A decent alternative to hose?

**Clockwork** · 27th July 12, 03:09 PM

Hello all,

I'm new to the glory of kilt wearing. I just received my first kilt (although, I consider it my second kilt because I ordered one of Roberts's hemp Rkilts first which is still in transport) and there are some things, like proper hose and sporran, which I do not yet have. That being the case, I thought I would see what I could do with what I have available right now. The only socks I had which were long enough were a pair of red and black UnderArmour socks and thought they would look good with the boots and kilt I'm wearing. The kilt is a SWK Thrifty in the Scottish National Tartan, and is a throw around kilt I had gotten for around the house (though, I've come to like it enough to consider getting it in an upgraded build).

Front Shot

Back Shot

Hamish Shot

What are your thoughts on the socks; are they passable as a contemporary alternative? Also, how does my attire look in these photos? Any tips and suggestions for improvement are welcome

**piperdbh** · 27th July 12, 03:42 PM

In the pictures I've seen of men dressed casually like you are, the socks are usually scrunched down to the top of the boots. Most of the time they're black, but there's no reason they couldn't be any color you like. In this case, comfort seems to be the goal; you're not out to dazzle folks at the Tartan Ball.

**mookien** · 27th July 12, 03:45 PM

Your kilt looks great and your socks (hose) look fine with it. All in all a nice-looking outfit. Thanks for posting the three pics with obligatory poses.

As you go forward and your finances permit, you can always get some lower-cost, but good-quality "Scottish" hose (and sporrans for that matter) from a number of advertisers on this forum. Take your time and do some shopping for the best "deal" for you. Enjoy your kilt.

**Clockwork** · 27th July 12, 05:09 PM

You make some good points dbh, I'll keep that in mind. I will say though, that I am trying to keep a balance of comfort and appearance in check; for example, the most comfortable shoes I own are, by far, my Vibram Five Fingers shoes, aka the shoes with toes. As much as I go without a care in regards to how I look on a daily basis, I do believe that kilts and similar such garments should become more common and accepted. I want to be a contributor to this advancement and because of that, I want to avoid looking like a doofus whilst kilted. I believe wearing toe shoes with my kilt might be a bit much at this stage

And Mookien, I thank you for your advice a well. I do have a sporran on the way and hope to purchase a pair of good wool hose. But, I would also like to keep my options open in regards to other long socks. I do agree though; there are some wonderful products I've seen from the XMTS advertisers

**MacMillans son** · 27th July 12, 08:57 PM

I think, given your overall casual look, the hose work just fine Clockwork. Although, it is my opinion that once out of the traditional Highland attire mode, anything goes as there is no base line to compare anything too. You are either within the boundaries of tradition (allowing for personal flair) or you are outside of tradition where anything goes. To be clear, that's not a judgement of your choice of going casual, I frequently wear a kilt with activity appropriate accessories like hiking boots and a fanny pack for instance, it's just my opinion of what works and how to know if it works or not.

For what it's worth, a few of our members have posted photos of themselves in tartan kilts and those toe shoes (NO, not the ballet kind the other kind!

Regarding my opinion of the overall look, if you choose to wear a belt I think a wider one may be a better look. And if wearing high hose/socks I would typically wear them a bit lower relative to my knee cap (3 fingers or so below). But again once outside the box of tradition, it's all up to you what looks right.

If I didn't say so in another post, welcome aboard and best of luck in you kilting!

**Chas** · 28th July 12, 04:12 AM

It just shows how my mind works when I am tired. When I saw the title "A decent alternative to hose?" - I thought that you were going to get your legs tattooed!

Regards

Chas

**Clockwork** · 28th July 12, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

I think, given your overall casual look, the hose work just fine Clockwork. Although, it is my opinion that once out of the traditional Highland attire mode, anything goes as there is no base line to compare anything too. You are either within the boundaries of tradition (allowing for personal flair) or you are outside of tradition where anything goes. To be clear, that's not a judgement of your choice of going casual, I frequently wear a kilt with activity appropriate accessories like hiking boots and a fanny pack for instance, it's just my opinion of what works and how to know if it works or not.

For what it's worth, a few of our members have posted photos of themselves in tartan kilts and those toe shoes (NO, not the ballet kind the other kind!

Regarding my opinion of the overall look, if you choose to wear a belt I think a wider one may be a better look. And if wearing high hose/socks I would typically wear them a bit lower relative to my knee cap (3 fingers or so below). But again once outside the box of tradition, it's all up to you what looks right.

If I didn't say so in another post, welcome aboard and best of luck in you kilting!

I think your perspective of casual vs traditional is a good one. I guess it comes down to "wear what you will" the casual style. Depending on the situation, I may eventually sport the toe shoes (excellent for hiking imo), but I am still a little surprised that other people have worn them, especially with a tartan kilt. I don't think it's a bad thing by any means, it's just not something I had expected. I also agree on the belt, and do have one on the way. I will probably try having the top of the socks a little lower as well, and see how I like it. Thanks for the advice, and thank you for the welcome!

And don't worry Chas, I'm sure it could have been a much worse interpretation. Besides, if the right person reads your posts, they may try it and a new trend of tattooed hose may begin. Wouldn't you like to take credit for that?

**Dajo95** · 28th July 12, 02:04 PM

Nice kilt and I really like the socks too. Like others have said don't be afraid to scrunch them if you want to feel a little more casual. I might wear them like you do if I could stand them up for so long. Lol. Good job

**Màrtainn** · 30th July 12, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Clockwork

[…] for example, the most comfortable shoes I own are, by far, my Vibram Five Fingers shoes, aka the shoes with toes. […] I believe wearing toe shoes with my kilt might be a bit much at this stage

Actually, when I was at a ceilidh in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago, one of the regulars – a local – was wearing exactly those shoes with his kilt… I did find the combination a bit weird, but apparently they were perfect for dancing, as is a kilt, of course! :-)

**kiltbook** · 31st July 12, 11:04 AM

You look great. I love the hose. I am a huge soccer fan (Chelsea supporter) and I often wear acrylic soccer socks with my solid green acrylic kilt around the house.

I bought the kilt on E-bay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Forest-G...item27c812b213

And my soccer socks for $4.99 at:

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPa...roduct_Id=2128

If you want a pair of cheap kilt hose there is a company called W. Brewin & Company Ltd. that sells low price hose on E-bay (I provided a link below) or you can Google for their web-site.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bargain-CREA...item35be97d43d

Because I have Irish blood, and ancestry I usually prefer to wear soccer socks because they do not require flashes to hold them up. I was taught, maybe incorrectly, that flashes, kilt jackets, jacobite attire, and sporrans are more of a Scottish tradition.

I love the tartan you are wearing it is really beautiful.