A Different take on White Kilt Hose

[ThistleDown]

He insisted that white hose and Gillies are what Scots wear for formal occasions - weddings, funerals, Sunday services, etc. When I commented that neither Rothesay nor the Clan Chiefs have been photographed with white but rather diced or Argyle, and rarely Gillies, he said "We don't care what Rothesay or the chiefs wear; we all wear white. What's going on?"

Not much, FB. I think the man was finding justification for his costume selection. I suspect, too, that he made his statement because you asked about his white hose.

Having said that, there are many Scots -- even Highlanders -- who wear white hose when they are kilted for those special occasions you noted. There are even some who wear white socks when they are not kilted. There was a time when white hose with the kilt and white socks with trousers was de rigueur in the Lowlands, and perhaps that was the reason for the recent slop-over into the Highlands. Today it is simply a matter of choice whether we want to adhere to tradition, with the kilt-hire mandate, or move on in today's tentative fashion world.

Edit: I must admit that I *shudder* to think of gillie brogues without hose, if we are headed in that direction.