What to wear under the kilt

**Iain Robb** · 22nd February 08, 05:48 AM

OK, for going to the Highland Games this weekend, I've got my new Stillwater Standard Black Watch, and Lovat blue hose, and Lovat-blue-ish casual shirt (you might call it a camp shirt or fishing shirt).

But I'm not sure what to wear under my kilt. I'd like to wear my hiking boots, since they'll keep my feet comfortable while I'm walking around most of the day. What do you think?

I'm also torn between letting my hose "relax" and wearing my flashes. Will the flashes look too formal to use with hiking boots?

Sorry, guys, I just cannot bear the thought of wearing nothing under my kilt. My feet are too pale and tender for that.

**beowulf67** · 22nd February 08, 06:16 AM

If you're going to be on your feet all day, and you will be at the Games, wear what is comfortable.
As for the flashes, I've seen and worn my hose up with flashes or down relaxed and think either looks fine.

Mostly just enjoy!!!

**Chef** · 22nd February 08, 06:29 AM

Certainly either is acceptable but it is generally considered that hose look better with boots if they are scrunched down, particularly if you are dressed casually otherwise. You can always take the garters along so you can pull the hose up if it gets cool.

**thescot** · 22nd February 08, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Chef

Certainly either is acceptable but it is generally considered that hose look better with boots if they are scrunched down, particularly if you are dressed casually otherwise.

OK, I'll catch it now.

Being on the outside of this one, I personally do not care for the look of scrunched down hose. It doesn't offend me to see someone else wearing theirs that way, but I never do. Maybe it's because I am old. On me it looks a little slovenly and like someone trying to mimic the kids' styles. I see the goths and punks wearing their clothes like that, and I am far too old for the look. Aside from the fact that I am much more conservative in my personal choices than most.

And I don't think the garters look dressy--see WWI Highlanders in the trenches; not very dressy. Especially if you wear very un-dressy garters in a soft wool, never ribbon.

I have worn mine up, gartered, and with an extra pair of like colored socks folded down to the boot which tends to give a more casual look. It also adds padding for real hiking. There's a very similar picture in So You're Going to Wear... of a fellow with a backpack wearing his sock and hose like that. It's a pretty snazzy look, yet still casual.

But, to each his own. I may be a kilt snob

, but I am not the kilt police.

duchessofnc · 22nd February 08, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

When I saw the title I thought it was going to be yet another regimental thread!

I have to admit, I was thinking regimentals as well. LOL!

**sharpdressedscot** · 22nd February 08, 07:56 AM

Wear NOTHING!!

Oh, wait... you're talking about shoes... boots and socks.

**BoldHighlander** · 22nd February 08, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

And I don't think the garters look dressy--see WWI Highlanders in the trenches; not very dressy. Especially if you wear very un-dressy garters in a soft wool, never ribbon.

I love this pic!
I have a slightly larger close-up that I use on a website I'm slowly putting together:

**Riverkilt** · 22nd February 08, 09:20 AM

Wise kilties wear Z Coils. www.zcoil.com

Ron

**Chef** · 23rd February 08, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

OK, I'll catch it now.

Being on the outside of this one, I personally do not care for the look of scrunched down hose. It doesn't offend me to see someone else wearing theirs that way, but I never do. Maybe it's because I am old. On me it looks a little slovenly and like someone trying to mimic the kids' styles. I see the goths and punks wearing their clothes like that, and I am far too old for the look. Aside from the fact that I am much more conservative in my personal choices than most.

...

But, to each his own. I may be a kilt snob

, but I am not the kilt police.

Well I would say that there is a big difference between a traditional kilt worn with an Arran sweater, walking boots and scrunched hose and the "kid's" styles you are referring to. the former is something that has been common for a long time.

**Charlie Mc.** · 23rd February 08, 07:54 PM

I am fond of wearing combat boots with wool socks. I turn the tops of the socks over the top of the combat boot securing the laces and giving it a neater appearance. Much nicer than just scrunching the sock down imho. My friend prefers hiking boots but either folds or rolls the sock down. Again much neater in appearance.