Kilt Socks Suck!

[Maxblade]

Ok, admittedly that was meant to draw you in...and it has clearly done so. Here is my problem: I am 6'4" about 240...I am not a "muscle man" but all that 240 lbs is in my legs....or so it would seem when I have tried several times to get kilt socks that fit and the latest that were size 12-14 were not only too short but so tight they cut off circulation....I will wear them...but good grief...anyone know where a guy like me can get some socks that FIT?

vr

[artificer]

The Scottish Tartans Museum carries 'fully fashioned hose' for those with +16" calves (which I have). You might also consider custom knitted hose. They'll cost a lot more, but probably wear better than commercial ones (AND fit, to boot! )

If you look at the money wasted on hose that don't fit, you've probably already spent more than a good custom pair or two would cost.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

As Artificer has pointed out, you will most likely end up with custom knit hose-- which is no bad thing when it comes right down to it. I'm sure there are one or two X-Markers who would be happy to oblige in this department.

[piperdbh]

As usual, M of R is exactly right. There are several of us who can make a pair of hose.

[Whidbey78]

Custom would be my advice too. I think many kilt hose are mislabeled shovel handle cozies.

My calves aren't huge, but most hose are far less than comfortable. I have found a couple of suppliers who sell some that work for me and deal with them exclusively. If I were any bigger I wouldn't wear them...and you have about six inches and 35 pounds on me.

[Nighthawk]

The Scottish Tartans Museum carries 'fully fashioned hose' for those with +16" calves (which I have). .

I have 21 inch calves. I have several pair of the fully fashioned hose from STM. I love them! They're SO comfortable!

[Maxblade]

well MoR and all other sock makers out there...I am MORE than willing to pay a person rather than a corporation for this sort of thing...what is the next step?

I just measured the calves and they are a moderate 16"
my calf ends around 16" up the leg with the initial bend of the knee being at around 19". My shoes size is 12W/13.

Thoughts?

[ForresterModern]

Your sizes do not sound too much different from my own, and I am 6'5 and just shy of 270 lbs, size 13 foot 15-16 inch calf. Best bets:

Lewis or Rannoch hose by house of Cheviot from either Matt at STM or Chris a Dunadd Trading Co.

Pipers hose (? manufacturuer) from a variety of different vendors Scottish Lion, etc.., but my recent favorite vendor for these is the College of Piping web site

http://www.college-of-piping.co.uk/a...Kilt_Hose.html

Great price, great hose that are very stretchy and sturdy.

Third option, if you want to go for a little bling try any of the Country or Shooting socks by House of Cheviot, also available at STM, Dunadd, Scotweb, ebay, and a site called Country Naturals. They are fancy top hose, very stretchy, and oversized for their claimed size.

Lastly, go custom like other folks here suggest---Keltoi, Skye Highland Outfitters, Henderson Highland Hose, and many artisans here on xmarks will custom soeme one-offs for you for a reasonable price.

Lots of options---just stay away from generics like WBrewin and Highland House as they are standard kilt hose, tend to be thin and even more so when stretched over our long and thick calves, and do not last as long. You will pay a bit more for better quality hose, but it does not have to be your life's savings.

Good luck.

j