Where is the dividing line between kilt hose & shooting socks?

[Kriegbert]

On one end, highly formal diced or Argyle hose with castellated tops & the like are quite distinctive in its use for scottish highland dress, but it's the middle area where shooting socks join, especially (but not limited to) solid colour socks from outside exclusively highland hosiery. I'm trying to ascertain any definitions or distinctions? Just from an academic standpoint, as it seems in many cases the two types would be interchangeable anyway

[KennethSime]

On one end, highly formal diced or Argyle hose with castellated tops & the like are quite distinctive in its use for scottish highland dress, but it's the middle area where shooting socks join, especially (but not limited to) solid colour socks from outside exclusively highland hosiery. I'm trying to ascertain any definitions or distinctions? Just from an academic standpoint, as it seems in many cases the two types would be interchangeable anyway

To my eye, the difference is merely aesthetic. House of Cheviot's shooting socks and kilt hose are basically interchangeable, though marketed one way or another.

[FossilHunter]

Shooting socks tend to be longer so they can go over the bottom of shooting breeks. Clever folding can make them work as kilt hose.

On the other hand, I know user Jockscot wears his HoC Lewis kilt hose with breeks so the length must not be that different.

[Jock Scot]

Shooting socks tend to be longer so they can go over the bottom of shooting breeks. Clever folding can make them work as kilt hose.

On the other hand, I know user Jockscot wears his HoC Lewis kilt hose with breeks so the length must not be that different.

Yes, I use HoC hose as dual purpose shooting/kilt hose. I have a system that works for me and countless others so why change? I am wearing a pair of green HoC hose with my kilt today and I will be wearing HoC hose with my shooting attire tomorrow I have no idea what colour they will be, yet.

I choose plain tops as with plus 4's the hose tops are not seen, so its just easier and less expensive that way. There are some very smart and colourful shooting hose sold by the top end shooting shops such as Westley Richards and Holland and Holland to name just two companies that could just as easily be worn with the kilt. But HoC hose or "The almost unwearoutable sock Company" provide everything I require in Shooting/kilt hose.

Just to avoid confusion, there are distinct tailoring differences between breeks and plus 4's. Breeks are usually cut narrower and slightly shorter than Plus 2's/4's/6's/ or even Plus 8's.

I will try and find picture or two that does not break Rule 11 to demonstrate what I mean.

IMG_1713_1.jpg

The two chaps centre and left are wearing breeks and the patterned tops of the hose are plain to see, the chap on the right is wearing plus4's and the hose tops cannot be seen.

The hose worn here shooting,

IMG_0468.jpeg

could easily be the ones being worn here.

August. Sept 2012 016 2.jpg

[Kriegbert]

Yes, I use HoC hose as dual purpose shooting/kilt hose. I have a system that works for me and countless others so why change? I am wearing a pair of green HoC hose with my kilt today and I will be wearing HoC hose with my shooting attire tomorrow I have no idea what colour they will be, yet.

I choose plain tops as with plus 4's the hose tops are not seen, so its just easier and less expensive that way. There are some very smart and colourful shooting hose sold by the top end shooting shops such as Wesley Richards and Holland and Holland to name just two companies that could just as easily be worn with the kilt. But HoC hose or "The almost unwearoutable sock Company" provide everything I require in Shooting/kilt hose.

Just to avoid confusion, there are distinct tailoring differences between breeks and plus 4's. Breeks are usually cut narrower and slightly shorter than Plus 2's/4's/6's/ or even Plus 8's.

I will try and find picture or two that does not break Rule 11 to demonstrate what I mean.



The two chaps centre and left are wearing breeks and the patterned tops of the hose are plain to see, the chap on the right is wearing plus4's and the hose tops cannot be seen.

The hose worn here shooting,



could easily be the ones being worn here.

Don’t forget that the number refers to how far below the knee the excess drops. Eg plus-twos also exist

[Jock Scot]

Don’t forget that the number refers to how far below the knee the excess drops. Eg plus-twos also exist

I am aware of that.

[Kriegbert]

I am aware of that.

Surprised jodhpurs & breeches (pronounced britches) haven’t been mentioned yet

[Jock Scot]

Surprised jodhpurs & breeches (pronounced britches) haven’t been mentioned yet

Officers of some Scots Regiments were known to wear tartan breeches , I think in the Boar war and in WW1 too. I have no idea if they were "official" attire though.

[OC Richard]

Surprised jodhpurs & breeches (pronounced britches) haven’t been mentioned yet

Traditionally all officers were mounted and wore riding breeches, which could be solid colour or tartan.



Here you can see a Field Grade Officer in tartan breeches

[OC Richard]

Shooting socks tend to be longer so they can go over the bottom of shooting breeks. Clever folding can make them work as kilt hose.

Yes you'll see similar socks very long for shooting and shorter for Highland Dress.

I once bought a Cheviot pair that had one of each!! Identical hose, but made to quite different lengths.