Favourite hose (style/make, not colour)

**imbrius** · 7th March 19, 06:55 AM

Since I now know, in general, what colours are likely to look nice with my new kilt, I wanted to ask everyone's opinion on their favourite hose and why they like them. I know there are lots of different styles out there and they all have their pros and cons (e.g. shooting socks are very long and often need extra turning, Sock Dreams boot socks weren't designed for turnover wear, etc.). I think it's pretty clear that House of Cheviot is the gold standard of kilt hose but even they have many different styles and options and I'd like to hear why people like what they like.

**Father Bill** · 7th March 19, 07:32 AM

My favourites are cable-knit. I have a darkish green pair and also a bison pair which I wear less often.

They show better in use in these photos:

Beyond that, I have a very simple pair of claret hose knit for me by a good friend and which go beautifully with the Sinclair Hunting kilt.

**Tomo** · 7th March 19, 07:33 AM

I tend to find House of Cheviot a bit on the chunky side - esp the turnover - and with rugby players legs and 18'' calves not a great look for me. Also a bit on the long side. I have a pair I bought years ago, good quality - but I hardly ever wear them.

I'm not a fan of shooting socks as - well they are shooting socks, maybe OK with plus fours (if that's your thing) but not my cup of tea. Although I do like patterned cuffs - take a look at the various styles Prince Charles uses for daywear.

I recently bought some plain coloured hose from Lochcarron - these are nice and light (not too thick or chunky) and a great fit overall, not to loose, not too tight and perfect length - definitely in the Goldilocks zone with these - and a great price too at less than £20.

My favourite pair are from Anne Stewart Knitwear - custom made so a perfect fit and toned to match my kilt - I have another pair on order, should be ready tomorrow.

**McMurdo** · 7th March 19, 08:00 AM

The longer I wear the kilt the more I appreciate hand knit hose. I have several pair that were handed down to me from my partner's grandfather, but for something you can get commercially I would suggest Janette Murray. They are not cheap but they are worth it. I think Rocky at USA Kilts carries them. Below is the review of my pair.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-murray-89475/

**MacCathmhaoil** · 7th March 19, 08:19 AM

Personally I’m a big fan of the House of Cheviot Lewis hose for both their quality and look. Recently I purchased a pair of these H.o.C. hose,
https://www.burnetts-struth.com/medi...avy-full-hose/
they are very nice for a formal event and at an exceptional price!

I also have a couple of pairs of chessboard hose frown Wendy Keith Designs that are very well made and extremely comfortable to wear.

There are a number of cheaper hose on the market than you’ll find from these two suppliers but I find they don’t look nearly as nice and they don’t last!

**imbrius** · 7th March 19, 09:20 AM

How about HoC Lewis (45USD per pair) and HoC Glencoe (24USD per pair). The Lewis looks nicer in the online photos but what's really the difference there?

**ShaunMaxwell** · 7th March 19, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by imbrius

How about HoC Lewis (45USD per pair) and HoC Glencoe (24USD per pair). The Lewis looks nicer in the online photos but what's really the difference there?

I can't speak to the HoC Glencoe, but I, too, am a big fan of the HoC Lewis and Rannoch hose, which are very similar to the Lewis hose but available in different colors (https://www.houseofcheviot.com/catal...q=rannoch+mens).

I also love the handknit hose from USA Kilts (https://www.usakilts.com/hand-knit-hose.html). They're pricey, but very nice. I only wish they were available in more colors!

Cheers,

SM

**Tobus** · 7th March 19, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by Tomo

I tend to find House of Cheviot a bit on the chunky side - esp the turnover - and with rugby players legs and 18'' calves not a great look for me.

I am on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I find HoC hose to be not quite a chunky as I prefer. I have 14" calves that look like skinny bird legs if I wear hose on the thinner side. So I prefer something much thicker, meaning hand-knit.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 7th March 19, 02:44 PM

Tobus, I am also cursed with skinny legs. My father frequently commented on the fact that the coffee table had better legs for a kilt than I..... I do love the chunky hand knit type and expect I’ll pick up a pair sooner than later. In the meantime I’ll continue to attend the local Highland games with a friend whose legs are even more spindly than mine, it’s cheaper!

**Tarheel** · 7th March 19, 02:50 PM

I just had to add this to my comment. I am glad I didn't inherit my dad's legs. His legs look like he was cross-bred with a tarantula. The thinner SockDream's hose I have (several pairs) would show long tendrils protruding if my leg hair was as long and thick as his.

The Lewis hose I recently got from Steve are just perfect for me. The bulk is noticeable compared to the thinner socks but not uncomfortable (binding or extra roomy) when I wear them. The flashes secure them and I don't worry about slippage.

It comes down to temperature and humidity levels when I choose the hose each day.