Civilian Spats

**Woodsheal** · 17th May 11, 07:33 AM

"Spats" is short for "spatterdashes" which are "half-gaiters" - abbreviated versions of the full-length gaiters worn by military men, and some civilians (especially sportsmen), to protect their hose from getting mangled and soiled while in the field, as well as to keep debris out of the shoes.

As the 18th C. wore on, the full-length gaiters tended to be replaced by the shorter "spatterdashes" for both military and civilians. Kilted Highland troops never wore the full-length gaiters as an issued part of their kit (though many "acquired" them for use in N. American forests!), but adopted the shoter "spats" in the latter 1700s....

You can purchase the black "spats" here, should you like to adopt the "look", or for forays into the underbrush:
http://www.gggodwin.com/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=24

**Tobus** · 17th May 11, 08:59 AM

Info like this is why I love this forum!

Using the term "spatterdash" in a Google search really opens up a lot of sources that I hadn't found using "spats".

Check this out: a modern company that specializes in spatterdashes. http://www.spatterdash.com/collections/men/spats

These are the low-cut variety, just barely covering the ankle. This is probably the best look for civilian spats, as evidenced in earlier pics posted in this thread of Scottish non-military gentlemen. It doesn't look like you're trying to emulate a regimental look. They have spats available in all kinds of colors, at a not-too-unreasonable price. Some examples below...

They will also do custom spats to your specifications.

**Jock Scot** · 17th May 11, 10:05 AM

TOBUS.

My father used to wear a pair like the top picture when out shooting as did many of that era and they were quite effective in keeping bits and pieces getting into the shoes. As they need to be snug fit to be effective, a button hook is VERY useful for doing up the buttons.

**chrisupyonder** · 17th May 11, 11:35 AM

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StraightRazorSlasher

Chris.

**McPherson** · 25th August 11, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

I know there are also a few members of the rabble who wear gaiters to protect their hose while hiking or out of personal preference... their comments and/or pictures are welcome too

Not spats, but I've got 3 pairs of gaiters that I wear depending on season or activity. I lived in a yurt for a little over 2 years and wore gaiters with my great kilt daily.

First pair (green) I made from a pair of US surplus wool trousers. I wear these during the summer and into the fall until I need to upgrade. Please excuse the self pic in the mirror. It was a rush job on another forum.

Next are a pair I made from a wool blanket. They are for winter/snow conditions. The last image also shows a pair of Mtn Hardwear gaiters that I wear for chainsawing or digging.

**OC Richard** · 2nd September 11, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Yes it's these that look most like the civilian spats one might wear with civilian Highland Dress back in the old days, in my opinion.

BTW the military spats worn by Highland regiments in the Napoleonic period were grey.

Sort of interesting that knee-high spats are a standard part of the traditional Galician folk costume.

This costume is very interesting. The kneebreeches have become short and end above the knee, the gap between the breeches and spats covered by thin white under-trousers.

These spats have decorative fuzzy balls at the toes; I've seen them with and without those.

Note the Galego dialect: single l rather than ll (Galego instead of Gallego), x instead of j (Xunta rather than Junta).

**OC Richard** · 28th September 11, 05:21 AM

just came across this photo...

What lovely check tweed jackets and waistcoats! Note the notched lapels to the waistcoats.

But there again are spats associated with Highland outdoor civilian dress.

**Tobus** · 28th September 11, 05:47 AM

Now that is an interesting photo, OC Richard. Do you know what year it was taken? I'm guessing somewhere between 1905 and 1910, but I could be way off.

It is indeed a great example of civilian Highlanders wearing spats.

However, I can't help but notice some other things going on there too. Nice solid-colour hose with no visible garter ties, which I sort of like. And the tweed jackets and waistcoats are very nice. But both of these fellows seem to be wearing their kilts a little longer than I was expecting. Looks like the bottom of the knee in length.

And I'm curious about their hats too. They aren't flat caps... but they both seem to have a check pattern on them. What do you call the style of the one on the right?

**Brock63** · 28th September 11, 06:14 AM

gaiters are without peer when wearing short boots in tall grass or snow or even in very loose gravel/rocks...it keeps the debris on outside where it belongs rather than working itself between your inner sole and foot and causing discomfort. I wear them if out hunting more than a day at a time and also when hiking....wore them a lot in military but not so much now. I think they have faded as more streets are paved, more walks are stone or concrete and people generally do not go outside in pastures or fields to ready their horses for riding or carriages or take the stroll across the pasture on the way to town or pub.....