What to wear under the kilt

**Iain Robb** · 22nd February 08, 05:48 AM

OK, for going to the Highland Games this weekend, I've got my new Stillwater Standard Black Watch, and Lovat blue hose, and Lovat-blue-ish casual shirt (you might call it a camp shirt or fishing shirt).

But I'm not sure what to wear under my kilt. I'd like to wear my hiking boots, since they'll keep my feet comfortable while I'm walking around most of the day. What do you think?

I'm also torn between letting my hose "relax" and wearing my flashes. Will the flashes look too formal to use with hiking boots?

Sorry, guys, I just cannot bear the thought of wearing nothing under my kilt. My feet are too pale and tender for that.

**beowulf67** · 22nd February 08, 06:16 AM

If you're going to be on your feet all day, and you will be at the Games, wear what is comfortable.
As for the flashes, I've seen and worn my hose up with flashes or down relaxed and think either looks fine.

Mostly just enjoy!!!

**Chef** · 22nd February 08, 06:29 AM

Certainly either is acceptable but it is generally considered that hose look better with boots if they are scrunched down, particularly if you are dressed casually otherwise. You can always take the garters along so you can pull the hose up if it gets cool.

**elrond** · 22nd February 08, 06:33 AM

I think that hinking boots are ok!
Owing to my opinions flashes are not too formal with the boots.
I would use garter flashes. You can always put them away and "relax" your hose if youìre tired to feel the elastic band against your leg.

Have a nice Week End!

**Jack Daw** · 22nd February 08, 06:37 AM

Actually, hiking boots are my preference for informal wear with the kilt...especially outdoors. When I'm done with my piping competitions, I always change out of my brogues and into the boots. I have always worn my flashes and long hose with the hiking boots, too, but I'm thinking of doing the scrunched thing as long as it is not cold.

**McClef** · 22nd February 08, 06:49 AM

When I saw the title I thought it was going to be yet another regimental thread!

Hiking boots should look fine with flashes providing the hose is pulled up but should you decide to scrunch them then do remember to remove then or they will look out of place.

**thescot** · 22nd February 08, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Chef

Certainly either is acceptable but it is generally considered that hose look better with boots if they are scrunched down, particularly if you are dressed casually otherwise.

OK, I'll catch it now.

Being on the outside of this one, I personally do not care for the look of scrunched down hose. It doesn't offend me to see someone else wearing theirs that way, but I never do. Maybe it's because I am old. On me it looks a little slovenly and like someone trying to mimic the kids' styles. I see the goths and punks wearing their clothes like that, and I am far too old for the look. Aside from the fact that I am much more conservative in my personal choices than most.

And I don't think the garters look dressy--see WWI Highlanders in the trenches; not very dressy. Especially if you wear very un-dressy garters in a soft wool, never ribbon.

I have worn mine up, gartered, and with an extra pair of like colored socks folded down to the boot which tends to give a more casual look. It also adds padding for real hiking. There's a very similar picture in So You're Going to Wear... of a fellow with a backpack wearing his sock and hose like that. It's a pretty snazzy look, yet still casual.

But, to each his own. I may be a kilt snob

, but I am not the kilt police.