Checkered Kilt Hose Etiquette?

[gilmore]

What a find.

They originated with the military, are often worn at formal events, rarely match the kilt and by convention don't have to at all, and are not usually worn with spats. It is the diced tops that are more often worn with spats.

[Livingston]

Wow $35

Congratulations!

Ya, what he said.

[Loss for words] wow [/loss for words]
Great deal there. Not often you can find kilt accessories for 90% off.

[Nervous Jock]

What a find.

They originated with the military, are often worn at formal events, rarely match the kilt and by convention don't have to at all, and are not usually worn with spats. It is the diced tops that are more often worn with spats.

More commonly known as "footless hose". The fact is diced hose would be worn with spats however footless hose evolved because heels toes and soles of hose wore out a damn sight faster than the legging element. As you can't see the foot under the spat it doesn't matter what you wear so you can be much more flexible particularly when it comes to repair.

[Pleater]

I make all sorts of clothing, I began some fifty years ago, and have been making things for sale for about fourty years now.

My general rule is that a thing should look right, no matter what the measurements or colour or fabric or yarn, if it looks out of place then the effort of making it is wasted.

The diced hose Matt wears with jacket and tie do not look 'over done' at all. In fact, to my eyes, they are entirely apt.

The Rules of Etiquette are usually regarded as guiding the novice to correct decisions and proper behavior, so as to enable them to fit into society easily. Society changes, and so do the rules, so what was written a hundred years ago should be carefully weighed before applying it to today.

There is also the fact that even though the term global village is common nowa days, there are different rules in different places.

I'd not think twice about wearing my tartan, plaid and checkered patterned kilts here in the south of England, but should I ever visit Scotland I'd not take them.

Isn't there a saying that rules were meant for the obedience of the simple and the guidance of the wise?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

More commonly known as "footless hose". The fact is diced hose would be worn with spats however footless hose evolved because heels toes and soles of hose wore out a damn sight faster than the legging element. As you can't see the foot under the spat it doesn't matter what you wear so you can be much more flexible particularly when it comes to repair.

Not quite right... Hose TOPS as they were called in the army, were developed because 19th century soldiers were issued several pair of thick wool socks for wear with their army issue boots but only one pair of "ho' tops". Cost was the factor and "ho' tops" were a cheap alternative to full length hose, as well as simplifying the Quartermaster General's task of supplying socks to an entire army.

I'm not sure when spats came into general use in the kilted regiments, but on the odd times I've gone on a shoot in my kilt I've found them useful in helping to keep my legs a bit dryer, as well as keeping burrs from getting caught in my hose.

[Nervous Jock]

Not quite right... Hose TOPS as they were called in the army,

I would disagree, this may have been the case initially but in my experience they are more commonly known as "footless hose" now unfortunately both my sets have been washed sufficent times to remove the details :-)

[Jack Daw]

What a find.

They originated with the military, are often worn at formal events, rarely match the kilt and by convention don't have to at all, and are not usually worn with spats. It is the diced tops that are more often worn with spats.

Spot on, Gilmore. I have three pair - black-and-red, red-and-white, and off white-and-red castellated diced hose. The important thing is not whether they match, but whether they get the ladies' attention. Answer: They do. I generally wear them as a piper and with the tartan kilt that the military matches.