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.

[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.

[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!!!

[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!

[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!