The Kilt Hose Quandary

[Panache]

There have as of late been several threads regarding kilt hose regarding color. Previously the question of how hose should be worn has been discussed. I feel I can safely say that the general consensus here at X Marks the Scot is that kilt hose are:

(1) Worn up (with or without flashes) with dress shoes
(2) Worn pushed down (without flashes) when worn with hiking boots.

Now pulled up hose and flashes certainly look nicer, therefore more formal. I accepted this and didn't really think about these rules logically until recently, and the coming of Autumn, with it's cooler temperatures and winds. If one thinks about the above fashion rules, they don't make a lot of sense.

Worn up (with or without flashes) with dress shoes

So when one attends a formal event (likely indoors) one wears hose up keeping the lower legs covered, protected, and warm. Which they don't really need to be since one is indoors.

Worn pushed down (without flashes) when worn with hiking boots.

So when one is wearing hiking boots (likely outside) one wears hose down, leaving the lower legs exposed, unprotected, and cold. Where one could be exposed to cold, wind, and brambles.


:confused:



The Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess and I are planning on going for a little hike in the nearby foothills in the morning. I was thinking of wearing my Sportkilt, but noticed today that my lower legs have been a bit chilly for the better part of the day, though my SWK standard has kept the rest warm.

I was wondering if anyone one else had pondered this?

Cheers

[O'Neille]

Nope, When I'm hiking...I'm never cold. If I stop and get a little chilled the hose can be pulled up. That being said, when I'm hiking with hose up they always end up down anyway. Have fun on your hike. O'Neille

[way2fractious]

In wilderness adventures, it's best to let function take precedence over form. So, even in hiking boots, if it's cold, pull the hose up (and as often as necessary ). The F.H.C.A.G. has probably seen you at your worst; any minor fashion faux pas on a hike likely will not perturb her (too much, anyway.)

[switchblade5984]

i say good points!

maybe the sould always just be worn in the full upright position!

[Hamish]

It is all down to 'visual balance', Panache (a consideration when we are in the company of others). When we are out alone, or with our nearest and dearest, this is not quite as important and virtually anything goes. As we all know, there are NO rules concerning this but, personally, I always try to present a balanced appearance when in public - as I believe you do.

Of course, climatic conditions vary from one part of the world to another but, here in southern England, I practically always wear boots and rolled/pushed down hose when walking/hiking - whether it be summer or winter - and I do not recall suffering cold legs.

[Panache]

...here in southern England, I practically always wear boots and rolled/pushed down hose when walking/hiking - whether it be summer or winter - and I do not recall suffering cold legs.

Perhaps I need to walk more briskly or more often (to add a little more muscle to keep me warm)

Cheers

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

And take this the right way, but I would have to agree with you Jamie! You need a little more meat on your bones! Get out there and hike up a storm. Its good for your circulation and overall health, and also keeps those legs warm.

[Blu (Ontario)]

In the depths of winter, I tend to dispense with the fashion dictates of warmer weather and go with what makes sense. Going bare legged in the arctic temperatures of deep winter does not make sense... neither is it something to be trifled with. Temperatures in Ontario can be downright dangerous at times.... no "winter wonderland" I assure you.

Safety before fashion.

[Chef]

Well I must admit I think the idea of whether hose are worn up or down while hiking is a somewhat silly question. I realise that it is fashion...I also remember when we wore knee high tube socks for gym...but fashion is bloody silly if your legs are cold. When I was young we always wore our hose up (the fashion of the day I guess) unless we got to warm and then we pushed them down. So I am sure the fashion police faint away if you pull them up because your legs are cold.

[Robin]

And what about "ankle height" shoes?

I own a pair of brown ankle height brogues and my hiking boots are also not that bulky...lightweight ankle height Timberlands.


The Timberlands


The ankle height brogues


Timberlands in the mud with hose up

I personally think the brogues look perfect with hose up...in fact it will look really silly to wear them with hose down. And since my boots are sort of low profile I think they look ok also with hose up.