I really shouldn't get into this not only because I respect James and thank him for his contributions but also because it seems very difficult to express a contrary opinion here without someone being offended.

But truth to tell, I don't think any of the hose I saw on the golf site would be a reasonable substitute for tartan hose. They're argyll knee highs, sure enough, but they aren't tartan hose.

I don't have $200-$300.00 for tartan hose either. So my wife made me a pair that are beautiful...far better than I had hoped for. It can be done. In fact, most of my accessories are hand/home made--two credible sporrans, two eminently credible sgian dubhs, bonnet, belts and, if I do say so myself, more than credible shoes.

But that said I've seen custom made tartan hose selling for less than $150.00 right here in the USA...custom-made to your size and tartan.

Sometimes...maybe not in this instance...you got to suck it up if you want to be credible. Otherwise you end up as an example of a "Don't." I bet that 75% of the Don'ts are because the person was "penny-wise and pound foolish." Which I think is one of Matt's points.