White socks

**Manu** · 5th February 17, 10:21 PM

I believe the aversion to white/ecru hose comes from the traditional highland civilian dress perspective. Those colors aren't something that is done in THCD, and some folks on our side of the pond prefer to adhere to those conventions like our highlands counterparts. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the contrast between white and tartan, in my opinion, is just unpleasant to the eye, they're too bright and neither match nor complement tartan. Also, white hose remind me of a school girl uniform

**figheadair** · 5th February 17, 11:01 PM

If wearing a suit, or jacket and tie etc., would you wear white socks? No, I didn't think so.

IMO white hose are horrid and scream 1960-70s Scottish romantic schmaltz of the type personified by the Andy Stewart Show and the White Heather Club.

**Taskr** · 5th February 17, 11:43 PM

Clisgett,
I am sure you're noticing, there is no set answer. I started my kilt wearing with cream* and black hose. It was basically what fit from the limited stock in the kilt makers shop. The cream have not be worn very often at all as the hose collection slowly expanded. My wife preferred them for formal wear, but now I'm more apt to wear black or crimson. But, they are still in the sock drawer and they'll be worn again some time no doubt.

* though not white. I agree pure white hose look a bit odd - not that these aren't white-ish

**Jock Scot** · 5th February 17, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by figheadair

If wearing a suit, or jacket and tie etc., would you wear white socks? No, I didn't think so.

IMO white hose are horrid and scream 1960-70s Scottish romantic schmaltz of the type personified by the Andy Stewart Show and the White Heather Club.

Exactly so! What has been described as the "Scottish Cringe Factor" (SCF) is at work here and Andy Stewart and his TV program is/was a prime example. I think many non Scots, understandably, have absolutely no conception of how awful that type of program was from an aesthetic perspective and it baffles many Scots why the hire companies perpetuate the awfulness. Nevertheless if you like white hose then wear them, but just bear in mind that the SCF is not to be underestimated.

As an afterthought, black kilt hose are not reserved for funerals and whilst the kilt is worn to funerals by some and whatever colour hose, other than black or white, is quite acceptable. We do need to remember however, that in some parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands there is a very conservative part of the Christian community where the kilt is not necessarily viewed with enthusiasm, particularly at funerals.

**John_Carrick** · 6th February 17, 04:36 AM

I never wear actual white hose, but use cream hose sometimes. I like them for a formal occasion in my PC or Argyll jacket and this is a powerful enough convention in Scotland and the wider UK that I feel comfortable with it, whilst full respecting and often admiring the choices of others. For informal wear I like them with some of my kilts on occasion. Black is my default and lovat blue and lovat green are my favourites.
John

**ratspike** · 6th February 17, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Clisgett

I've got a cream pair and a blue pair, I was just reading in some other posts where they made remarks about white socks and didn't know that was offensive to some people's eyes

I don't think it's necessarily that white hose are offensive, at least not in the "I demand satisfaction!" kind of way. It's just that generally speaking, white socks and being sharply dressed don't typically go together. This isn't specific to kilts, but applies to men's style and fashion in general.

**JohntheBiker** · 6th February 17, 09:22 AM

I tend to think of it as a fashion issue. Highland wear has evolved over time and currently white hose are "out of fashion". Pipe bands are an example of this. White hose used to be pervasive, now you would be hard-pressed to find a competitive band in white hose.

I prefer coloured hose and like the way it looks.

**Clisgett** · 6th February 17, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by ratspike

I don't think it's necessarily that white hose are offensive, at least not in the "I demand satisfaction!" kind of way. It's just that generally speaking, white socks and being sharply dressed don't typically go together. This isn't specific to kilts, but applies to men's style and fashion in general.

Funny enough, it's actually the only pair of white socks I own. I haven't bought white socks since I was a teenager. The Marines broke that habit real quick

**DonP** · 7th February 17, 03:26 PM

I wear cream colored socks with my hiking boots and my khaki utility kilt. I think it's a good look.

**Arnold** · 8th February 17, 06:15 PM

having spent a number of years with a Canadian Reserve Highland Regiment and on the 11th November I will wear Lovat Green hose, being the dress of the regiment for the day for past members. On the 1st January I exchange my Lovat Green for White for the parade at the legion branch that I belong to. I also have a pair of blue which I do not wear with my McGregor kilt but as tradition has it, from what I have been told, I am entitled to wear the McLellan tartan for that is my wife's family. So as you can see I wear different colours for different reasons and I have no problems with others doing the same.