Tartan hose vs plain hose

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I did a blog post on this topic a few years ago. You can real the whole post here, but here's a summary of my thoughts concerning the appropriateness of tartan hose during the day.

Fashions obviously have changed over time. Back when cadadh were the only hose worn, they were almost universally tartan, and worn day and night, formal and casual. When knit hose became more popular, so did solid colors. Knitting in a tartan pattern (Argyle hose) is obviously harder than knitting in one color, so tartan hose became less common. Though people still made the effort to acquire and wear tartan hose, more than likely due to the enduring popularity of the look of the cadadh.

By the time we get to 1901, Erskine (author of The Kilt and How to Wear It) says that tartan hose are for evening wear, except for "livery servants, pipers, or day fulll dress."

Fast forward to 1979 and Thompson (So You're Going to Wear the Kilt) says tartan hose are "for evening only" with no exceptions!

Jump again to 2001 and Martin (All About Your Kilt) reminds us, "The books say
that 'tartan' hose should not be worn during the daytime, without remembering that kilt hose were originally of tartan cloth, cut from the piece and worn all the time (cadadh)."

In other words, he sees no inherant reason why one couldn't wear tartan hose during the day. Nor do I.

I think one reason why tartan hose are most often seen for evening wear is that they do look fancier and are unquestionably the preferred hose for formal dress. That is not at issue here. The question is should they be worn only for formal evening wear.

Another factor that has been mentioned is cost. They generally do not come cheap, and most people will understandably reserve an expensive item like that for special occasions, meaning they will tend to use them only for formal dress.

But is any of this a reason to tell people they should not wear their tartan hose during the day? Not to my mind. While I can easily imagine casual day outfits where tartan hose would look horrible, I have also seen some people wear tartan hose during the day with much style and panache. I think they certainly can look nice with "day full dress" as Erskine described it.

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

Gentlemen,
All of you make me proud to be associated with such views and opinions. The caliber of knowledge is outstanding. If there is a question or theory expressed this is the place to go to. What idiot said "a little knowledge can be dangerous". I too abhor the knee socks pipe band look, it gives the impression of not giving a damn as to how one looks.

[Bugbear]

Actually, I don't knit, so never mind what I was saying.

One other thing, I was planning on adding a cuff to the cadidh, so they would not look like knee socks.

[JSFMACLJR]

Hi Timothy,

While I genearlly think tartan and diced hose should be left for the evening, a friend of mine from South Uist (who you may know) has been known to wear diced hose in the daytime, even at the Argyllshire Gathering. He almost always is impeccably dressed.



Best regards,
Sandford

[Larry124]

Hi Timothy,

While I genearlly think tartan and diced hose should be left for the evening, a friend of mine from South Uist (who you may know) has been known to wear diced hose in the daytime, even at the Argyllshire Gathering. He almost always is impeccably dressed.



Best regards,
Sandford

"...almost always..."
Wow. Different appreciation of style for sure. I view that outfit as mismatched and overly busy. Or is that what you meant?

[JSFMACLJR]

"Almost always" -- but perhaps not on that occasion...?

I think he looks very well dressed, actually, although I'm not a fan of plum coloured shirts!

[1MUNK3]

I like everything about the gentleman's outfit except for the plum shirt. Other than that it is quite right. I don't see a problem with wearing diced or tartan hose anytime really. I don't understand why people think their use (diced, tartan) should be so limited. I wish I saw more of it. I know cost is a limiting factor though and that's rather sad.

[macwilkin]

"...almost always..."
Wow. Different appreciation of style for sure. I view that outfit as mismatched and overly busy. Or is that what you meant?

Actually, "mismatched and overly busy" is quite correct for traditional Highland dress; see David Morier's contemporary painting of Highland clansmen at Culloden (with Jacobite prisoners serving as models) as an example of "mismatched" attire.

Personally, I rather like this gent's attire.

T.

[JSFMACLJR]

Actually, "mismatched and overly busy" is quite correct for traditional Highland dressT.

Exactly! That's what so many who have never spent time in the Highlands fail to grasp. Things just don't "have" to match.

[macwilkin]

Exactly! That's what so many who have never spent time in the Highlands fail to grasp. Things just don't "have" to match.

Bob Martin has a great discussion of "toning" patterns with Highland dress in All about your kilt. I've never been one for plain white dress shirts myself, so I enjoyed Martin's observations.

T.