Wool kilt hose?

[Dustinml14]

When go to WWI Reenactments for the Blackwatch Regiment, I wear the pipers spats and khaki wool hose with the Red and white infantry tops, in my opinion, wool hose are more comfortable and keep your legs warmer, although in the long run, it's a matter of personal preference.

[Pleater]

In England the classic sock wool has 10 percent Nylon for the best, and 20 percent for thicker socks, and for hiking socks worn over thin cotton ones, the mix is usually 50/50 or even 60/40 Nylon to wool.

The Nylon is very long lasting and if darning becomes necessary the stitches can be remade by following the slender thread of nylon left behind when the wool has gone where ever it is that it goes to.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The kilt hose I own are mostly a Merino wool blend, but I do have some 100% wool, as well.

The 100% wool hose are great, and in general I prefer 10% wool for things such as my kilts and jackets. But I have no problem with a blend in hose. Here's why.

My 100% wool hose are not as comfortable. Not that I find them uncomfortable, mind you. But some people are more sensitive to wool than others. You may find them a bit itchy on your legs and feet, especially when they are new. I find that washing them with a bit of conditioner helps this a lot.

My 100% wool hose are hand wash only. Period. No exceptions. I hand wash them in cool water and allow they to dry flat.

By contrast, my wool blend hose are easier to care for. Different blends will have different qualities. I wear hose from House of Cheviot which are about 50% merino wool (very soft), and 50% man made fibers, mostly acrylic with some nylon. These are super soft and very comfy to wear. I machine wash them in cool water on the delicate (gentle) cycle. I let them air dry on a drying rack. And they do just fine. I've never had a problem with anything shrinking.

I mentioned that different blends will have different properties. I have in the past worn hose from other companies that were labelled as an 80% wool blend (the other 20% presumably being an acrylic/nylon mixture). They were advertised as machine washable. I washed them just as above, in cool water on the gentle cycle, and let them air dry. After a few washings they shrunk to the point where I could no longer wear them. So I would advocate hand washing anything you see labeled as an 80% wool blend, just from my experience.

[thescot]

Since you're going for a more casual, contemporary look--I think--I'd look for boot socks with a good bit of acrylic that will wick moisture from your feet and wear longer. We were issued wool socks in the USMC, but I guikcly learned that a blend or outright acrylic was easier on my feet and better overall for maintenance. boot sock makers know how to make socks that protect your feet.

All wool is more trouble to care for, but that's what I wear with a kilt--well, mostly. Like tulloch, I wear them into the shower, wash them there, and then hang them to dry. You'll ruin a very expensive pair of hose if you aren't careful with 100% wool. I have a pair of all acrylic, hand knit hose that I always liked, but they're white and I don't care for the look.