Opinon on Hose for Formal Wear

[Spartan Tartan]

I have to admit, I am still trying to understand what difference the style of hose makes for the outfit. I understand the jacket combinations (or at least believe I understand it somewhat) and how they relate to a particular "dress code". But for the life of me I can not see why full diced or argyle hose are to be viewed as "more formal" than those shown in the link by the OP.


I stand by for the "that's just how it's done" comment...if that is it, I can live with that too.

[Jock Scot]

I have to admit, I am still trying to understand what difference the style of hose makes for the outfit. I understand the jacket combinations (or at least believe I understand it somewhat) and how they relate to a particular "dress code". But for the life of me I can not see why full diced or argyle hose are to be viewed as "more formal" than those shown in the link by the OP.


I stand by for the "that's just how it's done" comment...if that is it, I can live with that too.

I am not really sure that there is a sensible and reliable answer to your quandary, although there may be a reason connected to the military that has been lost in the mists of time.

I wouldn't over think this, but I think that all you really need to know is, as you say "that's just how it's done" and just go with the added idea that they are very different from the norm and some are even more different!

[RussellSm]

I believe that a can of worms has been opened on this subject. To the statement about the military is somewhat correct. However, Scottish military dress is based on traditional highland dress. If you look at any of the prints of R.R. McIan, you will notice that the vast majority of the hose that are depicted are either diced or tartan style.

Solid color hose are a relatively new innovation. I have read that tartan and diced hose evolved from the wearing of tradional highland trews. These trews were somewhat snug in fit and a ribbon was tied about the upper calf.
Sir John Sincalir of Ulbster (yes Ublster) was consiered a great authority of his time on highland dress. Sir John maintained that the trews and not the kilt were the most ancient for of attire. Hence the origin of tartan/diced hose.

I believe that anythjing that can be worn for day wear is not suitable for evening/formal. I would urge anyone that does not have a copy of J.C. Thompson's book 'So You're Going to Wear the Klt' obtain one. J.C. for those of you who may not have known his was considered to be a terrific authority. And not a fellow to boot.

To steel a phase from Tevya in 'The fiddler on the Roof'.. Tradition...Tradition.

[macwilkin]

I believe that a can of worms has been opened on this subject. To the statement about the military is somewhat correct. However, Scottish military dress is based on traditional highland dress. If you look at any of the prints of R.R. McIan, you will notice that the vast majority of the hose that are depicted are either diced or tartan style.

Solid color hose are a relatively new innovation. I have read that tartan and diced hose evolved from the wearing of tradional highland trews. These trews were somewhat snug in fit and a ribbon was tied about the upper calf.
Sir John Sincalir of Ulbster (yes Ublster) was consiered a great authority of his time on highland dress. Sir John maintained that the trews and not the kilt were the most ancient for of attire. Hence the origin of tartan/diced hose.

I believe that anythjing that can be worn for day wear is not suitable for evening/formal. I would urge anyone that does not have a copy of J.C. Thompson's book 'So You're Going to Wear the Klt' obtain one. J.C. for those of you who may not have known his was considered to be a terrific authority. And not a fellow to boot.

To steel a phase from Tevya in 'The fiddler on the Roof'.. Tradition...Tradition.

Thompson's overview is a good place to start, but one most keep in mind that it was written primarily for a North American audience. I would also recommend more current guides to Highland attire written by our own Matt Newsome and Nick Feddes, as well as Bob Martin.

T.

[Spartan Tartan]

Jock, I appreciate the feedback. I guess I sort of figured that to be the answer, but on the chance that there was some historically significant/meaningful reason I figured I would ask.

Now that I know, "it's just done that way", I had better save my pennies for a nice set of diced hose.

[davidlpope]

I would urge anyone that does not have a copy of J.C. Thompson's book 'So You're Going to Wear the Klt' obtain one. J.C. for those of you who may not have known his was considered to be a terrific authority.

I also urge caution when it comes to Thompson. I hold him personally responsible for the current widely-accepted notion that a surplus military uniform blouse is appropriate highland day attire....

[MacLowlife]

DLP, I have to admit to believing Thompson on the converted military blouse. But even without him, I would like it a sight better than the Pyrate Waistcoate he calls the peitean- which he heartily endorses.

[davidlpope]

But even without him, I would like it a sight better than the Pyrate Waistcoate he calls the peitean- which he heartily endorses.

Agreed. Aarggh! Prepare to be Boarded!

[Biathlonman]

I have to agree with RussellSm - who also put things so tactfully. He's a wise man.
I recently upgraded to diced hose for highland formal and feel I should write out 100 times on a blackboard, I will not wear those white hose, I will not wear those white hose...