Argyll Hose with Day Wear

[Jock Scot]

Well there is no doubt that there is historical precedent to back up the argument, but these days I think that argyll hose with tweed jackets could be considered rather on the more theatrical side and generally unnecessary and is rarely seen worn thus, by the locals, these days here. So I suppose, they are really considered to be in the historical category, but if you want to wear them, then its hardly a hanging offence.

Interestingly, argyll hose, or diced hose can and are worn with daywear. They are worn with the black barathea silver buttoned(BBSB) argyll jacket as morning coat equivalent for day weddings. Not for general wear of the kilted guests though, but for the members of the "first eleven" should they so choose.

In fact, I would have worn a pair of argyll hose for just such an occasion a few weeks ago, had I been able to fit them over my calves-------but that is another story entirely.

[Macman]

For me, argyll hose are formal wear. It's just the way I was brought up. If others like to wear them with tweed jackets, I won't get fussed about it. I like to pull mine on when I'm in formal rig, or, like Jock says, with a BBSB jacket for formal day wear. They are special to me and I don't like to wear them for non-formal occasions. But then, I'm the one who doesn't pull out the fine china very often, either.

[Nathan]

Thanks! I use "day wear" as a shorthand for "tweed Argyll + long tie aka informal day wear". I wasn't speaking about formal day wear or morning suit equivalent but Jock's clarification is useful and worth noting.

[Liam]

Thanks! As a point of clarification, I use "day wear" as a shorthand for "tweed Argyll + long tie aka informal day wear". I wasn't speaking about formal day wear or morning suit equivalent but the clarification is useful and worth noting.

I understood your meaning and use the term "formal" to include the "morning coat" day wear.

[Jock Scot]

I understood that as well, however, experience tells me to avoid ambiguity on these matters, particularly as some members are unaware that formal day wear even exists, or they think a black bow tie and accompanying evening attire is proper formal daywear, which of course it is not. These omissions can haunt one overtime, here.

[ASinclair]

I consider tartan hose and diced hose as part of formal wear. However, I think (like the Pirates' Code), our rules are more like guidelines. So if one chooses to wear tartan or diced hose with informal day wear, and it 'works', then it's personal flair.

[DyerStraits]

I consider tartan hose and diced hose as part of formal wear. However, I think (like the Pirates' Code), our rules are more like guidelines. So if one chooses to wear tartan or diced hose with informal day wear, and it 'works', then it's personal flair.

Aye, I'm with Allen and Liam. It's a more formal choice, and "formal implies "evening wear", but it depends on the occasion, and for the "right" type of day event, I say have at it. If it's a very "Gaelic-centric" occasion, e.g. St. Andrew's Day or Tartan Day, I do not hesitate to break out the Argyle hose. As mentioned elsewhere in this discussion, the Argyle Top hose from House Of Cheviot are an oherwise excellent, versatile compromise.

This is merely another instance of mastering the rules in order to (ponderously) break them, of which Highland Dress offers seemingly unending, uniquely challenging--and enjoyably debatable--opportunities, which in turn makes me, again, wish I had started kilting up long, long ago...

[Tomo]

If you don't feel comfortable wearing it - then it's probably the wrong option. Otherwise go for it.

Personally I'd reserve full argyle or diced hose for formal evening wear (not that I have any), plain for down the pub or at the match and either plain or patterned cuff for everything else. I think those worn by the Prince of Wales and IssacW are spot on for day wear and pretty versatile - I have something similar () but if you want to go with diced for day wear than something more muted like these in ancient green/blue might work:

[JohntheBiker]

Given the cost of made-to-order tartan hose, I can fully appreciate why one would be reluctant to wear them as daywear, or perhaps more accurately as daily wear. After wearing tartan hose, I dry clean them rather than washing them in order to preserve size shape and colour, so wearing them about is a not inexpensive proposition.

Aside from the practical consideration, there are lots of photos about with Mat Newsome wearing tartan hose with tweed and frankly it's a very sharp look - check out the photo gallery at New House Highland - http://www.newhousehighland.com/kilt_gallery.html

Would I do it, absolutely, but not often. I wouldn't consider it a highland fashion faux pas.

[CMcG]

I see diced/tartan/argyle hose for daywear—apart from with morning dress—as more historical than traditional.

For the aforementioned Chiefs it might be traditional because their fathers probably did it and they may very well have inherited the family hose. For others folks to do so seems more like an effort at revival of a historical style. This is a question of convention, which has generally and widely moved to plainer hose for daywear.

I don't think it would be a faux pas to wear fully patterned hose with tweedy daywear, but it can be a bit over the top. There's nothing wrong with it per se, and one might make a case for it being personal flair.... For someone who likes a little extra impact, patterned hose tops might be a better choice.

All that being said, diced/tartan/argyle hose for daywear is close enough and reasonable enough on the traditional-historical continuum that a revival might be possible