Quote Originally Posted by David Dubh View Post

Why do rentals think it appropriate to rent/sell cream hose for formal wear?
Four reasons:
(1) Basic hygene. People who rent socks like to know (or at least think) they are clean. White conveys this (sometimes false) impression.
(2) Because it cuts down significantly on the cost of inventory. 100 pair of white socks in three sizes -- small, medium, large -- costs significantly less than the same in either coloured or diced/argyll socks.
(3) There is a misconception that white socks go with everything-- at least that what's the kilt hire shops will tell you.
(4) White socks are cheaper, and in the kilt hire business it's all about renting the cheapest stuff for the highest price.

Which is why, unless you want to look like you rented your socks (and possibly everything else) you would do well to avoid white/creme coloured hose.