kilt hose question

[David Dubh]

Hello all, I have a kilt hose question. I am looking to get either Argyle or diced hose to match the new kilt I am planing on ordering from Keltoi. The kilt is for my daughter's wedding this fall and it will be the Kinguisse Deluxe. in ancient macdonald. My question is should I go with argyle or diced hose? Should they be fold over top or castellated? I am planning on getting traditional garter ties. So what say you and why?
Looking forward to your input and thaks in advance
David

[pascs]

For a day time wedding I prefer a more subtle looking hose than diced or argyle, something more like this.....

I'm thinking myself to get a couple of pairs of hose made up similar in design to these in the different tartans I have, as have 2 wedding this year to attend

[saxandpipes]

The hose is the third picture are absolutely gorgeous!


Cheers!

Michael

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Slightly unrelated, but my wife is now making a hose similar to this in style:
http://newhousehighland.com/hose.php

On the original question, though, I think the choice of argyle or diced hose would come down to personal preference for me.

The choice between castellated and fold over tops is easier. I'd say if you intend to wear these primarily for formal evening functions, go with castellated. If, on the other hand, you would like to wear them for both evening and day wear, go with the fold over tops.

[ForresterModern]

Although I recognize the tradition behind castelated hose with traditional garter ties (showing in this case) it is still a look that never quite settles comfortably on my mind. I much prefer either traditional tartan matching argylls, diced hose in colors that do not overwhelm the kilt colors (so typically similar shades or maybe a bit darker or subtler than the tartan----blue/black, red/black/ red/navy/ green/navy, ancient green/ancient blue, etc...), or the various fancy top varieties (most from House of Cheviot) that include the tartan top hose in similar matching or complimenting but not overwhelming colors.

I personally do not like the look where the kilt sings with color and the hose scream with far more color, although I find myself at times in that situation unintentionally (I usually don't see it until the pictures come back---uugghh, too late, oh well lesson learned). Remember, kilt hose are kilt accessories. I do like the simpler look of garter ties from the standpoint of what shows below the hose top turnover, and generally wear these or some similar garter derivative in single complimentary color in lieu of tartan flashes, in relatively dressy occasions.

Good luck, and post some pictures.

jeff

[Tobus]

If it were me, I'd go with the Argyll hose and fold-over tops. They are pretty versatile and can serve you for numerous other occasions where diced hose, or castellated tops, would be more out of place. And for as much money as they're going to cost, you might as well get something you can get the most use out of!

[creagdhubh]

Besides Matt's recommendation of his wife's hand-knit hose, which is superb work by the way, Almost Unwearoutable also offers this style of 'coquet' topped hose that HRH the Prince of Wales is wearing, for around $100 including shipping to the US. They are bespoke to your own measurements, hence the expense. I have several pairs, and love them dearly! Also, House of Cheviot offers several styles of kilt hose and country socks that have 'diced' tops - the Chessboard and Bowmore for example. Chris at Dunadd Trading Company sells these for 33 quid (around $53), which includes free shipping to the US.

However, I have to agree with Matt and Tobus on this one, and go with the Argyll or diced hose with the traditional fold-over tops - by far the best choice for evening attire hosiery.

Best of luck,

[davidg]

I'm going pretty much with what has already been said by Kyle, Matt and Tobus

Castellated is probably a bit too much, Argyll will be a better choice than diced and the plain hose with diced turnover are a very economical and acceptable option if you want to save some money and have versatile hose

[OC Richard]

I'm a fan of both traditional "full clan hose" (as they're called in the old catalogues) and of castellated hose.

Here for example am I wearing my muted Drummond of Perth kilt with matching hose, and shoes which are ordinary wingtip "tassel loafers" but which have had the tassels removed and Scottish shoe buckles added, in imitation of the "Cromwell brogues" which were so popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries



and here I'm wearing castellated "thriced" hose from Skye Highland Outfitters to match my Isle of Skye kilt (with a different pair of modified shoes)



If I were you I wouldn't hesitate to get either tartan or diced (or "thriced") hose to match your lovely new kilt, and either ordinary turnover cuffs or castellated tops, whichever suits your fancy. You'll not regret having a terrific pair of hose to set off your kilt.

[sailortats]

In looking at the pics of HRH Prince Charles, above, it appears to me that he is wearing black shoes with his brown leather sporran. If I am right, I say good on him. If HRH can do it, so can I and I will save myself the expense of buying new brown shoes.