Kilt Hose in the U.S.??

[Riverkilt]

I own a lot of kilt hose, and each pair seems hard won. Have learned to grab colors I need from vendors at Highland games when I can.

I realize that most companies/craftsmen in the U.S. who offer kilt hose can't afford to stock all the sizes and colors for fast delivery. Many times when I order through them I have to wait weeks for the kilt hose to be shipped from Scotland or from the Lochcarron warehouse in New England.

Gets kinda frustrating, but know its a specialty market.

Just wondering if I might be overlooking, or have missed, a U.S. vendor that stocks quality kilt hose in quantity...i.e. specifically serves that market?

Thanks for any help.

Ron

[NewKilt]

Ron,

I ordered 4 pair of kilt hose from the Scottish Tartans Museum, and as I recall it took no more than around 10 days, and that was because they were out of stock on oatmeal at the time I ordered. They said it would take 2-4 weeks due to the stockout, but that was not the case. You could always e-mail Matt Newsome in advance to see if what you want is in stock.

Darrell

[Zardoz]

I've had pretty good luck with J.Higgins; http://www.jhiggins.net/ I guess they don't have every possible color, but their prices are reasonable, and the service is great.

[Riverkilt]

Thanks New Kilt...ironically, I have some hose on order from Matt, and my size/color were not in stock, so I'm midway in a four week estimated wait for them.

Sometimes we get lucky....sometimes we wait.

Thanks Zardoz, will check what jhiggins has.

Would think if someone was going to invest in a large inventory of kilt hose to serve the market that they would advertise that fact very prominently. My guess is that the profit margin on kilt hose is nil and they are carried more in an effort to be of service than to make any money off of...hence the predominence of being drop shipped from overseas or from the stateside warehouse. But just guessing...'cause I don't know.

Ron

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Hey, Ron... your hose went out US Mail to you one day last week -- I think it was Thursday (I can check the shipping records when I get to work). Anyway, I just wanted to let you know they were on their way.

I don't know how other places do it, but in the summer months we try and keep a pretty good stock of kilt hose in the popular colors on hand in all sizes. We get a lot more walk-in traffic in the shop during the summer and fall. And this is also Highland Games season for most of the country. So we want to be able to have them ready to either pick up or ship out pretty quick (of course, this is no guarantee that someone couldn't have walked in and bought the last pair in the size and color you wanted 5 minutes before you ordered yours!).

But in the winter we don't stock near as many. Our walk-in traffic is way down, and after Christmas our mail order slacks off somewhat, as well. And we are operating under a much tighter budget. So we don't reorder stock as often. All this means is that if you order kilt hose in the winter, there is a greater chance that we might be out of what you need and it might take a few weeks to get it to you. But if you are in a rush, we can always call our supplier and have what you need drop-shipped directly to you in most cases.

I imagine most shops in seasonal locations will be similar to us.

Aye,
Matt

[MACKAY]

Just wondering if I might be overlooking, or have missed, a U.S. vendor that stocks quality kilt hose in quantity...Ron

Don't forget Rocky at USA Kilts. He usually has a generous selection of colors and sizes on hand. That is where I pick mine up.

Brian Mackay

[macwilkin]

I've had pretty good luck with J.Higgins; http://www.jhiggins.net/ I guess they don't have every possible color, but their prices are reasonable, and the service is great.

I used to order frequently from J. Higgins, since they are just up the road from me in Lenexa, Kansas, but not anymore. My experience with them in regards to customer service is not "great" by any means -- It hasn't been since Tom left (?) and is no longer taking phone orders.

I'd much rather order from the Museum and support their efforts with my purchases.

For kilt hose, though, the Almost Unwearoutable Sock Company in Northumberland (I know, the thread is about US suppliers!) has my vote:

www.almostunwearoutable.com

Cheers,

Todd

[cavscout]

Ron, you may want to check these guys out.

http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/sock.html

I bought a pair of them, and even though they are cotton, they fit and stay up great on 17" calves without garters. His web site only shows 3 colors but give him a call because when I spoke with him he told me about some in brown which had a braid pattern on them. The ones I have are the cream and they have a heavy ribbing that looks very nice and come far enough up the leg to allow a beefy cuff at the top. And for $8...

[Kilted Taper]

I've only ordered from them once, but my mother in law has as well, and right at Christmas time and had no problem getting hose:

http://www.kilts.com/hose.htm

[Tartan Hiker]

Any suggestions for really heavy weight hose that would stand up to hiking duty? Mine are a bit thin and I have to double sock with hiking boots.
Bill