I agree with Sandy. I think there is a fine line between "motif" and "heraldry." I can see someone who belongs to a clan such as MacKenzie, with a stag head crest, utilizing the stag's head as a motif as an homage to his clan.

For instance, it is common to see things such as sgians dubh, sporrans, etc., decorated with a stag head. The intent is not to claim this as "a crest." And of course anyone may choose to wear a sgian dubh or a sporran with a stag head emblem on it. But when someone is also a member of a clan whose chief uses a stag head in his heraldry, it does take on an additional layer of meaning.

One can buy neck ties, etc., with ebroidered stags on them, and likewise I don't think anyone seeing you wearing one would assume you are assuming that design as a personal crest. The assumption would just be that you liked the stag motif!

However, it can be overdone. I think there may come a point where if you play it up too much it might give them impression that you are acting as if the stag (or whatever it is) is part of your personal heraldry. However, I also think there may come a point when a motif is carried too far and it becomes tacky. To many the latter is a far greater offense than the former! :-)

But I agree, I like those hose!