Thick Cotton Kilt Hose?

**RAF** · 25th September 11, 06:19 AM

I've not been able to find, and I thought they would have existed, thick cotton kilt hose. Essentially, they would look the same as the wool and wool blend varieties, but be made of a nice thick cotton (or more likely, a cotton/nylon blend so they keep their shape.) All I've seen are the very thin hose, which look a bit unbalanced to my eye. Or the 100% acrylic type, which I don't find very comfortable. As I try to embrace kilt wearing in warmer weather, I find the wool hose to be too hot and itchy on a warm day. I'm fine with a "boot sock" for a more casual look, but would like something for a trad look as well.
I'm hoping I may have just not seen these "out there," and that any of my learned kilted brethren might have suggestions. Ready, set, go.

**McMurdo** · 25th September 11, 07:51 AM

Try Hamilton Dry Goods about half way down the page

http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/socks/

I have the Red pair but must admit I wear them very infrequently.

**flyrod6057** · 25th September 11, 08:17 AM

I know this is a COTTON thread, but I couldn't help noticing the WOOL kilt hose on the Hamilton Dry Goods page. I'd be interested to see what kind of quality one gets for $8... Has anyone tried them?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled perusing.

**RAF** · 25th September 11, 09:08 PM

Thank you McMurdo - will look into it. Wonder what cotton % is? Guess I'll have to shoot them an email to find out! BTW, do you not wear them often because of color? or quality? or just not what you were expecting?
And Flyrod, I was curious about the wool ones here too. Perhaps because they have no heel? is the reason they are only $8?

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 26th September 11, 04:51 AM

I've looked into having cotton hose made, but it is just too cost prohibitive at this point. For cooler wear, I would recommend the Glenmore or the Tain lines from House of Cheviot. They are a 50% wool blend, and a bit more loosely knit than the other higher cost HoC hose. I've worn them in the middle of summer, with temps in the 90s, and found them quite comfy.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose_intro.html

**RAF** · 26th September 11, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

I've looked into having cotton hose made, but it is just too cost prohibitive at this point. For cooler wear, I would recommend the Glenmore or the Tain lines from House of Cheviot. They are a 50% wool blend, and a bit more loosely knit than the other higher cost HoC hose. I've worn them in the middle of summer, with temps in the 90s, and found them quite comfy.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose_intro.html

Thanks Matt. I'll give them a try. I'm thinking the Tain Red and the Glenmore Ancient Blue would be nice additions to my collection:-)
I have several pairs of the Lewis hose from STM, and I love them.
Cheers.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 26th September 11, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by RAF

Thanks Matt. I'll give them a try. I'm thinking the Tain Red and the Glenmore Ancient Blue would be nice additions to my collection:-)
I have several pairs of the Lewis hose from STM, and I love them.
Cheers.

If you like the Lewis hose, you'll probably also enjoy the Tain and Glenmore. The fiber content of the yarns is the same. As I said, it's just a looser knit and it does not have the reinforced foot area, so they are cooler to wear.

**Mikewood** · 26th September 11, 08:46 AM

I have been wearing thorlo hiking socks. They are heavy like you are talking about and knee high so they fold to the right height. I found black and off white.

**RAF** · 21st October 11, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

If you like the Lewis hose, you'll probably also enjoy the Tain and Glenmore. The fiber content of the yarns is the same. As I said, it's just a looser knit and it does not have the reinforced foot area, so they are cooler to wear.

Received both pairs (one each, Tain and Glenmore) and have already "tested" them. Thanks for the suggestion - they're great. Of course, now that we're moving into the colder weather up here in Boston, I'll be going back to the Lewis hose until Spring.
I did have a question about the Military Red color. Is that considered to be more for formal wear? I bought it because it picks up on the orange-y red overcheck (under?) in my MacDonald Isles Hunting, Muted kilt, and plan on wearing it during the day.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 21st October 11, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by RAF

Received both pairs (one each, Tain and Glenmore) and have already "tested" them. Thanks for the suggestion - they're great. Of course, now that we're moving into the colder weather up here in Boston, I'll be going back to the Lewis hose until Spring.
I did have a question about the Military Red color. Is that considered to be more for formal wear? I bought it because it picks up on the orange-y red overcheck (under?) in my MacDonald Isles Hunting, Muted kilt, and plan on wearing it during the day.

The House of Cheviot call the Tain a "dress sock" and to be honest I'm not sure if that is only because it is a thinner hose (and so would fit better in dress shoes) or because of the diamond pattern that runs the length of the leg.

But I see nothing about the red color in itself that would make it "formal only." I think it would look great with formal wear, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to that use.

Glad you are enjoying your hose, BTW.