Question about hose

**KWD** · 10th January 10, 09:48 AM

I am wondering why people don't like the white hose?

**McMurdo** · 10th January 10, 09:55 AM

One reason is because the rental places use white hose so it follows if you are wearing them your outfit must be rented. If you look at the Kenneth MacLeay prints for example there is not a pair of white hose to be seen, take a look through the Vintage Kilt Photos thread you will not see many if any white hose.

White hose have gained in popularity because they are cheap to produce, however with the myriad of colours available I simply do not know why anyone would settle for white hose, they seem to me to be rather stark and do not lend themselves very well to Highland Dress as it is rather colourful.

**Nighthawk** · 10th January 10, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

White hose have gained in popularity because they are cheap.

That's all you need to know. They look cheap. I have one pair that I wear around the house. I wore them out by mistake, and was very self conscious! They stick out in a very... well, as McMurdo put it, stark way!

**Riverkilt** · 10th January 10, 10:09 AM

In fairness, there is a use for white kilt hose other than rental...SNOW CAMO!!

**Kilt_Like_Objects** · 10th January 10, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

In fairness, there is a use for white kilt hose other than rental...SNOW CAMO!!

It's 43 Celcius here right now. That image both gave me a laugh and reminded me that there are parts of the world where people's eyes aren't stinging with sweat.

Ian

**lethearen** · 10th January 10, 10:26 AM

Please correct me if I'm wrong... historically speaking pure white was a difficult colour to obtain, wasn't it? That is to say, two hundred years ago it may have been cheaper to dye wool in various colours rather than bleach them. If that were the case, then white would also be a faux pas from a traditionalist standpoint?

**McMurdo** · 10th January 10, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by lethearen

white would also be a faux pas from a traditionalist standpoint?

That is why I suggested looking in the Vintage thread and at the MacLeay prints. It most certainly is a faux pas from a traditionalist standpoint.

**figheadair** · 11th January 10, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by lethearen

Please correct me if I'm wrong... historically speaking pure white was a difficult colour to obtain, wasn't it? That is to say, two hundred years ago it may have been cheaper to dye wool in various colours rather than bleach them. If that were the case, then white would also be a faux pas from a traditionalist standpoint?

Because they are quite nasty. Brings up images of Andy Stewart and the White Heather Club of the 1960s - yuk.

**Panache** · 11th January 10, 03:07 PM

My personal thoughts on white hose

One, they should be of good quality, thin cheap white/cream hose bear a nasty resemblence to athletic socks. However the thick Aran handknit (i.e. expensive) looking ones are quite nice. The Lewis Hose line would work fine in white as well.

Two, they should be worn as a concious choice because that color (white/cream) looks good with a particular outfit and not because they are a default choice.

Three, wear them if you like the way they look with an outfit. Personal confidence in one's attire and appearance makes a huge difference in carrying off a look.

Four, take the opinions of those that dislike them with a grain of salt and a smile. Should someone ever mention how much they dislike your white hose in public simply smile and say "That's alright old chap, I like them enough for the both of us!"

Now personally I would only wear white/cream hose with my PC style black tie formal rig and my ghillie brogues. There is something that to me speaks of the elegant simplicity of the black and white dinner jacket in this type of outfit. However they aren't right (to me) with the older styled formal doublets and don't go at all with day wear

.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**jgorley** · 11th January 10, 05:19 PM

Ok, I have to put in my 2 cents. I live in a small town with not a kilt shop to be found. Cream are the only hose I own. I didn't know any better when I bought my first kilt. Personally, I think they don't look too shabby if you are wearing a white t-shirt or sweater. I am not opposed to wearing colors, but I am hesitant to purchase hose of color without being able to be sure they will match. After purchasing my tank and a couple casual 16 oz, I don't have a much of a bank roll left. Spending what some hose cost and having them not match is no fun for anyone. I really only have the opportunity to shop at the festivals. And at that time I am competing in the Athletics and wearing my inexpensive kilts. I usually wear gold athletic "Soccer" socks with it as not to ruin my wool hose. Not to mention that many of the venders only offer the ultra thin "athletic" looking hose. I guess I will have to make a trip to a big city to find a shop that offers quality hose and match all of my kilts to new hose. Maybe someone can offer some hose to match the following tartans:

Tartan Mill Kilt Company
MacDuff Dress Modern-Lochc 16oz-Scotweb
Isle of Skye-----------Lochc 16oz-Scotweb
St Andrews Modern----Bat 16 oz---USA Kilts

Short and sweet, I don't want to spend money on hose that won't match any kilt I own. Thanks for the input.
James