Flashes or Garters

[ScotFree]

I've been pondering the flashes vs. hand tie garters question and seek the rabble's opinion.

Are garters dressier than flashes?
Do you think they look better?
Do you think I'm obsessing over naught? OK not obsessing, but curious ...
Are they appropriate for casual wear?
Any questions about them I forgot to ask (LOL)?

I've done my concerted search, but due to lack of existence, or my ineptitude, I found nothing on the relative merits of either. So if this has been covered, I apologize in advance and would be grateful to be pointed in the right direction.

tapadh leibh

[Jock Scot]

If you like either, then wear them, if you don't, then don't. However they are handy to keep your kilt hose up and tidy
and some including me, on occasion, just use Post Office elastic bands with no flappy things(the flash componant) for that purpose. Some say the self tie garters are more comfortable than the elastic flashes, but in truth its down to personal choice.

In passing, somehow the idea has come about that the self tie garter is smarter and more traditional for kilt hose----historically accurate for sure, for long hose in general------, but all I can say is, flashes are worn far more commonly in Scotland with kilt hose and have done for a very long time---with the flash things not flapping about like redundant windsocks on a deserted airfield either. Just an inch/inch and a half poking out is just fine.

[English Bloke]

... but all I can say is, flashes are worn far more commonly in Scotland with kilt hose and have done for a very long time...

The only people I've seen wearing garter ties in Scotland, other than me, are Kiltlies who are members of this forum. They are not common. I wear both and neither as the mood takes. I probably wear flashes or neither more often but only 'cause it's quicker and I'm idle. I tend to lean towards solid colour flashes more than tartan although I also have several kilts with matching flashes .

... like redundant windsocks on a deserted airfield ...

Great analogy Jock...

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I would not say either one is more formal or appropriate than the other. They are both fine.

Myself, I wear the self-tie garters almost exclusively. My reasons are comfort, but also because the experience of tying my own garters seems somehow more "genuine" to me than using elastic. After all, I tie my own shoes, I tie my own neck tie, bow tie, etc. Tying my own garter knot seems to fall into the same category.

That's how I feel, I certainly don't look down upon anyone who prefer the elastic garters with flashes. They look smart, too. I recommend, though, a good solid color., and a quality woven ribbon. I have never liked the look of tartan garters, nor garters made from cheap-looking ribbon.

[Cecil]

Where is a good place to get these self tie garters? Just getting started I need all the help I can get. Thanks

[ScotFree]

Where is a good place to get these self tie garters? Just getting started I need all the help I can get. Thanks

One great source would be the Scottish Tartan Museum Gift Shop.

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/garter_ties.html

If you like the two tone fringed ones, I found them at ScotWeb, a listed vendor here on the site.

http://www.scotweb.co.uk/products/classic-garter-ties/

I like these a lot. I just recently ordered the green and mustard ones. They're great folks to deal with.

I've also ran across these, but I've never dealt with these people.

http://www.logsdailclassic.com/categ...Classic-Socks/

If I remember correctly, somebody was offering a pack of 4 colors in either bright modern or muted ancient tones, but I'll be goll darned if I can remember who. Perhaps somebody has a better memory than I.

[Sir William]

I would not say either one is more formal or appropriate than the other. They are both fine.

Myself, I wear the self-tie garters almost exclusively. My reasons are comfort, but also because the experience of tying my own garters seems somehow more "genuine" to me than using elastic. After all, I tie my own shoes, I tie my own neck tie, bow tie, etc. Tying my own garter knot seems to fall into the same category.

That's how I feel, I certainly don't look down upon anyone who prefer the elastic garters with flashes. They look smart, too. I recommend, though, a good solid color., and a quality woven ribbon. I have never liked the look of tartan garters, nor garters made from cheap-looking ribbon.

I'm in 100% agreement with Matt. I like the hand-tied garters and wear them almost exclusively for both casual and formal occasions.

[xman]

I would not say either one is more formal or appropriate than the other. They are both fine.

My sentiments exactly.

[brewerpaul]

Some here dont even care for flashes or ties. Myself I have both but prefer garter ties. Having big calves I make my own. I can mix colors and such and have them wearable with different kilt, kilt hose and shirt color combinations. My flashes match the tartans so occasionally I wear them. My preference is garter ties because I like the way they look. Here is the thread I had on the garter ties I make. Most are solid color but there are some that have multiple colors in the fringe.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ion-1-a-72059/

[guardsman]

thought ties could still have fabric flashes, silly me. I do think a bit of fabric under sock can set a kilt up nice, but rolled down socks and boots look good to , do what you like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!