Tartan Kilt Flashes..

[Mike S]

https://www.houseofcheviot.com/garter-ties

[Famous Willie]

Best thing to do is buy traditional wool garter ties that are already pre-made for that purpose. But if you don't want to spend that much on them, you can sort of fake it by going to the fabric store and looking for twill tape. It will usually be on a spool, somewhere on a shelf with ribbons and decorative trim items. If you can find 1" wide twill tape, then cut it around 36" length, fringe the ends and keep it from unraveling, it can work.

I never thought about buying them already made. I can check with the Scottish Store on Sunday I shop at, they are very accommodating there, and are really helpful with my questions.

Thank you

[Famous Willie]

https://www.houseofcheviot.com/garter-ties

Thanks for sending the link Mike..

[Benning Boy]

Fooled around with flashes in the beginning, but never wear them now, and have stripped the flashes from nearly all my garters, so now I have garters that will work no matter what other colors I might wear. As i develope as a kilter I find more and more ways to simplify, and worry less and less about what are actually trifling details, things of no importance whatsoever.

[John_Carrick]

I'm interested to hear Steve say that tartan flashes go back less than 20 years, because my first kilt in Edinburgh in 1987 came with them (Hector Russell) although I was told then to wear a plain tie.
I usually get them with a kilt but seldom wear them, preferring plain flashes as advised by other members of X Marks.
Quite often they come as standard but I would refuse to pay more than about £15 for them.
John

[Dollander]

Part of me is thinking that this post is a mistake. I should probably keep my figurative mouth shut and avoid these types of discussions, and just stick to seeking practical advice on kiltmaking and silently admiring members' pics. And yet, here I go...


One would think that a diverse community of kilt wearers from throughout the Anglosphere and beyond would have equally diverse opinions about various aspects of what to wear with it. So it boggles my mind a bit that certain seemingly common things are universally frowned upon, be it tartan flashes, rouched ties, white/cream hose, multiple crest badge accessories...or is there a silent majority who is either neutral about or even likes such things but keeps quiet for fear of not fitting in with the group?

Because personally, I like tartan flashes. I like how they look, plus they're fun to make, particularly finding the ideal portion of the tartan in the leftover fabric after I made my kilts; so no, I wasn't duped into buying them by an unscrupulous kiltmaker trying to squeeze as much money out of me as possible (another mentality I don't understand). I think that tartan accessories in general can indeed complement a kilt, rather than detract from it. And while we're at it, I don't understand why tartan accessories are "matchy-matchy" and over-the-top, but pairing one's kilt with a matching jacket and waistcoat is perfectly acceptable. For I tend to think that, with very few exceptions (such as McMurdo's Wildcat ensemble), it makes one look like a mock-Scottish version of a 70s game show host. Of course, that opinion may be colored by the fact that the first person I ever saw in a full tartan suit was Alan Cumming, so I assumed he was intentionally being flamboyant.

So really, if you want tartan flashes, get them. Wear them, and enjoy them. If you want to save them for special occasions, fine, or just do what I do and wear them every time you wear that particular kilt. I too like to keep it simple, but for me that means flashes that match my kilt, and hose that match my shirt or sweater in a color that complements it. Oh, and another faux pas I regularly commit is that I only scrunch my hose down during the hottest parts of July and August when it's too uncomfortable to have them up, no matter how casually I'm dressed...

[Liam]

Part of me is thinking that this post is a mistake. I should probably keep my figurative mouth shut and avoid these types of discussions, and just stick to seeking practical advice on kiltmaking and silently admiring members' pics. And yet, here I go...


One would think that a diverse community of kilt wearers from throughout the Anglosphere and beyond would have equally diverse opinions about various aspects of what to wear with it. So it boggles my mind a bit that certain seemingly common things are universally frowned upon, be it tartan flashes, rouched ties, white/cream hose, multiple crest badge accessories...or is there a silent majority who is either neutral about or even likes such things but keeps quiet for fear of not fitting in with the group?

Because personally, I like tartan flashes. I like how they look, plus they're fun to make, particularly finding the ideal portion of the tartan in the leftover fabric after I made my kilts; so no, I wasn't duped into buying them by an unscrupulous kiltmaker trying to squeeze as much money out of me as possible (another mentality I don't understand). I think that tartan accessories in general can indeed complement a kilt, rather than detract from it. And while we're at it, I don't understand why tartan accessories are "matchy-matchy" and over-the-top, but pairing one's kilt with a matching jacket and waistcoat is perfectly acceptable. For I tend to think that, with very few exceptions (such as McMurdo's Wildcat ensemble), it makes one look like a mock-Scottish version of a 70s game show host. Of course, that opinion may be colored by the fact that the first person I ever saw in a full tartan suit was Alan Cumming, so I assumed he was intentionally being flamboyant.

So really, if you want tartan flashes, get them. Wear them, and enjoy them. If you want to save them for special occasions, fine, or just do what I do and wear them every time you wear that particular kilt. I too like to keep it simple, but for me that means flashes that match my kilt, and hose that match my shirt or sweater in a color that complements it. Oh, and another faux pas I regularly commit is that I only scrunch my hose down during the hottest parts of July and August when it's too uncomfortable to have them up, no matter how casually I'm dressed...

Never be afraid to express your opinion here whether it is the popular opinion or not. My views are similar to yours. Some love matchy/matchy some shun it. I am somewhat in between as it appears you are. Boy I scrunched my socks once and didn't like it. Some are colour blind and would have no idea if something matched or didn't ans some don't care.
In the hottest of weather cotton socks are the answer for me.
Slainte

[Stoff]

And to stick my oar in the water. I live on the coast of NC, USA; in one of the few counties that is both in a "Wind and Water High Hazard Area" and "Hot Humid Zone" for construction regulation. In the summer we regularly have highs in the high 90's Fahrenheit with a heat index well into the 100s this is all accompanied with a humidity level well into the 90% range. I wear golf shirts and shorts for business casual (normal dress) with ankle height sock. I also wear these with my kilts and I am not above wearing a nice tee shirt with the casual kilts.

So I would say go with what you are comfortable with. Just my two cents worth.

Stoff

[Famous Willie]

The "Can of Worms" I've opened by only posing two Wee Questions., I have gotten some Great Ideas by reading all the comments. I do want to make my own Kilt Hose Garters. I've been online researching, and I think I know what I am going to use for Fabric. I have this Clan Farquharson Tartan Scarf the moths decided to visit. They put about 6 holes in the scarf. I was thinking of making my Hose Garters out of this old Scarf. I am not that Good with a Needle and a Thread, so will have to find someone who is to put a hem in the cut side. I think they would look good with the Black Hose...

My Kilt I am having made is a Casual Tartan Kilt. All wool, a 13 ounce, 5 yard.. I am told this kilt can be used for everyday use as well as Semi-Formal use.. I don't think I'd Gear it up with a Prince Charlie Jacket. But I could see me wearing it with a nice Day Jacket. But I do want to wear the Tartan Flashes with it on occasion.. Other times, I'll wear my Solid Colour Flashes...

Until the Farquharson Tartan Kilt arrives. I'll practise with my Utility Kilt. I don't do the Scrunched Socks and Boots or T's with it. I like to get in a nice shirt with one of my Tartan Neckties, if I am not wearing my Ghillie Shirt. and of course the Hose and Flashes. I also use my Sporran when I am out. I like having my Wallet in it. The Side Hanging Pockets on the Utility Kilt, I place my keys, cell phone and change.

[uncle remus]

if you plan to make your own garters you could get an inkle loom and weave your own designs. a little more work but they would be unique.