Hose color question with tartan matching flashes

[anguilla1980]

I've chosen to get matching flashes with my kilt (Graham of Menteith, Modern). Almost all of the time I'll be wearing a long sleeve dress shirt (arms rolled up) and an Argyll vest. I have black brogues with a black kilt belt, and a tartan matching flat cap I'll wear occasionally. Say I choose to wear a white dress shirt, what colors of hose would be most appropriate given that I have matching flashes? I realize this may be more of a fashion/taste question relating to color matching/offset, but hey, I'm just a guy in my early 30s and have ZERO color coordination lol! Also this is my first kilt and I'd like to avoid being laughed at first time wearing it to an event haha! Thanks! Alex

[H. Hastings]

It's hard to beat loden green for wearing with just about anything but with the darker modern colors in your tartan I'd probably go with claret to break the look up a little.

[anguilla1980]

Ha, see I never would have thought to mix claret with blue/green! Interesting suggestion! My first instinct is usually always black/charcoal but I'm trying to expand my palette bit lol.

[Stitchwiz]

And what a palette to choose from! So much colour, so many tartans, so little time...do angels wear tartan?
I'm sure some of you will...

[Jock Scot]

Just so you know, tartan flashes are a modern idea and are not to everyone's taste. If it helps at all, I find plain darkish blue flashes go with all my various coloured hose. Should I find it necessary, I have no problem not wearing flashes at all and just use elastic bands to help hold up the hose.

As to the tartan cap, there again, they are not universally liked---far from it in fact!!Why? Well, firstly flat caps and particularly tartan ones and kilts are not regarded by some as a successful sartorial mixture. Secondly, too much tartan in one outfit is not a helpful look and many regard the tartan kilt as enough tartan for one outfit. Thirdly, in case you were thinking of doing it, and probably most importantly, one needs to be aware that one of the "social niceties" within the kilt world, that many really do observe when wearing tartan, Clan tartans that is, is that it is best if you do not mix tartans of a different Clan(s) ------it can and does on occasion, cause upset-----on the other hand, mixing tartan within the same Clan(some Clans have more than one tartan), whilst not necessarily being the best sartorial choice, is perfectly acceptable.

Whatever you decide to do is, of course, entirely your choice, but at least you know some of the possible pitfalls that may arise. Good luck to you.

[anguilla1980]

Well I like the matching flashes so For local stuff like the pub, Celtic music festivals, etc. I'll wear them. For stuff that's specific like a Scottish festival, I would wear the plain colored flashes. Far as the tartan cap, I should have been clearer; I have a black/charcoal flat cap for with my kilt, the tartan cap is for wearing when I'm not kilted. I only wear the flat cap because here in the states I would look crazy out of place I'd think wearing a Balmoral! If there were another less formal alternative I would go that direction. I also don't consider the flat cap to be in anyway in the same dress code as a kilt either, but when in Rome.... I have been considering a black Tam O'Shanter tho! Mixing tartans, I would absolutely never ever do that, I've very proud of my clan tartan and while I have matching tartan matching flashes, flat cap, and tie, I would never wear them all together. As mentioned, it would be *too much* lol. Thank you for mentioning all of that tho!

[brewerpaul]

My go to hose colours tend to be charcoal grey, claret/burgundy and loden green. From there I have about a dozen other colours to pick from depending on the kilt. Charcoal grey will do well with most anything and I prefer them over white/ecru or black (I dont own any white or black so I never have the temptation to wear them). Claret/burdundy is just a nice rich colour that looks classy. Even a bision or brown is nice choice too. Though I have a couple of match the kilt flashes I mostly wear my own woven garter ties or a pair of navy blue flashes. The navy flashes will work with most kilt choices that have some dark blue in it. I think Jock Scot refered to having some of this nature. I think many here will agree that loden green is the universal easy to wear with anything hose. Have fun experimenting.

[anguilla1980]

Burgundy, excellent selection! I usually prefer the charcoal also as I too would never wear white/cream. Claret is classy but a bit too loud for my taste, I'm a little bland I suppose in that regard haha! I've tried to steer away from green or blue hose because there is so much blue/green in my tartan, I think I just need to find the right shade for my tastes...

[GrainReaper]

I have discovered the wonders of lovat blue hose, they go well with just about anything you throw at them!

[anguilla1980]

So I went with charcoal and light blue along with red and green flashes.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Alex