less common style flashes

**Bad Monkey** · 5th June 19, 04:09 PM

A number of years ago I noticed a different style flash that seemed to be more common in the 40's & 50's. Most likely that's just because of the photo album I was looking through but I don't think I've ever seen a similar style flash other than on the odd military kilt pic.
I've been home for a couple weeks so I dug through the old boxes of stashed stuff until I found a roll of black wool twill tape that I originally picked up to replace the binding on a rug 20 years ago. In 10 minutes I knocked out a pair of flashes that I really dig; understated but still have a bit of flair to 'em. I was happy enough with them that I wore them to Saturday night's gig downtown. I think I like this style better than the usual pair of flashes. I might run out this week and grab some red twill, too. Red flashes are my favorite color but I didn't want to shell out the bucks when I already had black in the hoard. I'll take pics of the process when I make up the red ones.

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**Garth** · 5th June 19, 06:32 PM

Brilliant. Looks awesome

**Blaidd** · 6th June 19, 09:25 AM

Outstanding! I very much like the style (you haven't copyrighted it ....???

)

**Bad Monkey** · 6th June 19, 09:35 AM

one can't copyright what regiments have been wearing for decades...

I just couldn't find a source so made my own. When I make a pair in red I'll work up a short tutorial.

**Blaidd** · 6th June 19, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Bad Monkey

one can't copyright what regiments have been wearing for decades...

I just couldn't find a source so made my own. When I make a pair in red I'll work up a short tutorial.

the comment was a little tongue in cheek. I look forward to the tutorial with interest. Thanks for sharing.

**Laird O'the Cowcaddens** · 6th June 19, 10:01 AM

I have been doing this for years; in fact I just completed three new pairs this week. I started making my own flashes after some tealeaf nicked my issued pairs and I didn't want to pay the cost of replacing them from the QM's.

**Tobus** · 6th June 19, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by Bad Monkey

I just couldn't find a source so made my own.

As they say here in Texas, "you done good!"

The type of flashes you were looking for can be found by searching for regimental flashes. Burnett's & Struth have them here: https://www.burnetts-struth.com/coll...-gear/flashes/

Or at least that's one example of the regimental style with the fold in it. That said, however, commercially-purchased ones offer nothing special or magical that you can't achieve by making them yourself at home, as you have done. Customising the length, colour, number of folds, shape of the trimmed end, etc., can all be a great way to personalise the look.

I'm more of a woollen self-tie garter kind of fellow, but if I were going to wear flashes, I'd probably do exactly as you have done. I much prefer that look to the ubiquitous plain red flashes. As you noted, that style used to be more commonly worn and it's a bit of a shame that the industry has drifted towards the less interesting plain flashes (or worse, tartan flashes).

**Bad Monkey** · 6th June 19, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

As they say here in Texas, "you done good!"

The type of flashes you were looking for can be found by searching for regimental flashes. Burnett's & Struth have them here: https://www.burnetts-struth.com/coll...-gear/flashes/

Or at least that's one example of the regimental style with the fold in it. That said, however, commercially-purchased ones offer nothing special or magical that you can't achieve by making them yourself at home, as you have done. Customising the length, colour, number of folds, shape of the trimmed end, etc., can all be a great way to personalise the look.

I'm more of a woollen self-tie garter kind of fellow, but if I were going to wear flashes, I'd probably do exactly as you have done. I much prefer that look to the ubiquitous plain red flashes. As you noted, that style used to be more commonly worn and it's a bit of a shame that the industry has drifted towards the less interesting plain flashes (or worse, tartan flashes).

I saw the ones offered by B&S, they had more loops and froo froo than I was looking for. I like the two tails under a single loop. Plus already paid for beats 20 bucks...
I've got a few sets of Inkle-woven garter ties, and while they look good it takes a little more time to donn and doff them. I'm a working, touring musician and those few minutes pre and post show are precious what with meet-n-greets, autographing merch and the occasional "let's get a pint quick before we gotta get on the bus again" hussle. Thank goodness for road crews...

As for tartan flashes, they're just not for me.

**Tarheel** · 9th June 19, 05:27 AM

I enjoy this type of thread for two reasons. The first being the ebb and flow of fashion trends toward any one item. The second allows debate on function and personal preference as a solution. I still make my flashes with elastic and quality fabric. I will try different styles because of the novelty. I now have a set of wool ties I purchased and favor. The result is my hose are held in place high on my leg. Thanks to all who contribute here.

Even the King's throne can be chopped into firewood if the Monarch is freezing to death.