Civilian Spats

**Tobus** · 28th September 11, 08:19 AM

Wow, Jaeson, I really dig those Gasolina spats. They would be perfect for converting a pair of regular shoes or boots into Ren-faire boots. Definitely nowhere near being historically accurate, and would be more in the "fantasy footwear" category, but still. They look like a fairly inexpensive option to buying full-fledged Ren-faire boots like everyone else wears.

**CMcG** · 28th September 11, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

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.

Originally Posted by Tobus

<snip>
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?

Nice find with that photo OC Richard, that's a perfect example of oldschool spats. I really like their outfits in general but, like Tobus, I'd like to know about their hats... anyone?

**Carl** · 28th September 11, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Dale-of-Cedars

I have been looking regularly for low spats on that auction site, but they are usually in sizes much too small for my size 12 to 13 shoes.

Argyle hose tops are so much less expensive than full hose, so I keep looking....

You can puchase brand new, high quality "low spats" at John helmer Haberdasher in Portland Oregon or online at http://www.johnhelmer.com/level.itml/icOid/296 I've made many puchases there over the years and can attest to the quality of their murchandise and level of their customer service. They can be rather spendy though so prepare your self.

**Tobus** · 26th October 11, 03:24 PM

Civilian spats!!!

These dove-grey civilian style spatterdashes came to me courtesy of CMcG. Thanks again, man! They were too small for him, and almost too small for me, but I made them work. As soon as I got them, I promptly broke both the leather straps trying to put them on (the leather was very old and cracked). It took me a while to find the time for this project, but I finally got around to replacing the leather straps with new ones I made from latigo leather.

Anyway, I have absolutely no idea where I will wear these, but I really like the look of them. Someone please tell me what the etiquette is on wearing spats with Highland attire. Is it OK for daywear? Casual? Formal? What?

The pics:

And a couple of extreme close-ups of them.

Outboard side:

Inboard side:

**CMcG** · 26th October 11, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Civilian spats!!!

These dove-grey civilian style spatterdashes came to me courtesy of CMcG. Thanks again, man! They were too small for him, and almost too small for me, but I made them work. As soon as I got them, I promptly broke both the leather straps trying to put them on (the leather was very old and cracked). It took me a while to find the time for this project, but I finally got around to replacing the leather straps with new ones I made from latigo leather.

Anyway, I have absolutely no idea where I will wear these, but I really like the look of them. Someone please tell me what the etiquette is on wearing spats with Highland attire. Is it OK for daywear? Casual? Formal? What?

It was my pleasure and I'm glad that they fit you. Good thing you were able to replace those vintage leather straps

They look great, I have to say! Judging by the old photos, they are more of a daywear thing. You could wear them with dressed up with a tweed jacket and tie too. For formal wear, a material like silk might seem more suitable.

I'm just guessing though. You're kind of out in historical traditional territory with those because people don't really wear them anymore...

**FatherWilliam57** · 26th October 11, 09:19 PM

I cannot answer your question concerning when and/or if appropriate to wear, but I like them! They compliment what you are wearing in the pictures nicely IMHO. Congratulations!

**Jock Scot** · 26th October 11, 10:04 PM

Very smart indeed Tobus. Those type of spats are supposed to be a very tight fit and if you have struggled to do up the buttons and still can, then that is how they should be. Now to make your life so much easier you need a button hook. Put the hook through the button hole, hitch the hook to the cotton behind the button and pull the button through the button hole. It does take away all that wrestling with those pesky buttons. Trust me, it does!

What is a button hook? Google it and go to images there are plenty to see. Your best option for your needs is one about 6 inches long. A nice Victorian/Edwardian one is a fine addition to ones dressing table, even if it is not often used these days. Although there is a modern use------my wife uses mine to pull up the zipper at the back of her dress if I am not about to assist!

**Tobus** · 27th October 11, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

It was my pleasure and I'm glad that they fit you. Good thing you were able to replace those vintage leather straps

They look great, I have to say! Judging by the old photos, they are more of a daywear thing. You could wear them with dressed up with a tweed jacket and tie too. For formal wear, a material like silk might seem more suitable.

I'm just guessing though. You're kind of out in historical traditional territory with those because people don't really wear them anymore...

You know, I figured them as daywear too. But when I took them over to the saddle shop to work on the leather straps, the old fellow who owns the shop looked at them and said, "Spats? Do you have a matching cummerbund to go with them?" That comment caught me off guard. It sounded like he has seen them worn formally (I assume with a tuxedo). I've never heard of such.

I was figuring they'd be most appropriate for wearing at a Highland Games or other outdoor event, although I don't want to necessarily make a spectacle of myself by wearing them if they're "over the top" for that.

Civilian spats may not fall under the realm of modern tradition, but I don't know if they are necessarily relegated to historical tradition either. At least, not in the sense of historical tradition that belted plaids and patterned hose fall under. As we have seen in this thread, civilian spats were somewhat commonplace well into the 20th century (perhaps around the 1930s?), which in my mind is when the modern traditions of Highland attire really started to take root. And as Jock Scot mentioned, he remembers his father wearing them (albeit not necessarily with a kilt). This would be, I'm guessing, around the 1940s.

So while spatterdashes may be quaint and a bit outdated, I am not really sure they should be relegated to the historical file just yet. Who knows... maybe some of us could bring them back into style if we try really hard?

Very smart indeed Tobus. Those type of spats are supposed to be a very tight fit and if you have struggled to do up the buttons and still can, then that is how they should be. Now to make your life so much easier you need a button hook. Put the hook through the button hole, hitch the hook to the cotton behind the button and pull the button through the button hole. It does take away all that wrestling with those pesky buttons. Trust me, it does!

What is a button hook? Google it and go to images there are plenty to see. Your best option for your needs is one about 6 inches long. A nice Victorian/Edwardian one is a fine addition to ones dressing table, even if it is not often used these days. Although there is a modern use------my wife uses mine to pull up the zipper at the back of her dress if I am not about to assist!

I will definitely look for one of those. Buttoning these up is quite a chore! Not only because they're so snug, but because it's on the outside of my foot, which is difficult to reach with any kind of leverage. A button hook sounds like just the thing I need!

**creagdhubh** · 27th October 11, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

You loose, as I never wear spats. So, let me suggest that you take the cost of a pair of spats (colour unimportant) which is about US $50, and add to that the US $10 that you've lost on this wager, and cut a check for US $60, made payable to The Wounded Warrior Project, and send it on to Matt Newsome at the Tartan Museum. I'll collect the cheque from Matt at the Greenville Scottish Games and pass it along to The Wounded Warrior Project, one of two charities that the games generously support (the other being the Erskine Hospital in Scotland).

Grand idea, Scott!!!

**creagdhubh** · 27th October 11, 06:04 AM

Tobus and CMcG,

The spats look wonderful! Well done! I especially like the colours with the brown brogues - very nice indeed. And even though I am not a spat kind of bloke, and would never wear them, I do find them quite smart and rather interesting. What colour are your House of Cheviot, Lewis style hose? Bison?

Cheers,