White Kilt Hose

[Kilted Karl]

Dear All,

Long ago there lived an evil Scotsman. He wore a kilt that reached FAR below his knees and a flatcap (sometimes a pith helmet). His name was Dr. White Hose. Deep in his castle he concocted an insidious plan to cover the world with white-kilt-hose-wearing people. Many years later his plan has almost succeed....

At least this is the story I have been able to piece together from my travels around X marks the Scot.

I was wondering if some of you might be able to elucidate about white kilt hose as well as other little known (at least among newbies) peculiarities of Scottish dress?

Thank you very much, and...er... did I get the story wrong?

Your Obedient Servant,

Karl

[Ryan Ross]

First off, I'm pretty sure you got the story right.

Secondly, as near as any of us can tell, the white hose thing got started by the kilt rental companies, when they realized that they didn't want to stock a bunch of different colors of hose, and that white was the only color that would technically go with any tartan (though it looks good with almost none, to most eyes).

One thing that I've noticed in the last few years is that I'm really starting to not like the look of a sporran chain, save for really formal occasions and when the chain is of a very high quality. I think a plain leather strap almost always looks better (and is better for the health of the kilt). Just one of those random personal taste things that isn't in the rule books anywhere.

Not really sure why everyone hates the flatcap so much; I guess because it doesn't seem to culturally mesh... but I'll admit to wearing a ball cap most of the time, whether kilted or no, so...

[Spartan Tartan]

I believe the flatcap is stylistically British, rather than Scottish. It is for this reason that I understand the negative feelings toward the flatcap exists--or so I am led to understand. Persnally, I have no problem with them.

As to kilt length, I think you will find that is really more of what makes each person comfortable. I am sure you will get a lot of opinions across the board

[Kilted Karl]

I agree with the leather strap.

Just a matter of preference but I think it looks nicer myself.

I got pictures of my "pose" up.

Your Obedient Servant,

Karl

[MacMillans son]

I believe the flatcap is stylistically British, rather than Scottish. It is for this reason that I understand the negative feelings toward the flatcap exists--or so I am led to understand. Persnally, I have no problem with them.

As to kilt length, I think you will find that is really more of what makes each person comfortable. I am sure you will get a lot of opinions across the board

As far as I know, the Scots are British I understand the issue to not be about the flat cap itself, as many Scots are known to wear them, ...just not with the kilt.

I too may be corrected though.

[xman]

As far as I know, the Scots are British

And as far as I know, you're a Yank. Perspective is everything.

[hkjrb623]

As far as I know, the Scots are British I understand the issue to not be about the flat cap itself, as many Scots are known to wear them, ...just not with the kilt.

I too may be corrected though.

Never say that in a Scottish pub. Those are fighting words.

[pascs]

I assume that the non Scottish kilt companies copied what they saw the Scottish kilt companies providing. If you go to the majority of kilt makers in Scotland they will more than likely offer the off white hose to go with the kilt.

Although these days, if you are younger, they will most likely offer a black shirt and black hose option. And these are kilts which cost $600+ so its not simply to save money. If you go to a Scottish wedding, where the majority of kilts are owned and not hired, you will still see the majority wearing off white hose.

My thoughts on this are that 1. white is the easier option for kilt sales shops, trying to match coloured hose to a kilt is very much a matter of personal taste 2. coloured hose used to be worn by the older generation and the off white hose provides a more modern look and 3. white will go with all occasions, formal or informal, certain coloured hose would not look good for formal kilt attire.

I have several coloured hose and pick the ones which best suit the occasion, the colours and type of attire I'm wearing.

[Jock Scot]

As far as I know, the Scots are British I understand the issue to not be about the flat cap itself, as many Scots are known to wear them, ...just not with the kilt.

I too may be corrected though.

That is pretty much how it is.

Like any form of civilian clothing that is worn in the free world it is down to the individual to choose how, when and what he wears and if he , in the kilt's case, chooses to ignore traditions, conventions, aesthetics and even other people's thoughts and advice then there is really little more to be said. Other than, on occasion, you will stick out like a sore thumb in the kilted crowd and that may ,or may not, affect your enjoyment and thinking.

The real trick, skill even, is to dress within the basic guidlines and still have the personal flair, yes satisfaction too, that avoids the peas in the pod look and does not offend either the eye, or others. In the end though, the choices are down to the individual to make.

[macwilkin]

Post deleted. Didn't see the .

T.