calves too big?

[escherblacksmith]

Okay, so I am building a standard kit, and I am finding the hard part is kilt socks/hose. I got the kilt socks from Hamilton Dry goods (cotton) and the large poly/wool kilt sox from Stillwater.

They both are fine in the feet and ankle, but a bit snug in the calf. Specifically, the elastic material is nearly stretched to the limit without rolling, and is almost damaged with rolling attempts. Now, since regular socks (except the extra stretchy athletic sock) tend to bind at my calf, I assume this is something to expect.

I can't be the only one here who has run into this, so (other then spending a mint on custom), has anyone found folk who make a bigger or more stetchy kiltsock?

I have a size 10 1/2 foot and 18" calf circumference.

thanx!

[cavscout]

Those are my dimensions also and I have had great luck with the Hamilton Dry Goods socks. You purchased the Kilt hose in ribbed cotton? I can pull them straight up and they reach a good 3 or 4 inches above my knee and I get a nice thick cuff with a double roll in the ribbed hose and a triple roll in the cable knit hose.

The only other choice I can offer, but will not be as cheap as HDG, is the Scottish Tartans Museum Lewis hose
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose.htm

Make sure you get the fully fashioned for large calves.

Or the Heritage Hose from Freedom Kilts

http://www.freedomkilts.com/store/product/5

[Big Mikey]

I can heartily recommend the Heritage Hose from Freedom Kilts. I have two pair and I am picking up two more next week. They are not cheap but they are first quality. They wash well and will stay up without garters. They look superb either pulled up or pushed down.

Here is a pic of them as well as a Freedom Kilt shirt.

[turpin]

I have found that HDG Cotton kilt socks come in two lengths and circumferences. The black and red I had to send back as too constricting in the calf - and I only have about a 16 inch calf. When I did I sent along one of the khaki cable knits that came in the same package for Ron H to use a a go-by. He ended up saying that the red and black are all the same size and sent me (at my ok) Navy and a khaki ribbed. Both go about 4 inches above my knee and roll over 3 times if I want to push it. Great hose for $15 a pair, and even better fro what they really cost at 3 for $20.

[Riverkilt]

I've become quite addictied to the Lewis hose the Scottish Tartans Museum sells. Their regular size works for me but I believe they also offer the same kilt hose with a larger calf measurement for big guys.

Ron

[PaulX608]

I wear a 9.5 D shoe and have 18 inch calves as well. I usually have to buy my hose in a larger size. For example, instead of getting the 8-10, I get the 10-13. Still have to wear them a few times to loosen the tops, but I'm sure it's less expense than custom. My daughter took this shot the last time this subject came up on here:

[Splash_4]

I have 1 pair of the lewis hose for the "larger" gentleman (19 inch calves) and two more on order. They are a very nice pair of hose. I also have about 10 pair of the Hamilton dry goods hose in both the cable knit and the rib knit. They each have their place and for knock around day wear, I prefer the HDG hose. I like the Lewis hose when I want to be a bit more dressy.

[Big Paul]

I have the same problem... I have 19" calves. I ordered a pair of hose from Almostunwearoutable and I love them! They are pricey 80.00 US, but they are custom made to your dimensions. I just wish I had ordered one size smaller in the foot. Oh well, next time!