Up or Down

[Sir Didymous]

Kilting at work is something that has been becoming more and more frequent for me. I've even been considering trying it as my normal work clothes. Unfortunately, T-shirt and kilt combo. Should I go this route, I need to make the big decision... Socks up with flashes/garter ties, socks scrunched down, or regular socks like what would be worn with shorts?

Note: Since we put about five miles on our feet on a slow day, I wear athletic shoes, not work boots.

[ratspike]

Since you're wearing a t-shirt and athletic shoes I'd stay far, far away from hose pulled up with flashes or garters. IMO it would look odd, and probably a little bit like trying too hard to be something it's not. Likewise I'd stay away from athletic socks, as a low top shoe and thin sock with a kilt looks unbalanced to me if you're not actually doing something athletic.

I think something like a chunkier mid-calf sock, or a not too thick pair of kilt hose, pushed down a bit would work great. T-shirt and kilt is what I wear to work every day. Now that it's warm I wear Tevas or Vibrams a lot, but most of the time it's hiking boots and lighter knee/over the knee socks that I scrunch down.

[Riverkilt]

I'm with ratspike. Summer, hot muggy in Baltimore, lose the hose and wear bare feet in sandals with the kilt. See on your page that you're a man of the cloth...seem like you can pretty much do what's comfy for you.

[mookien]

I'm with Bob on this one. With athletic shoes scrunch your socks down. Don't wear full-on Scottish hose. It's too much, they're too long, and they'll look out of place. Good luck. Post a pic sometime.

[Bruce Scott]

I think you could wear long socks -perhaps something thin rather than woolen kilt hose and maybe forego the flashes.

Highland game athletes are often seen in sport shoes and long socks.

[Tarheel]

I haven't tried tennis shoes or loafers with my kilts yet. Boots with socks that are pushed down (that would normally reach mid calf) feels right to me. The Highland athletes with tall, thinner hose have the look of accepted sports wear for the events. I will suggest socks that will work adding comfort and durability plus be kind to your feet.

[Geoff Withnell]

Scrunched is just not an option for me. I personally feel it just looks sloppy. If you don't want socks going that high, wear shorter socks.

[Jock Scot]

I wonder if the first question would be more inclusive if the "with" was changed to "with/without" flashes?

[The Q]

I wear long socks, all the time with Saxon clothing, I see no problem with wearing with kilts but for non formal occasions I would not wear flashes, but you might need something to keep the socks up.

[Pleater]

If you can find long cotton socks they seem to bridge the gap between totally casual and kilt hose.

I found some in mild colours, cream, grey, tan, and bought quite a few pairs which have been useful ever since. They are as long as kilt hose would be when folded over, but don't fold over.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: