hose for bigger calves

**demobud** · 29th July 07, 05:53 PM

I am sure I have seen an answer to this question but I couldn't get the search wording right to find it. The kilt hose I currently have is very tight around my calves and is pretty hard to pull up. If I go with a size larger do you think it will bunch up? Or is there a brand that is better fitting for us gentlemen with the big legs?

EDIT!
SORRY! I just found the link to it.

**McMurdo** · 29th July 07, 05:57 PM

I think that Matt at the Scottish Tartan Museum might be able to help you I know he has traditional garter ties for ample calves, so I am sure he can help you out with hose:

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose.htm

**demobud** · 29th July 07, 06:05 PM

Yep! I found it and ordered three pair green, black and navy.

**Nanook** · 31st July 07, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by demobud

I am sure I have seen an answer to this question but I couldn't get the search wording right to find it. The kilt hose I currently have is very tight around my calves and is pretty hard to pull up.

The problem is not just calf size but also shape: Highly muscular calves (and legs) versus fat and flabby. With muscular legs, I think, one is in the self-coloured hose better off with standard issue. In diced and tartan hose there is a bit more pattern distortion but it'll always show with muscle flex unless the hose is really baggy and ill-fitting so really only an issue for standing at attention and where uniformity is central. Standard hose are made, I think, to 38 cm (15") and there is enough stretch. Just pull harder and after a while the hose will stretch and mold to your leg shape. Unless you are a body builder, climber or sprinter with calves much larger than 41-42 cm (beyond 16 1/2") I'd keep to the standard and its natural stretch and fit. If you are a colossus I'd look to made-to-measure as even the wide calf models won't fit correctly.

**escherblacksmith** · 31st July 07, 07:46 AM

I started that other thread and still haven't convinced myself to pay the premium (although I am certain they are fabulous hose) for the really nice stuff.

That said, I ended up getting the $10 kilt hose (and a $20 colored hose) from USA kilts, and they fit great. I did end up getting the size L (11-14).

I am also stretching the other ones I had, but they are still very constricting.

**cavscout** · 31st July 07, 08:11 AM

Another top choice for large calves is the Hamilton Dry Goods kilt hose.

http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/sock.html

They have several colors in ribbed and cable knit.

Do a search here for hamilton dry goods or HDG and you'll find several threads about them (some with pics).

**Splash_4** · 31st July 07, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by cavscout

Another top choice for large calves is the Hamilton Dry Goods kilt hose.

http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/sock.html

They have several colors in ribbed and cable knit.

Do a search here for hamilton dry goods or HDG and you'll find several threads about them (some with pics).

Ditto on the HDG hose. They fit my 20" calves with little trouble.

**Nanook** · 1st August 07, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Splash_4

Ditto on the HDG hose. They fit my 20" calves with little trouble.

Wow! That's large!! Like Arnold Schwarzenegger in form--- and even then there were rumors that he had implants.. Absolutely they won't fit into standard hose!

**escherblacksmith** · 1st August 07, 06:25 AM

I think they must be a crap shoot, i ordered a set of 3 (grey) and I can get them on, but the elastic is stretched to its limit. I am pretty sure if I flexed they would snap.

**cavscout** · 1st August 07, 06:42 AM

I have heard one other member run into this, but my ribbed socks are great and the cable knit socks are even roomier though they are a little thinner. I believe the other member was able to exchange the socks for another pair.