Kilt hose questions

**The Barry** · 27th April 08, 09:55 AM

So, as I continue my quest to build my "uber-formal" kit, I think that it's time to consider hose.

I already have a pair of really nice hand sewn aran hose, but I've read that they are not actually suitable for evening formal wear. So, to avoid getting arrested by the kilt police, maybe I should just drop some cash into some tartan hose.

Here's my question, I've only seen a couple of places to get tartan hose, and at $200, I'd like to shop around just a bit, to see if there are more options out there. Also, do they have to be tartan hose? Is there any other options for evening formal hose? Can I still wear ghillies, or am I supposed to switch to some normal boring dress shoes?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

**ChattanCat** · 27th April 08, 10:03 AM

Hose can be solid or tartan. Off white, black, green are typical solid colors. I like ghillies or wing tips with dress outfits. I don't think it matters to the kilt police, as long as you don't mix and match tartan's

**The Barry** · 27th April 08, 10:25 AM

Off white, even for evening formal? I thought that the off white hose were for day wear.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 10:32 AM

Ghillies are fine for formal wear, as are buckle brouges, as for the hose themselves Argyll or Diced hose are both perfectly acceptable
The photo s are of my Argyll hose hand knit by Diane from Russet Lodge Custom Knits
http://russetlodgeknits.blogspot.com/
If you want another option talk to her

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 11:22 AM

I posted a thread on this a while back. Loads of options, but the tartan hose are the thing and US$ 200 is about the price you will pay to get them made.

You can go for quality dark solid hose, argyll hose (a less expensive option, especially if you can find them in colours that match your tartan), or the Tartan hose. Matt Newsome has some really nice solid hose.

The buckle brogues are also the thing. You can get them from Bugpiper for £75 and £22.80 shipping.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 11:38 AM

I lucked out with my buckle brouges I got them from ebay for 29 pounds they are Nicol Brothers kilties, but the buckle brouges I really lile are from Mackenzie Frain.

**DWFII** · 27th April 08, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I lucked out with my buckle brouges I got them from ebay for 29 pounds they are Nicol Brothers kilties, but the buckle brouges I really lile are from Mackenzie Frain.

If you're speaking of the Glenfinnan, it's a nice looking shoe, no question. But it's not really a buckle brogue or even a buckle shoe. It's a loafer with a rather useless ornamental buckle.

The Culloden is the only real buckle shoe at that site.

Technically, a brogue is a shoe that is "brogued," ie., it has edges and seams that have tiny, and not so tiny, holes punched along the edge. A brogue can be an oxford (vamp over) or a derby (vamp under) style.

The Ghillie brogue is a third and unique style but closely resembles a full cut oxford...at least in terms of construction.

The buckle brogue that Duke of Kircaldy linked to a in a previous post, is essentially a glorified Mary Jane (typically a woman's shoe). And the big buckle is ornamental there, as well.

**ForresterModern** · 27th April 08, 11:55 AM

Check out tartanweb for their tartan hose (I think they might be listed under dancers hose) but they come in at only about $120. Also if you do an exhaustive web search you can find a site that has closeouts for around $100 at one site but I cannnot find my bookmark right now and have to run for a flight.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 12:07 PM

My previous post was "Formal Hose--Loads of questions". One problem with tartan web is that the hose are really Argyll and you need to be able to match your tartan. Proper tartan hose does not come cheaply.

Fortunately, there are less expensive options until you make the splurge on tartan hose.

Hunt around for the buckle brogues. I have done business with Bugpiper and like him. Hence the recommendation.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by DWFII

If you're speaking of the Glenfinnan, it's a nice looking shoe, no question. But it's not really a buckle brogue or even a buckle shoe. It's a loafer with a rather useless ornamental buckle.

The Culloden is the only real buckle shoe at that site.

Be that as it may I have used the term "Buckle Brogue" for ease of use and yes I was talking about the Glenfinnan, a lovely looking shoe.