Civilian Spats

[CMcG]

I could be wrong, but I would think spats were originally intended to keep the hose from getting wet or snagged when walking through the countryside, since roads were not very well developed in the Highlands back then. Nothing more than a utilitarian function.

As roads and transportation became more modern, the use of spats went away. Some people clung to them out of a sense of tradition, but that eventually waned.
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This sounds like a plausible reason for the use and eventual disappearance of higher cut gaiters, especially in the countryside. And you would know their value, given your personal experience with them!

Just my 2 cents, but I'd put the ubiquity of spats among the well-heeled in the 18th and 19th centuries (and their extinction in the 20th,) down to one cause; the amount of horse manure in city streets (and we think we have 'vehicle exhaust' problems!)

The cost of replacing/cleaning spats would be so much less than than replacing/cleaning shoes that got a load of exhaust down in the laces, tongue and ankle areas.

Another plausible answer. Your categorization of "exhaust" is priceless!

I like the look of Spats myself. I think that they can look very sharp, and plan to wear a pair at my wedding.

I am sure it can be done and done well by a large number of people here.

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I personally love the look, and don't mind the hassle of lacing up gaiters or leggings. I wish they would come back into style.

As for a spats/gaiters revival, there are indeed a few people who wear them. Definitely not THCD, though I find it interesting that spats are sort of extinct but other aspects of historical Highland attire have survived to become traditional. The sgian dubh and full mask sporran come to mind as being very old school and yet still current.


We have already seen The Thirsty Viking's style but I rounded up a couple other pics through Google.

Fellow Xmarker Casper:



A chap who got married in his Utilikilt: