Bitten by the Highland bug

[Shanntarra]

My rogue spent the weekend in his kilts, and learned 3 things.
1) Wool in 90 degree weather not great, but updrafts are wonderful.
2) He really needs to carry "X-marks the Scott" buisness cards with him anytime he has his kilts on.
3) He REALLY wants a highland formal!

He is making his list of things he needs and about what it costs.

• highland waist coat- either made by me or purchased, most likely purchased
• A prince charles or a mess kacket of some sort
• Nicer White hose
• Ghilies
• Formal sporan w/ chain
• Belt with nice buckle
• Flashes - he wants to buy these not make
• Anything else he is missing?

What is a good price range for each? And yes he knows how much more everything will cost, but he wants to add the pieces to his "wish list" for gifts.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

I don't know too much about it, but some of the traditionalists on this site seem to hold white hose in disfavor with regard to formal wear.

It is my opinion that colored or black hose looks nicer anyways, and to wear white hose to whenever you wear boots.

Otherwise a decent coat/waistcoat combo should be in $200-400 range.
You can get ghilies as low as $60, but $100 is more likely.
If you're going formal, then don't wear a belt.
I like flashes that match the tartan, so get them with the kilt maker.

Other stuff:
I personally don't go for the sgian dubh, but its part of most people's outfit.
He'll want a wing collar shirt and a bow tie or cravat. (I like the cravat)

[McMurdo]

I'd say take a look through the 1 kilt 10 looks thread pay attention to the last 2 or 3 outfits. You have a good list, I personally do not like white hose but you see them enough that it has become almost normal, and I think it really is a matter of choice. The one other thing you would need is a sgian dubh they can be found on ebay at fairly good prices.

[Alan H]

Spend some time looking at the various "casual" and "formal" picture threads. Id' like to really emphasize that....LOOK, first. Think about what looks good to you and what doesn't,and buy or make, accordingly.

Oh, and I happen to like white hose and wear it regularly. When I walk around the local Games, I will see hundreds of guys in kilts. At least half of them are wearing white or cream colored hose. Some folks think it's gauche, and that's fine. Personally, I just wear them and don't worry about it.

[piperdbh]

• highland waist coat- either made by me or purchased, most likely purchased
• A prince charles or a mess kacket of some sort
• Nicer White hose
• Ghilies
• Formal sporan w/ chain
• Belt with nice buckle
• Flashes - he wants to buy these not make
• Anything else he is missing?

What is a good price range for each? And yes he knows how much more everything will cost, but he wants to add the pieces to his "wish list" for gifts.

Here's what I've bought from what's on your list:
I bought a PC and waistcoat from ebay for whatever 75 pounds converts to.
White hose start at about $20 a pair. Handknit start about $50 a pair.
My ghillies were $80, I think. It's been a while since I bought them, so don't quote me on that figure.
The belt I recently bought was $25.

I made my flashes, traded a pair of hose for a day sporran, and got a sgian/kilt pin package (with clan crests) a few years back, that I can't remember the price of.
I hope this helps.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

• highland waist coat- either made by me or purchased, most likely purchased
• A prince charles or a mess kacket of some sort
• Nicer White hose
• Ghilies
• Formal sporan w/ chain
• Belt with nice buckle
• Flashes - he wants to buy these not make
• Anything else he is missing?

Buying formal attire is like buying a car. You can get a VW or a Rolls-Royce, and you can get one stripped down to the basics, or loaded with every option. Also, you can buy a new car, or shop around for a good deal on the used car lots. Here's my suggested "shopping list":

1) JACKET there are three options: (1) Surplus U.S. Navy (or Coast Guard) mess jacket. for: these can sometimes be found on e-bay for under $100. against: almost impossible to find in anything larger than a size 40; e-bay sizes are usually smaller than advertised; will need alteration (remove rank patches/stripes, change buttons, etc); can only be worn with waistcoat and bow tie. (2) Prince Charlie Coatee. for: more widely available via the internet or from bricks and mortar stores; should come with the appropriate waistcoat. against: cost; can only be worn for formal dress after 6PM; many "low price" jackets are poorly cut and look "skimpy" when worn. (3) BEST CHOICE Dress Argyll Jacket in black barathea (not tweed!) for: this is the most versatile jacket one can own. With a regular necktie and regular waistcoat it can be worn to dressy daytime functions and to dressy evening functions (theatre and dinner, for example), and by swapping the waistcoat for a low cut, three button waistcoat, it can be worn to formal events in the evening. against: some find the silver buttons too dressy for day wear; you will need two waistcoats for the Dress Argyll jacket to properly do "double duty". COST: From about $150. (Including the "spare" waistcoat a Dress Argyll Jacket will probably cost a bit less than a Prince Charlie coatee.)

2) HOSE & FLASHES White hose have become part of the uniform of most pipe bands, and the hall mark of rented kilts. For evening wear dark hose (the same colour as the background colour of the tartan, or the same colour as the predominate stripe are a better choice. (As has been pointed out elsewhere, "you wouldn't wear white socks with a tuxedo, would you?") Flashes should contrast with the hose-- I usually wear red or yellow, and don't worry if they don't match my tartan, kilt, or the dog hair on my jacket! COST: $20-$50

3) GHILLIES There are two styles of formal highland shoe; (1) the "ghillie brogue" for: can be worn with day or evening wear against: fit can be an issue; it is difficult to find all sizes; cost, for a good pair, can be several hundred dollars; (2) the buckle and strap shoe. for: very formal, stands out in a crowd; against: as above, but can only properly be worn with black tie or white tie. WISE OPTION: a pair of conservative, well-polished black dress shoes will work just as well, be easier to obtain, fit better, and can be worn with clothing other than the kilt. COST: $100 and up for Ghillies; $250 and up for buckle and strap shoes.

4) Formal Sporran The only limiting factor (besides good taste) is cost. The most versatile is the traditional "full mask" muskrat sporran from Scotland as it can be worn on all occasions, day or evening. I would avoid some of the large "Jim McBridger Mountain Man" sporrans seen at Highland games as these tend to be a bit "over the top". If the sky is the limit, then a custom sporran with silver fittings is truly the "Rolls-Royce" of (deep) pockets. COST: $150 and up.

5) BELT A belt and buckle are not normally worn with a waistcoat, unless the gentleman is also wearing a dirk, in which case the belt is buckled over the waistcoat, not under it. Since dirks are really no longer part of formal civilian Highland attire, a belt is unnecessary, unless one is not wearing a waistcoat. for: you will need it if you are wearing a dirk; against: you won't need it if you are wearing a waistcoat, unless you are also wearing a dirk. WISE OPTION: a belt and buckle costs more than a waistcoat. In my opinion you are better off having two waistcoats, one for day wear and one for evening wear, and no belt. COST: $65-$100 or more, depending on the buckle.

6) OTHER ACCESSORIES I'd recommend a nice silver mounted sgian dubh-- nothing flashy, just a really nice one. And you might also want to consider a pocket watch and chain-- it will nicely dress up the waistcoats. COST: silver mounted sgian dubh, from $150; pocket watch and chain from $50 (but watch out, you get what you pay for).

What will all this cost? Well, with some judicious shopping you should get off for less than $500.

Your very best bet is to "comparison shop" on line, and also to talk to flesh and blood dealers at your local Highland games, before you lash out the cash.

[The Barry]

Just two things. You don't need a belt if you'll be wearing a waistcoat. And, although there's nothing wrong with white hose, why not get some hose in a better color, and throw in some traditional garter ties, which look much better paired with wool hose than regular flashes.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I prefer the charcoal color hose in most cases, because it seems to go well with the PC jacket, without overdoing the black. It also gives a little contrast from the black brogues and laces. JMHO

[JSFMACLJR]

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[Shanntarra]

The rogue apreciates all the advice. He has discovered that he needs more hose. This morning he decided to go kilted and found that he really needed green or black hose with flashes than his white one. He found that the white/cream make the attention go to his knee's not the nice kilt or better his face.

You all have created a monsters. But I must say I'm getting nice looking arm candy out of it.