Flash Location

[Colonel MacNeal]

No, I'm not referring to going regimental. Die hard purists tell me you should wear the flashes on the front of the kilt hose, rather than the sides. Now that probably made sense when they were actually knotted, but now? It seems most volk wear them on the sides.

[Cynthia]

I seem to recall a thread last year where a lot of people replied "10 o'clock and 2 o'clock" for the flashes. That's where I prefer to see my hubby wear his flashes. He doesn't have a sgian dubh yet, but I think that would line everything up together nicely. We'll have to see once he gets one, but as far as the flashes go, I prefer them at about that location on the leg.

[davedove]

Personally, I feel they should be placed somewhere between slightly forward of the side and slightly to the side of the front.

Unless you are wearing a uniform, place them where you think they look best.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

No, I'm not referring to going regimental. Die hard purists tell me you should wear the flashes on the front of the kilt hose, rather than the sides. Now that probably made sense when they were actually knotted, but now? It seems most volk wear them on the sides.

One only has to look at some of the older portraits to see that even before the advent of elastic garters, the garters were worn with the knots generally to the side.

I think what the "purists" are referring to is that the flashes should be places slightly to the front of the legs (as someone just posted, 10 and 2 o'clock), as to be more visible from the front, rather than at 9 and 3.

There are some military regiments that wear the flashes directly in the front. The London Scottish spring to mind. But this would be something outside the ordinary.

[Spc. Scott]

I tend to follow the 10 and 2 advice given earlier as well. It seems to be and easy spot to tie my garters.

[Bigkahuna]

I wear mine with the front edge of the flash at just about the middle of the front of my leg.

[The Barry]

10-ish and 2-ish, that's where my flashes end up. Visible from the side, visible from the front, I believe that is the main goal.

[Scott West]

Agreed, 10 & 2 works well making the flashes visible to the fore and sides. It also lines up well with a "new world" tying of the brogue tassels.

Yep, 10 & 2, works for flashes, hand positions while driving, and beer (a.m. or p.m. should make no never mind)!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

British military regs put the back edge of the flashes centered on the side of the leg. This has been followed in North America by pipe bands, and from there it has trickled into civilian attire. Unless you are in the army or a band with specific regulations regarding flashes there is no "right" or "wrong". The general rule is that they are worn on the outside of the leg; how far forward is a matter of personal style.

[EagleJCS]

With the wider ribbon flashes (made of 2 inch grosgrain ribbon), if you put them on just below the knee where your shin narrows, then place the leading edge of the ribbons near the front centerline of your leg (or following the shin bone), then the trailing edge of the ribbons will be close to the centerline of the outside of your leg. This will put the centers of the flashes close to the 'ten and two' previously referred to. (I then tie my ghillies in line with the flashes, about two inches above my ankle.)

Putting them on so that the center of the flashes is on the centerline of the outside of your leg (where the calf muscle is defined) puts them too far back. The trailing ribbon will likely wind up draped partly over your calf.

Similarly, putting them too far forward will wrap them around the front of your leg.

(This all depends on just how big your legs are.)