kilt hose for, um, shorter lads

[NewEnglander]

So I'm the first to admit that I'm not particularly vertically gifted, coming in at 5' 7" if I'm standing up VERY straight, and wearing a pair of boots. Due to this particular bit of challenge in the altitude department, I've had problems finding kilt hose that fit me well. Last year I bought a pair of the excellent Lewis hose from the Scottish Tartan Museum, but in order for them to fit properly I need to fold them down and then back up again, which inverts the lovely "Celtic cuff."
Does anyone have a recommendation for a pair of quality hose that fit those of us kilties that aren't toweringly huge?

[davidg]

I have exactly the same problem. The answer is to shop around for different brands. Lewis hose are, I believe, made by House of Cheviot and they tend to be a little longer than most unless you can fit into their small size (5 to 7.5 shoe)

Try getting hose from House of Edgar which are not quite so long or try buying the cheaper brands from ebay. Once you find a manufacturer that fits you stick with them

[Spartan Tartan]

Being one that also comes in at a towering 5'7", I will be watching this thread for options.

[Tobus]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.



I really do wish, though, that they would make the length shorter when you order in smaller foot sizes. I don't know what makes them think that a guy who wears a small sock size would be 6' tall.

I have found that my best option is just to order custom made hose. They are pricy, but worth it because they fit perfectly.

[Dale Seago]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.

I think those are workin' for you just fine -- they're still well below the bottom of the knee. I'm 5'10', and that's exactly how mine look on me.

BTW, the spats look great!!

[Nick the DSM]

I'm 5'5" on a good day and I have the same problem. I just turn over twice and carry on, not many notice.

[Tobus]

Tobus -- Fantastic spats!!!!

BTW, the spats look great!!

Thanks guys! I actually took that picture for a different thread specifically on civilian spats. But it happened to be useful in this discussion too, for the hose themselves.

I'll be honest: I love playing with different hose and legwear looks (including garters, spats, and shoe combinations). Some people tend to buy lots of different kilts and don't pay much attention to the rest of the accessories. But I'm the kind of guy who only desires a couple of kilts, and prefers to be able to transform them into completely different looks by switching up the accessories. Kilt hose and jackets are what excite me. Sometimes it feels weird getting as excited as I do over a pair of socks, lol...

[Mickey]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.



I really do wish, though, that they would make the length shorter when you order in smaller foot sizes. I don't know what makes them think that a guy who wears a small sock size would be 6' tall.

I have found that my best option is just to order custom made hose. They are pricy, but worth it because they fit perfectly.

I am 5'7" too, and my Lewis' come just below the knee when folded at the seam. I like that, but I also wear a size 7 shoe. I need to do some hot water treatments on them, at least up to mid calf. It takes a lot of work to keep wrinkles out of them right now.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.

That is actually exactly how the Lewis hose are supposed to look/fit. I'd say you are wearing them perfectly! Looking good!

[creagdhubh]

That is actually exactly how the Lewis hose are supposed to look/fit. I'd say you are wearing them perfectly! Looking good!

I agree! They look perfect, Tobus!