

not up to par with my pipers hose in thickness, length or wearability, but only about half the price or maybe a little less per pair.

[Hamish]

I have been wearing Brewin's kilt hose for years - but, only for everyday general wear. If I am dressing up smartly to go out I would not wear them. As has been stated, one's garters, sgain (and even calves) show through, especially with the darker colours, and I dislike that.

They used to make a better quality hose in a wider selection of colours - oatmeal (my favourite) being one of them, but they appear not to be listing this range now.

Take care,
Ham.

[herminator]

Same here.
I wear WBrewin on a daily basis, when I want to dress up it´s the handknit socks my wife made me!

But then, I pay 5€ for a pair - and that is including p&p, so it´s a deal!

[McMurdo]

I own several pair, two Oatmeal by the way Ham, I have to say for the money they are a good buy and will continue to recommend them to those looking for an inexpensive alternative.

I must say that I really like the way my House of Chevot Hawick hose feel and look, but again and concerning Highland attire I can not stress this enough, you simply get what you pay for. For the price the W. Brewin hose are great, when I first started wearing kilts on a daily basis the W.B. Hose gave me the opportunity to have a myriad of colours.