so this is what we've come to? (Prince Charlie)

[Father Bill]

This look, to me, far outclasses the professional model in the OP!

It's the handsome grey moustache that does it.

[JohntheBiker]

Grizzled goes well with anything.

Keep seeing how sharp the tartan waistcoats are and keep thinking that I really need one of those.

[creagdhubh]

This look, to me, far outclasses the professional model in the OP!

I agree! Very smart indeed!

[MacLowlife]

Well, as Tobus has pointed out you can try dying them. Last I looked a packet of Ritt dye was about $5 -- or roughly the cost of a cup of designer coffee at Starbucks. If you can afford the initial outlay (probably something in the neighborhood of a hundred bucks) I'd suggest you acquire a pair of tartan, argyle, or diced hose. I have four pair bought exactly 40 years ago, and they are as good as new. Because they will get less wear than your solid colour hose it well worth the investment. If you keep an eye out here on X-Marks diced, and sometimes argyle hose regularly turn up for sale, and usually for less than the cost of buying them new.

Scott, I will bet you a nickel Coke that you can't find a pair of new diced or tartan hose for under 100 GBP or $150 US. Inflation has gotten away from us again. On very rare occasion, I have seen Over The Calf argyle socks that can be worn as Dress Kilt Hose. Otherwise, it is either a matter of waiting and watching for good second hand ( "vintage" ) ones or saving a little longer. I agree entirely about the purchase being worthwhile.

[MacLowlife]

Scott, I will bet you a nickel Coke that you can't find a pair of new diced or tartan hose for under 100 GBP or $150 US. Inflation has gotten away from us again. On very rare occasion, I have seen Over The Calf argyle socks that can be worn as Dress Kilt Hose. Otherwise, it is either a matter of waiting and watching for good second hand ( "vintage" ) ones or saving a little longer. I agree entirely about the purchase being worthwhile.

I have just checked. J. Higgins sells diced hose for $60. They are probably not lifetime hose, but they are not $100, either, much less a hundred pounds.

[McMurdo]

I have just checked. J. Higgins sells diced hose for $60. They are probably not lifetime hose, but they are not $100, either, much less a hundred pounds.

I'd like to address this if I may, there are times when you simply get what you pay for. That being said The diced hose from the Scottish Tartan Museum are $110.00, and the Argyll hose are $140.00. In my opinion they are worth every penny, my diced pair look wonderful and were made for my feet. Now I have heard of the J. Higgins diced hose but have heard mixed reviews of them. It seems to me that if you purchased one pair from the Scottish Tartan Museum they would last longer than 2 pair from J. Higgins and you would be saving money. There are times when a bargain only seems like a bargain.

[creagdhubh]

I'd like to address this if I may, there are times when you simply get what you pay for. That being said The diced hose from the Scottish Tartan Museum are $110.00, and the Argyll hose are $140.00. In my opinion they are worth every penny, my diced pair look wonderful and were made for my feet. Now I have heard of the J. Higgins diced hose but have heard mixed reviews of them. It seems to me that if you purchased one pair from the Scottish Tartan Museum they would last longer than 2 pair from J. Higgins and you would be saving money. There are times when a bargain only seems like a bargain.

Well said, Glen.

[CMcG]

I'd like to address this if I may, there are times when you simply get what you pay for. That being said The diced hose from the Scottish Tartan Museum are $110.00, and the Argyll hose are $140.00. In my opinion they are worth every penny, my diced pair look wonderful and were made for my feet. Now I have heard of the J. Higgins diced hose but have heard mixed reviews of them. It seems to me that if you purchased one pair from the Scottish Tartan Museum they would last longer than 2 pair from J. Higgins and you would be saving money. There are times when a bargain only seems like a bargain.

I have a pair of secondhand J. Higgins diced hose that were gifted to me and they are decent. Considering how rarely I wear them, I would guess that they will probably last me a lifetime. I'm not saying the nicer hose from the STM aren't worth every penny, but rather that for people like me, there are options that offer better value.

And to bring this back to the OP, diced or tartan hose are good way of differentiating oneself when wearing a standard PC.

[MacLowlife]

I have a pair of secondhand J. Higgins diced hose that were gifted to me and they are decent. Considering how rarely I wear them, I would guess that they will probably last me a lifetime. I'm not saying the nicer hose from the STM aren't worth every penny, but rather that for people like me, there are options that offer better value.

And to bring this back to the OP, diced or tartan hose are good way of differentiating oneself when wearing a standard PC.

I have never seen the Higgins ones, but was surprised to find them priced so low. The description on their webpage indicates they are delicate. I expect that is seller-speak for "not very durable". And I expect the ones from the STM are a better value. However, we all need to remember, now and then we can't all afford to Go First Class. Sure, it is always worth it, but sometimes you have to make do with less. $150 hose and the like are a definite barrier to kilt wearing for many- and a strong incentive to rent and get the rental man's choice. Quality is always a good idea if you can afford it, but there are plenty of kiltwearers who have $150 in their entire dress outfits.

Again, I do not disagree with McMurdo or MoR: quality pays. But we were talking about distinguishing yourself. And one reason tartan hose ( or diced ones) are so distinctive is that many can't afford them. Those without money can spend energy and ingenuity instead, or maybe creativity and time. Lacking all of those, you are probably going to wind up looking like the gent in the OP.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have just checked. J. Higgins sells diced hose for $60. They are probably not lifetime hose, but they are not $100, either, much less a hundred pounds.

Next time I'm passing your way if you will supply the CocaCola, I'll supply the Meyers Rum. Definitely rhymes with yum.