How Formal Are Garter Ties?

[creagdhubh]

Garter ties are as formal as shoe laces. As David Pope has pointed out, they can be worn day or night, casual or formal.

Quite right Scott, but it seems like some traditional garter knots may be more ornate than others, thus making them more appropriate for more formal functions versus for ordinary day wear. Is this a reasonable observation in your opinion, or is it an incorrect perception on my part? Curious to hear what Rex, Sandy, and Jock think as well.

[Scott West]

For my part, I've worn predominantly traditional garter ties for approx. 8 months. I still very much enjoy my flashes due to their 'clean/sharp' appearance, and have a slowly filling drawer of colors from which to draw. Similar to previous posts I find wearing either garters or flashes, whether day or night, is entirely up to my whim. I ESPECIALLY like the subdued, tone-on-tone look which I wore one night for a nice dinner with friends. The gave repeated compliments on the combination of lovat green hose with bottle green garter ties which matched so well with my Buchanan Hunting Modern kilt (see my icon). I think a lady friend was actually jealous and said oddly "You're always so put together." I didn't know how to answer!

[creagdhubh]

For my part, I've worn predominantly traditional garter ties for approx. 8 months. I still very much enjoy my flashes due to their 'clean/sharp' appearance, and have a slowly filling drawer of colors from which to draw. Similar to previous posts I find wearing either garters or flashes, whether day or night, is entirely up to my whim. I ESPECIALLY like the subdued, tone-on-tone look which I wore one night for a nice dinner with friends. The gave repeated compliments on the combination of lovat green hose with bottle green garter ties which matched so well with my Buchanan Hunting Modern kilt (see my icon). I think a lady friend was actually jealous and said oddly "You're always so put together." I didn't know how to answer!

Well said Scott, thank you!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Quite right Scott, but it seems like some traditional garter knots may be more ornate than others, thus making them more appropriate for more formal functions versus for ordinary day wear. Is this a reasonable observation in your opinion, or is it an incorrect perception on my part? Curious to hear what Rex, Sandy, and Jock think as well.

Kyle, I'm not quite sure... personally I use a staple gun to hold my garter ties up.

[creagdhubh]

Kyle, I'm not quite sure... personally I use a staple gun to hold my garter ties up.

LOL!!! I love it!!!

[Cygnus]

I think a lady friend was actually jealous and said oddly "You're always so put together." I didn't know how to answer!

Must be the glue (or the staples)!

On a more serious note, for those that don't like the elastic inherent with flashes - aren't flashes simply imitations of ribbons that would be tied around the calf to hold the socks up? If it is only the feel you don't like, why not make your own garter ties with "flash-style" ends that emerge from the folded portion of your kilt hose?

[creagdhubh]

Must be the glue (or the staples)!

On a more serious note, for those that don't like the elastic inherent with flashes - aren't flashes simply imitations of ribbons that would be tied around the calf to hold the socks up? If it is only the feel you don't like, why not make your own garter ties with "flash-style" ends that emerge from the folded portion of your kilt hose?

Good point!

[Jock Scot]

Any style of garter tie, or plain flashes are fine for any occasion, if you like them. I can not, however, raise any enthusiasm for those dreadful tartan flashes, under any circumstance.

[artificer]

Any style of garter tie, or plain flashes are fine for any occasion, if you like them. I can not, however, raise any enthusiasm for those dreadful tartan flashes, under any circumstance.

Jock, I love starting the day with a laugh, and you just made my morning!

[sanddog28]

As I shop around for kilts and accessories, I find myself drawn more and more away from the "ribbon-style" flashes and toward traditional garter ties. I think I've arrived at the point that I wouldn't mind skipping the flashes altogether and including only garter ties in my wardrobe.

I found myself in the same situation after wearing strictly flashes for quite some time i purchased a pair of trellis hose from Matt and love not on the look but the comfort of the more traditional garter ties, now its simply a matter of collecting a few more solid pairs to wear with my regular hose.