Argyle Hose for daywear...

[RAF]

I just received my first pair of hand knit argyle hose from USA Kilts. They are fantastic! I plan on wearing them, well pretty much whenever I want (today in fact!), but I was curious as to whether these are more typically thought of as for formal use only.
I love the look and am also considering a pair of Diced hose, which I know are considered formal wear by most traditionalists.
So, argyle hose - formal only or as you please?
(I apologize to the seasoned Xers who may have heard this question umpteen times already.)

[Zardoz]

I'd feel free to wear them as you like

[Harold Cannon]

There are quite a few black and white pictures that show argyle hose worn with daywear.

[CMcG]

For me, I'd reserve Argyle hose for formal wear, day or evening. Partly because they are usually more expensive than regular, solid colour hose and partly because they are visually louder.

[RAF]

Thanks gents! Have a great day!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I think most people tend to reserve their Argyle hose for evening wear -- and they are certainly very appropriate for evening wear!

However, I see no strict rule that says you cannot also wear them for day wear. I think they would look a bit out of place with uber casual attire, such as a tshirt. But for smart day wear, they can add a touch of class and color.

Now here is a photo of myself with Argyle hose worn with a Harris tweed jacket and waistcoat, and brown leather sporran, just out enjoying the day.


Would the above outfit have looked good with solid color hose? Certainly! But the Argyle hose just raised the visual interest a bit.

I'm glad you like your hose from the STM by the way. Why don't you post some photos of you wearing them so we can all see what we think?

[creagdhubh]

Matt definitely wears these type of hose very well for daywear, but I am somewhat of a staunch traditionalist and restrict the wearing of my Argyll style hose, as well as diced hose, for evening/formal attire. Basically, anytime I am wearing a coatee or doublet of some sort, for black or white tie affairs.

Cheers,

[davidg]

but I am somewhat of a staunch traditionalist and restrict the wearing of my Argyll style hose, as well as diced hose, for evening/formal attire.

I tend to agree but less for reasons of tradition and more from the point of view that if I wear my best all the time there's nothing left to look extra special on those extra special occasions when I want to look extra dressy. Hope that makes sense

[MacRobert's Reply]

Matt definitely wears these type of hose very well for day wear, but I am somewhat of a staunch traditionalist and restrict the wearing of my Argyll style hose, as well as diced hose, for evening/formal attire. Basically, anytime I am wearing a coatee or doublet of some sort, for black or white tie affairs.

I share that view. However, I do have plain hose with diced tops that I wear for posher day-time events.

[scotchmaster]

All I wear with my kilts are tartan or diced hose. Day and night....