Recommendations for Kilt Hose

[Livonian]

It seems that my current hose are ready to give out on me, having served admirably for seven months of near-daily use. They were "piper-style hose" from kiltrentalusa.com, and were a nice machine-washable (although they shrunk a bit) model. The only downside was that they were tight around the toe area,which doesn't help matters, as I am prone to developing ingrown toenails. Because of this, I am looking to replace them with more comfortable, and hopefully more durable hose.

I'm on a budget, but I'd rather have three pairs of durable, comfortable hose than numerous, less resilient ones. Wool content is no issue, and, if anything, I would be interested in fully synthetic hose for the lower cost, decreased insulation (I am almost always uncomfortably warm), and the "wear once and wash" ability. As for color, I am not averse to off-white, but would like the option for lovat blue or green to be worn with Saxon dress... Bottle green gets faded too quickly, as do other saturated colors like navy blue or charcoal. Pale colors, in my opinion, have the added bonus of framing the kilt when worn with a pale shirt, as I invariably do.

I have 19-inch gorilla calves and size 11.5 EEE feet, so stretch is my friend.

Any recommendations as far as make and model are appreciated, as I've yet to spot anything that seems very promising.

[Richrail]

I love the Glenbeg hose from Buyakilt.com very long and stretchy.
http://buyakilt.com/glenbeg-kilt-hose

[brewerpaul]

I love the Glenbeg hose from Buyakilt.com very long and stretchy.
http://buyakilt.com/glenbeg-kilt-hose

Ill be in Edinburgh in one month so I know where Im going for some kilt hose. Thanks for the link, I'll just wait and shop when I get there if they have a storefront.

[Tarheel]

I love the Glenbeg hose from Buyakilt.com very long and stretchy.

Thanks for the info. Livonian and the rest of us with "battleships for feet, and tree truck calves" need these shopping tidbits.

[IsaacW]

I have been building up a nice collection of hose over the past 15 years. I have to say that THE nicest, most comfortable, best looking, and long lasting hose I have are House of Cheviot. The are certainly not the cheapest, but their longevity and quality makes up for that price.!!

IW

[Mike S]

for House of Cheviot. Not the least expensive option, but worth every penny. They also have MANY styles and colors to choose from beyond what others offer.

I don't have big ankles and calves, but for those who do they offer special sizes to fit those who do.

[OC Richard]

the nicest, most comfortable, best looking, and longest lasting hose I have are House of Cheviot. The are certainly not the cheapest, but their longevity and quality makes up for that price.

I'll Second that!

Playing in Pipe Bands, I'm often the victim of the Piper Socks. At one Games the band handed out new socks to everyone at the start of the day; by the end of that day I had holes in the toes.

I splurged a couple years ago on a pair of lovely Ancient Blue hose by Cheviot and they're still good as new.

[Voussoir]

Just for comparison look at Delp Stockings. The heavy weight cotton are in 13 colors, machine washable, $12.00
Then you can hop over to Etsy and find some "boot cuffs" to really show off.

[Livonian]

Regarding the Delp Stockings product, how is the sizing? Would they fit a large calf?

[Voussoir]

Honestly, I knit my own hose, so I haven't purchased anyone else'. That said, The most common calf size I get requests for is 15"-17" with a wide variety of height. I would recommend that you call them and get an exact measurement both relaxed and stretched.