Frustrated by the Lewis Kilt Hose Colors

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Just to clarify a few points, in the HoC 2011 catalog, the Sandringham hose were offered in four shades; Aubergine, Heathland, Rustic and Goldcrest. I know that in the current year these color offerings will see some changes, but I'm waiting for the release of their 2012 catalog to know precisely what. In the meantime, there are some of these 2011 colors still available in Sanringham here.

The "bracken" color you mention is more of a marled moss green shade. I would not call it tan at all. It's available in the Rannoch hose, which you can order through any of the retailers listed here:
http://www.scottishkilthose.com/retail.php

I have to say that in my several years of dealing with HoC I have never seen a color in their offerings called "Otter." It could very well be a special color run they did for one of their shooting sock retailers in the UK. I'm not sure. But I can affirm that their standard color offerings in both the Harris and Skye hose are the same as for the Lewis hose.

Lastly, on the Orkney hose, these do come in Bison. I have not had any retailers in the US or Canada to carry these thus far. I think it is because these are more pricey hose, and they also required a 3 pair per size & color minimum order. However, in 2012, this is changing and retailers will now be able to order these singly, so perhaps you will see them offered more widely.

If anyone else has any questions about House of Cheviot offerings, please let me know and I'll be glad to help.

[ForresterModern]

Not doubting your knowledge of what HoC sells and has available to ship or order, Matt, but on page 4 of the 2011 Country Collection downloadable catalogue they list the Braemar style in "Otter" which to my eye appears tan. The Harris and Skye style do not list "Otter" in the Highland collection 2011 downloadable catalogue but do show up on the website in both styles---see the Skye listing below:

http://www.houseofcheviot.com/our-catalogue/mens/skye/

Maybe "shades" of things to come in 2012? (pardon the pun)

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Not doubting your knowledge of what HoC sells and has available to ship or order, Matt, but on page 4 of the 2011 Country Collection downloadable catalogue they list the Braemar style in "Otter" which to my eye appears tan. The Harris and Skye style do not list "Otter" in the Highland collection 2011 downloadable catalogue but do show up on the website in both styles---see the Skye listing below:

http://www.houseofcheviot.com/our-catalogue/mens/skye/

Maybe "shades" of things to come in 2012? (pardon the pun)

Sorry, that was my mistake. I was not thinking of HoC's chashmere offerings. Otter is indeed a color they offer in cashmere, and yes, they do a version of their Skye hose in cashmere, as well as the usual Merino wool blend.

I had their typical merino wool blends in mind when I wrote my previous post.
Matt

[fluter]

Orvis sell their shooting sock in a nice tan, although I am not sure if they will meet your needs as far as being hefty enough:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=7112

Thanks for the tip, Jeff. They are marked down from $29 to $19, and had a further 15 percent off last weekend. For $15 and change, I call them a real bargain. I also scored some black wool mid-calf socks that have a bit of heft, for which I've been on the lookout. My last pairs of heavy black ones have gone the way of the rag-bag.

The shooting stockings feel very nice: 90% wool, 10% nylon. They are definitely a cut above the Gaelic Themes colored hose. It would be hard to choose between these and the Lewis hose. I'll report back after a couple of wash cycles. It's not the softest merino wool I've felt, but probably will improve with a wash.

The "natural" color is just about what we're after, with a slight heathery look. They are long (as shooting stockings would be): this shows a double fold at the cuff.

OrvisShootingSocks by arcturus1997, on Flickr

Size medium is about right on my US 10 foot. A 16" calf is comfortable, and I think they'd be fine up to 17 inches. At the moment, medium and extra large in natural is what's available. Green and brown are also listed, perhaps they'll restock for the fall.

[crash]

Ron,
Have you tried Robert Pel? His hose are actually made by his dad on an antique sock knitting machine one pair at a time. Maybe he can do something for you.

Bob

[Riverkilt]

Aye, didn't someone mention that before? Bottom line - what I'm seeking is the wonderful Lewis kilt hose (fabric & style) in the color tan/khaki. I know there are other hose made in tans/khakis.....my love is for the Lewis kilt hose....my yearning is for a pair in tan/khaki rather than teal or pink....please....please....please....

[M. A. C. Newsome]

As a follow up to a few of my previous posts in this thread, I have had the Glenmore hose made up in the Bison color, and that stock has arrived. Here's a photo (the bison is on the lower left).


I had also mentioned that House of Cheviot's Orkney hose were also available in the Bison color. Here's a photo of a pair I just recently received.

[Riverkilt]

Nice color. I have two pair of the Lewis hose in bison and wear them often. Just still yearning for Lewis hose in tan/khaki.