Silk flashes/ties for formal dress - any validity?

[CypherMagnum]

Hello rabble! I've got a question to ask for those with some background in THCD. I've seen in a number of places (Black Tie Guide being one) the mention of "Silk Flashes or Garter Ties" being the standard for semi-formal or formal dress. I've never once seen silk flashes or ties offered by modern kiltmakers, nor seen them worn at any of the formal functions I've attended (solid woolen flashes, usually red, or tartan flashes seem to prevail).

Does this have any validity as far as THCD is concerned? Has anyone had any experience in the field either seeing such an animal, or better yet, personal experience wearing them? Would such have been done only in a bygone time, or only by a certain class? My curiosity has been piqued.

-Caleb

[lschwartz]

Hello rabble! I've got a question to ask for those with some background in THCD. I've seen in a number of places (Black Tie Guide being one) the mention of "Silk Flashes or Garter Ties" being the standard for semi-formal or formal dress. I've never once seen silk flashes or ties offered by modern kiltmakers, nor seen them worn at any of the formal functions I've attended (solid woolen flashes, usually red, or tartan flashes seem to prevail).

Does this have any validity as far as THCD is concerned? Has anyone had any experience in the field either seeing such an animal, or better yet, personal experience wearing them? Would such have been done only in a bygone time, or only by a certain class? My curiosity has been piqued.

-Caleb

It may have been done when kilted attire was more commonplace, and those who could afford it might have had some tartan woven in silk for their use. But, I think it might be more a function of kiltmakers or hire firms wanting to sell silk flashes that they stock in a few solid colors. But, that is just my two cents which decreases in value as soon as I say something.

Larry

[Steve Ashton]

Silk is a very nice fabric. Soft, 'Silky' and strong lengthwise. But it is a very delicate fabric. It is very prone to deterioration, It rots unless kept meticulously clean. I don't feel that Silk would make very good garters whos purpose is to be strong yet flexible and last more than one or two wearings.

Garters have usually been made from a strip that would last a long time under quite adverse conditions.

[CypherMagnum]

Larry and Steve, thank you both for your answers. Makes good sense to me (especially about the fragility of the silk). I could perhaps see this done as Flashes, where the fabric isn't anything more than a decoration on a elastic or otherwise durable, hidden garter - but as self ties, I can't see this being done on the regular.

I think I'll stick with my Cheviot self-ties

[Steve Ashton]

Heck, learn to knit and make you own. Make what ever color, pattern or style you want.

[Steve Ashton]

Or learn to weave on an Inkle loom. Inexpensive (You can make you own) and fun. You can set an Inkle loom up almost anywhere.

[Tarheel]

Great question and observations on using silk as flashes and garter ties. Silk flashes would certainly be one's finest show piece and not an everyday item.

I lean more toward durable and elegant flashes with cloth of a better thread count or woven (as illustrated with small looms) for wool color and pattern of my own choosing.

[Lady Grey]

Silk yarn is a delight to knit with and would make lovely tied garters...however like all silk it is slippery so I’m not sure how the knots would hold?
So I would look for a silk blend yarn to knit or weave.

[Hirsty]

I was given some silk flashes to wear at a wedding and satin for another. I only wore each pair once, due to colour and that I much prefer my flashes that match my tartan. Also, they were out of place - they didn't match up with anything else on my outfit.

[MacRobert's Reply]

I have and wear flashes made of black grosian silk but only with formal evening dress.