How Formal Are Garter Ties?

[Kilted Jeeper]

I see that Matt is offering garter ties, are there any other reputable folks out there who offer these? I tried in vain to find a pair at the Highland Games in Oakbrook two weekends ago. I'd certainly like to give them a try, they look infinately more comfortable than elastic cutting into my leg, and the fact that they are more traditional is good too.

I got mine handmade from Big Mikey for a very reasonable price and I love them. I never wear the flashes anymore.

[MacMillans son]

Like Riverkilt, I do enjoy this site!

And, not long ago I had wondered the same thing as the OP, but didn't have a current function to attend that warranted asking it.

However, it is fascinating to me how trends change over time and then become the accepted practice.

As Cygnus pointed out, if flashes are just representations of original garter ties, then what we are discussing is if the original style is formal enough, or whether the imitation version is more formal. I don't know the actual history of the development of flashes, but assume someone thought they were a "cleaner more modern" adaptation of a traditional tie.

When I fast forward this tape, I fear this same discussion being had with wool tartan kilts vs. canvas kilt like garments.

"I am going to a formal affair this weekend, and am wondering; Is it ok to wear my wool tartan kilt, or is my canvas Utilithing considered more formal"

Oh save us from that day!

[gilmore]

I like the comfort of garter ties, as well as that they are usually in a single color and can thus can go well with several different hose and kilts. However, I found them to be too expensive for my budget. So I went to the local fabric store, Hancock's, I think it was, and bought lengths of cotton"tape" or whatever they call it that is used, I THINK, for strengthening seams. It's the same width as garter ties. I cut it to the desired lengths, frayed the ends and sewed them so they don't unravel further. I found that the recommended knot, a miller's knot, I believe it's called, slipped loose often during the day, so I use a windsor knot, as for neckties. It takes a bit more length, but is more secure, and much easier to adjust, if needed.

[wildrover]

Whatever holds your socks up, mate.

I will admit to using "other things" to hold up my socks, before I had garters of any sort...most notably, waxed yellow linen thread from the pipe case. It did the job.

infinitely more comfortable than elastic cutting into my leg

That's why I wear them vs the elastic version.

The elastic band will not dig into your leg and cause discomfort if it is adjusted correctly from the moment they are put on.

The ones I got from STM don't adjust far enough for my legs...just sayin'...YMMV.

I have seen interesting styles of various traditional garters, particularly worn by Scottish Regiments, that are very ornate with superb looking knots and elongated "tails", most of which tend to look like they were made of either silk, wool, or grosgrain. These style of garters did not have the fringed/loose ends, rather a more "finished" look, similar to the style of modern flashes.

If you find a source for those, post up! I'd like something more "finished" as well, vs the fringed ends, for evening wear...not that I think the fringed end version are too casual or anything, tho.

At any rate, you can see from the following picture that the traditional, fringed-end wool garters are quite formal. I also wear them for piping.

Example:

Say it with me: "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" The brisk uphill breeze was almost as good as Gold Bond.

For the record, my socks didn't fall down all day, and I have the tan line to prove it.

I assume you all got that "quite formal" was a joke ;). They are quite multipurpose, as is the kilt, and as are off-white hose!

-Sean

[artificer]

...
Example:

Say it with me: "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" The brisk uphill breeze was almost as good as Gold Bond.

For the record, my socks didn't fall down all day, and I have the tan line to prove it.

I assume you all got that "quite formal" was a joke ;). They are quite multipurpose, as is the kilt, and as are off-white hose!

-Sean

Great shot, and hilarious comparison to Gold Bond!