White Hose

[creagdhubh]

You seem to indicate that you know full well that your post would invite criticism. All I have to say is that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

Some of your historical details are a bit off. For example, I don't think the evidence justifies the naming of clan tartans all at the feet of Sir Walter Scott.

But specifically having to do with hose, as this is what the thread is about, your argument may seem logical, but it's actually not what happened historically. Knit hose are a bit of a late comer to Highland attire. Prior to the nineteenth century, the hose were made from woven cloth, cut and sewn to shape. This cloth was almost always tartan or at least a simple check pattern, cut on the bias for elasticity.

When knit hose did come on the scene, they were knit in a pattern to mimic the look of the cloth hose (cadadh) which were the style. This is where our knit diced and argyle hose come from.

Yes, self-color (solid) knit hose were also made, but in a variety of color. Remember, this is the nineteenth century, not in some primitive time before people figured out how to dye yarn.

And assuming undyed yarn was used, that would give shades ranging from very dark brown (almost black) all the way to a light cream color. However, to achieve an actual white color would involve bleaching of some kind.

Lastly, you are correct that there are no laws stipulating what color hose you can wear with your kilt, or what weight of cloth, or what material your kilt should be made from. Who is suggesting there is?

We are not discussing laws here. We are discussing tradition and fashion. People are free to give their opinions and make their arguments as to whether something is traditional or not, and whether something makes good fashion sense or not. But no one is talking "laws." I find that when someone asserts that "there are no laws about wearing the kilt" it tends to just stymie the conversation.

Well said, Matt!