Kilt Hose for a tall(ish) guy and kilt purchase advice

[MacMillans son]

That said, you don't necessarily want your hose to come all the way to your knee. We are not Catholic school girls, and we don't wear knee socks. Highland kilt hose are really only supposed to come high enough to go just over the widest part of your calf. You would tie your garter there and fold the top over. If you're trying to get hose to come all the way up to the bottom of your knee, then that's too tall. They really do look better when they're several inches below your knee (I think some people use a guideline of three finger widths or something like that).

.

Exactly!

And, RedMayham, you provide a good example of how less than perfect practices get passed along and become what people believe are a standard or traditional practice. That being, comparing what they are wearing with others who are equally inexperienced or uniformed. I mean that not as a slight at all, just an example of lack of experience or exposure. We see it exemplified in the typical kilt rental outfits; Prince Charlie coatees as daywear, white hose to the knee, Gillie Brogues etc. Those not familiar with traditional Highland attire, tend to see those type of outfits most often so naturally see them as being "how everyone else is doing it, so therefore, it must be right". The problem is that it's a perfect example, in most cases I presume, as the blind leading the blind.

Had I not come across this forum, I would also believe that what I saw in magazines, or at typical American games, was traditional or "the right way"

Although I am still a little too matchy matchy at times, and my chosen head wear is not, nor likely ever to be, traditional, I have learned a lot here from those who have traditional experience in traditional Highland attire, and I trust you will too.

Welcome aboard and best of luck in your quest!

Regards,
Brooke

[piperdbh]

I'm guessing the hose you wore were rented, along with the kilt. That might explain why they were too short.

What tartan are you wanting this first kilt to be?

Welcome aboard, by the way, frome western North Carolina, the greatest place on Earth!

[Geoff Withnell]

I would strongly recommend getting a custom USAK Casual as your first kilt. Expecially since you are somewhat tall, an off-the-rack kilt is not likely to fit well. The USAK casual will fit just fine, and is quite versitile. I own several USAK Casuals, and several custom wool kilts from different kiltmakers, including Rocky. While the wool kilts do look better, I have gone to Highland Games and other events in the Casual and not felt the least bit out of place.

[RedMayhem]

Wow, I never expected so much great advice, thanks everyone!

The House of Cheviot hose sound great! M.A.C., are all of the hose on that link from the House of Cheviot?

Tobus; I absolutely see your point when you draw the comparison to Catholic school girls, lol.

Biblemonkey; I looked at the Sportkilt's, but heard they are very nontraditional and quite light. I am not certain if the USA Casual Kilt is to much different, but I I saw some comparisons that seemed to favor the USA Kilt. What were your experiences with the Sportkilt?

Piperdbh; the kilt was rented from a shop in Virginia. The clerk who helped myself and the other groomsmen referred to the hose as, "the type of socks you have to wear when you wear the kilt thing" luckily a different gentleman did the measuring because he was probably not a kilt expert. lol. When I got back from the wedding I asked my grandfather about our genealogy, I knew we had Celtic blood, but when he took me on a tour of the family tree I realized I am a proud Celtic mutt. There were Scottish, Irish, and even a Welsh (I think) surname scattered through the family. We had quite a few Ramsey's, and I am partial to blue, but my ties are distant. I also thought about a generic tartan, such as the Xmarks pattern. Any suggestions?

Again, thanks to all who responded, this is a great site!

[dowofbuchanan]

well if its a family tartan thats fairly common and acrilybeast suits you the heavyweight from the frugal corner might suit you for around 100. if you dont have a tartan specific in mind, or dont have a family tartan for a wee bit more you can have a machine made 16oz wool from jerry at stillwaterkilts. ill give you a dollar if you can find something bad about him on this forum

chris

[MacMillans son]

if you dont have a tartan specific in mind, or dont have a family tartan for a wee bit more you can have a machine made 16oz wool from jerry at stillwaterkilts. ill give you a dollar if you can find something bad about him on this forum

chris

Just a point of clarification, if you are referring to Stillwater's "Heavyweight" kilts, I am pretty sure that they are not 16oz. Jerry could likely confirm, but most opinions are that they are closer to 11oz.

However, he is now offering middleman service for kilts made in Scotland with most available tartans, but I have not seen a price for them yet.

I certainly agree with your assessment of his reputation, I have a couple of casual sporrans and a closet full of his large kilt hangers that are great !

[biblemonkey]

Biblemonkey; I looked at the Sportkilt's, but heard they are very nontraditional and quite light. I am not certain if the USA Casual Kilt is to much different, but I I saw some comparisons that seemed to favor the USA Kilt. What were your experiences with the Sportkilt?

Sportkilts are exactly what the name implies. They are really only good for sports activities like running, hiking, etc. I went with them first so I could wear a kilt during the Warrior Dash. I would definitely suggest a USA casual as your first kilt if you are not planning on any formal events in it. What are your waist and length rquirements? I may have an ex-hire I could sell you in the Muted Sutherland tartan in 8 yard 13 oz wool. I am 6-1 and the kilt is a bit long on me. PM me for more info.

Hugh

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The House of Cheviot hose sound great! M.A.C., are all of the hose on that link from the House of Cheviot?

Pretty much yes, with the exception of the custom knit argyle and diced hose (which of course can be made to any height required).