kilt hose for, um, shorter lads

[NewEnglander]

So I'm the first to admit that I'm not particularly vertically gifted, coming in at 5' 7" if I'm standing up VERY straight, and wearing a pair of boots. Due to this particular bit of challenge in the altitude department, I've had problems finding kilt hose that fit me well. Last year I bought a pair of the excellent Lewis hose from the Scottish Tartan Museum, but in order for them to fit properly I need to fold them down and then back up again, which inverts the lovely "Celtic cuff."
Does anyone have a recommendation for a pair of quality hose that fit those of us kilties that aren't toweringly huge?

[davidg]

I have exactly the same problem. The answer is to shop around for different brands. Lewis hose are, I believe, made by House of Cheviot and they tend to be a little longer than most unless you can fit into their small size (5 to 7.5 shoe)

Try getting hose from House of Edgar which are not quite so long or try buying the cheaper brands from ebay. Once you find a manufacturer that fits you stick with them

[Spartan Tartan]

Being one that also comes in at a towering 5'7", I will be watching this thread for options.

[Tobus]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.



I really do wish, though, that they would make the length shorter when you order in smaller foot sizes. I don't know what makes them think that a guy who wears a small sock size would be 6' tall.

I have found that my best option is just to order custom made hose. They are pricy, but worth it because they fit perfectly.

[NewEnglander]

That shows my issue exactly, Tobus. It's not as though I have extra small feet, adding insult to the injury of my short legs. I think the Lewis hose are of a great quality (better than the House of Edgar) but they just don't fit. And I don't have the chance to wear the kilt often enough right now to make custom hose financially feasible.
If nothing else, hopefully this thread turns up some possible vendors for us.

[be da veva]

I'm also 5'7'' and I have to fold some of my hoses 3x times. But in a particular sequence.
Once down, then back up and down again.

I'll get some pics to demonstrate soon.....

Hang in there....

[Tim Little]

I'm also 5'7'' and I have to fold some of my hoses 3x times. But in a particular sequence.
Once down, then back up and down again.

5'8" here... and was going to recommend the same sort of thing.

Tobus -- Fantastic spats!!!!

[RAF]

I have several pair of Lewis hose from ST. I'm 5'8" on a humid day. I find my elasticized tartan flashes get completely covered if I fold the top of the hose down just once, so I fold over twice. (Top down to the seam - in essence, 1/2 way, then down again. It makes the top a little thicker than normal, but I find it looks ok.) With the traditional tie garter flashes, the long fold down works fine. And yes, custom hose are amazing! (Except for the hand washing part.)

[Dale Seago]

I'm 5'-7" too, and have the same problem. I was trying all kind of tricks to get the Lewis hose to do right for me, and I finally gave up and decided to just do the standard turnover, even though it seemed way too long. And I think it actually works out OK. Here they are below, and you can see I have them turned down all the way to where the seam is.

I think those are workin' for you just fine -- they're still well below the bottom of the knee. I'm 5'10', and that's exactly how mine look on me.

BTW, the spats look great!!

[Nick the DSM]

I'm 5'5" on a good day and I have the same problem. I just turn over twice and carry on, not many notice.