How to wear Hose Tops?

[Buckskin]

There seams to bean opinion that diced hose are only for formal wear. Yet, it has been stated many times on this forum, that diced hose were historically worn as day wear.
As to Tops vs full diced hose? For the difference in price, I'd buy the full hose and be done with it.

But, I'll agree with you that the boot would work.

[Nervous Jock]

Thought an image would help.





Davis

With all due respect I'd say there is too much hose above the spats, however to be fair they may be not be footless hose

[cloves]

the thing is....hose tops are generally worn by pipe bands, or soldiers. Bearing in mind that they do ALOT more walking around in their fancy socks than the average person, the fact that they are only the "tops" of socks saves them money due to the fact they may not have to replace them as often, when toes or heels wear out.....since tops have none! get it?!

[Chefdave]

Another topic that seems to come up regularly. I have suggested previously that they might look good with taller combat/logger type boots (8-10"). So far no one has commented on this idea, nor has anyone posted any photos.

I've done it (and even posted up some photos awhile back). I fold the tops of the underhose over them though. I think it looks OK (only problem is the white of the dice and the cream of the hose don't exactly match) and also provides an extra layer of insulation on the legs when it's cold out.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

AAUGH!


Scottish Legwarmers.


Flashbacks to "Flash Dance"! (Where is RetroRed when you need him?)


Seriously, though, a definite reminder of Scottish thrift.

Be well,

[Chefdave]

Flashbacks to "Flash Dance"!

I'm a maniac, a maniac and I live in a cold climate.

Forgive my transgressions.

[Good Egg]

Hose tops are worn in the British Army with spats or high leg combat boots. They used to be worn with puttees or gaiters and ankle boots.

I've seen people wearing them casually with high leg boots like the magnum hi-tech although this look did not work for me. I've also seen them worn with ankle walking boots where the socks have been folded over in lie of gaiters or puttees - this looked fine to me.

[lickstone]

What did you find out about the old fashion way of wearing them?

I've seen these for sale on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=260354341717

How do you wear these? With short white or red socks? Is this an old-fashioned way to get the look of diced hose, or a recent innovation?
Cheers,
John

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'm not sure what you mean by "the old fashioned way" of wearing hose tops. Hose tops were developed by the military for issue to soldiers in kilted regiments back in the 19th century. They were worn in conjunction with army issue boots (which just covered the ankle), socks, and gaiters (or puttees).

The soldier put on his issue socks, which were grey or blue in colour, which rose several inches above his ankle, just like modern crewe socks. He then pulled the hose tops on, over the socks-- hose tops have no foot, and are basically just the leg of the hose. After putting on his boots, the soldier then put on his gaiters (or wrapped his puttess around his leg) which covered the join between his socks and the diced hose tops.

I hope that explains "the old fashioned" way of wearing them.

[pastorsteve]

GREAT information. I too wondered about the use of these tops. Thanks guys.