Hunting/Shooting socks vs. Kilt Hose

[O'Searcaigh]

Okay, this is probably a stupid question -- but it is one to which I don't know the answer. What is the difference, if any, between "knee high hunting/shooting socks" and "kilt hose?" Are they the same length? I have seen some hunting socks I like that I think would look great with my kilts but seem to remember someone saying they are longer than kilt hose -- or maybe I got that wrong too? Experts, help!

[Pipersson]

I am not an expert but as far as I know hunting socks are in fact longer because they are worn nearer to the knee usually worn with breeks so skin should not be seen...
But if you find a nice pair just try it out. With long legs...

Tom

[sailortats]

I have both kinds and yes, the shooting socks are longer but there is an easy solution to that. I start with the seam where the patterned top starts and pull that down over the leg of the sock about 2 inches. Then I fold the patterned top down over that. That way the top of the sock is no higher than on regular kilt hose.

[Grizzled Ian]

Good morning O'Searcaigh,
I have a couple of pairs of shooting hose that are longer than my kilt hose. In fact the seam where the cuff joins the sock is up over my knee, and the end of the cuff half-way up my thigh. Once they are neatly folded down, though, I have a substantial and pleasing cuff band that proclaims they will not fall down. They are House of Cheviot from Webury, before I came across the STM.
On the other hand, I've seen advertised classic welly socks, long enough for wellies, but they look too short to turn over a cuff. They need a separate cuff, or, as Panache suggests for thin soccer socks, another longer pair worn underneath to give a turnover.

[O'Searcaigh]

Thanks guys! That is very helpful, especially about just folding down the cuffs if too high. Actually, I have one pair of kilt socks that I have to do that with (not sure why they are so long) and I sometimes use "toppers" that have to be folded too. Not sure why I didn't think of that. Maybe too much concern about "what's correct?" That should work and if not, well I'll still have a great pair of shooting socks (as if I ever go hunting or shooting )

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Shooting socks are fairly easily adaptable to kilt wear, but they do tend to be a bit longer. I can only speak for the way House of Cheviot makes them. They actually use the same sock base as for their kilt hose, so there is no additional length in that regard, but attach a longer cuff than featured on their kilt hose.

Here is a photo of one of their Lewis kilt hose side by side with a Rannoch shooting sock.

A "Welly sock" (as sold by House of Cheviot at any rate) is simply the sock base without any cuff attached.