Need help with hose color choice for a solid brown kilt

**ryan** · 2nd May 14, 10:51 AM

Hello all!

I realize I'm a little alternative here, compared to those of you that have tartans, but I was given a solid brown Utilikilt and couldn't say no. I have a brown 2" belt I can wear with it, but then I read that your leathers should match. I have dark brown leather boots I will probably wear with it generally, but I'm lost on hose colors. There doesn't seem to be a lot of info about it, since solid brown doesn't appear to be a common kilt color. I'm thinking perhaps some other natural earth tone, grey or olive green perhaps? I guess since I am non-traditional from the get go, I get to pick whatever I like?

If I like the kilt as much as I think I will I plan to get one in my family's tartan, Walker (I like the hunting pattern) and then I'll deal with accessories for that.

If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them, also if anyone has a favorite supplier in the US, I would be interested in hearing about that also.

**sydnie7** · 2nd May 14, 10:57 AM

The neutrals you listed would be fine but your kilt is neutral to begin with -- consider what shirts you'll wear and pick some colors from those. Purple and brown are great!

Welcome to the rabble and have fun! You might want to introduce yourself on the Newbie forum if you haven't already.

**DyerStraits** · 2nd May 14, 12:20 PM

Sydnie7's advice is spot-on. I also have a solid brown utility kilt, and it's a great--and relatively easy--color to accessorize with. My hose choices are typically Lovat Green, Claret, Dark Blue and Sage Green but I also wear it with a couple of different pairs of shooting hose in Heather Green with Heather Green/Rust Orange checked tops and Dark Blue with Dark Blue/Red/Mustard Yellow inter-woven tops, and also with Lederhosen cable-knit hose in an off-White "Oatmeal" color with Brown/Tan/Gray slubs or flecks. Your shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. in most complimentary primary colors or earth tones will look fantastic with it and make an excellent (and practical) casual or dress-casual look. Welcome To The Rabble!

**ryan** · 2nd May 14, 01:17 PM

I'm also curious if anyone can recommend a good sock supplier in the US? I never realized how many colors there were till I looked around on here a bit!

I'd like a good balance between a quality sock and a reasonable price.

**Tobus** · 2nd May 14, 01:38 PM

What do you consider a "reasonable" price? The answers will depend on this.

**DyerStraits** · 2nd May 14, 01:45 PM

There are many excellent suppliers in the US, but I would recommend Newhouse Highland. They stock House Of Cheviot kilt hose, which are simply outstanding in my opinion (I own two pairs of them) with a wide range of colors and patterns, and well worth the extra cost. Newhouse Highland also do beautiful custom kilt hose, of which I plan to order at least one pair in the near future. No one is more knowledgeable about Highland wear, and they are extremely quality and customer-focused.

**Llama** · 2nd May 14, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

What do you consider a "reasonable" price? The answers will depend on this.

It's amazing how my opinion of what a "reasonable price" for socks has changed in the past few years.

**James Hood** · 2nd May 14, 06:50 PM

Khaki-tan hose with a brown kilt is this writer's favourite, if a subdued look (e.g. off-white or wheat-tan Oxford cloth shirt or pullover is worn) is desirable.

**Geoff Withnell** · 3rd May 14, 06:51 AM

Live a little! A rich deep burgundy pair of hose would look great. And frankly, I don't worry about whether my footwear matches the rest of my gear. And from pictures readily found on this forum, neither does Prince Charles when he is kilted, so I'm in august company.

**DyerStraits** · 3rd May 14, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

Live a little! A rich deep burgundy pair of hose would look great. And frankly, I don't worry about whether my footwear matches the rest of my gear. And from pictures readily found on this forum, neither does Prince Charles when he is kilted, so I'm in august company.

I agree completely, Geoff. Contrast can work just as well--if not better than--matchy-matchy. Breaking the accessories "rules"--once you've mastered them-- is permitted and can be highly effective. Whether it's the Highland or the Saxon corner of your wardrobe, if everything you wear works with virtually everything else you wear, then, like the Duke Of Rothesay, you're definitely doing something right. Put It On, Out The Door.