How many kilted are there?

[dea3369]

White hose are typically sold to first-time kilt buyers/renters. They usually "go with everything," according to the salesmen in the shops. There is nothing inherently 'wrong' with white hose but they look a bit odd to my eye so I personally avoid them, as do many of the rabble.

I understand/know that many around here tend to avoid the white/cream/off-white hose. Does anybody know how this came about? The conspiracy theorists among us newbies might think this is a way to mark the rookies. You know, like not removing the basting on a new kilt or wearing the pleats in front or, heaven forbid, wearing undergarments with the kilt.

So, why is the white/cream/off-white/ecru hose a fashion faux pas?

[TheOfficialBren]

I, myself, am still pretty new to kilting but I will offer what I have gleaned from the rabble. More experienced chaps, feel free to correct any errors on my part.

1) Undergarments are your own choice. In the regiments they were not worn historically. In modern society they have hygenic advantages.

2) White/cream hose are generally the cheapest and white is regarded as a blank pallate so *technically* they go with everything. Kilt Hire shoppes tend to want to keep their overhead down and invented the idea that white hose are proper. Pipe bands often choose white or black hose for their uniforms. The truth is that ,any colours and styles have been popular and are traditional, from castellated hose to Argyle to tartan to plain colours to shooting socks. Wear what feels best for you...but if you choose white be prepared for questions about which pipe band you might be playing with.

There are several whole threads devoted to these two topics.

[JonathanB]

I think white hose look good. And mine cost the same as my black ones. And we wash the white laundry less often than the socks, so they have rarity value in this household.

I've C18 pictures of chiefs in tartan hose. Looks a bit OTT to my mind, so I'll stick with plain colours but with variety.

[TheOfficialBren]

I wear Lovat Blue and Charcoal. I see some Bison and Bottle Green in my future.

[JonathanB]

You refer to hose colours, Bren?

This is practice at previewing posts.

[mookien]

Oh Don't give up on me! These are just mere hiccups. I have been waiting years for my Lamont tartan kilt what's a few more months ... and I am going to finish my xkilt this week so I can wear it to RKilts open house on Saturday evening. I shall continue to be Rabble-ious! ...

Way to go, plaid preacher! Keep on kiltin' on. Good luck on your Lamont and you xkilt. Post some pictures, when you can.

[Zardoz]

I guess there's no topic here so interesting that it can't be derailed by white socks

[mookien]

I think white hose look good. ...

JonathanB,

Me too! As some folks far more experienced and knowledgeable than me have written, white is just another color. Wear it for any reason that suits you. Below is a pic of me in my Duncan Ancient casual from B&S with white hose, ... and my Artificer sporran.
.

.
Of course, lots of folks on the forum wouldn't be caught dead in white hose. That's OK, too.

JohnB (mookien)

[mookien]

I guess there's no topic here so interesting that it can't be derailed by white socks

I think white socks are entirely relevant to the OP. I just have no eathly idea how to argue that point.

But, it did give me a chance to post a pick, ... in white socks.

[MNlad]

Mookien, those socks go great with that sweater. As for being caught dead in anything, I hope that's still a ways off.