Checkered Kilt Hose Etiquette?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

More commonly known as "footless hose". The fact is diced hose would be worn with spats however footless hose evolved because heels toes and soles of hose wore out a damn sight faster than the legging element. As you can't see the foot under the spat it doesn't matter what you wear so you can be much more flexible particularly when it comes to repair.

Not quite right... Hose TOPS as they were called in the army, were developed because 19th century soldiers were issued several pair of thick wool socks for wear with their army issue boots but only one pair of "ho' tops". Cost was the factor and "ho' tops" were a cheap alternative to full length hose, as well as simplifying the Quartermaster General's task of supplying socks to an entire army.

I'm not sure when spats came into general use in the kilted regiments, but on the odd times I've gone on a shoot in my kilt I've found them useful in helping to keep my legs a bit dryer, as well as keeping burrs from getting caught in my hose.

[Nervous Jock]

Not quite right... Hose TOPS as they were called in the army,

I would disagree, this may have been the case initially but in my experience they are more commonly known as "footless hose" now unfortunately both my sets have been washed sufficent times to remove the details :-)