Lewis hose = just wow.

[AKScott]

My baseline is two pair of "standard" kilt hose from STM at $27.95, I have two pair of those. I like them just fine. On my 30" inseam and 9.5 (US) foot the standard hose a bit long for me, but otherwise great.

I ordered one pair of Lewis hose in claret for my wedding and finally tried them on tonight. Holy smoke!! This was an extra $20 well spent I think.

On my 9.5-10(US size) foot I have something like 15.5-16" rise to the top of the cuff. Perfect.

Sort of unusual for me to spend $72 (with garters) on a pair of socks that isn't for moose hunting, but we only live once.

No regrets, I understand all the fuss about these under the search button.

EDIT: pics will have to wait until after the wedding. I took them back off and put them away so they won't get mussed.

EDIT II: I had these folded with some plain knit showing above and below the cable weave in the cuff. I could probably get 17" rise out of mine if I folded the plain weave under at the bottom of the cuff and raised the cuff so there was no plain knit showing at the top.

[Bugbear]

Ya, they're really good hose. I like the cuffs.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Glad you like them.

That's my opinion, too, which I try to express when I am helping people select hose. The standard hose are, as you describe them, "just fine." Nothing wrong with them. Just standard.

But if you really want to treat your feet, the Lewis hose are the way to go. You put it well: "just wow."

:-) Looking forward to seeing pics.

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose_lewis.htm

[ncmunro7]

I can certainly vouch for the quality, looks and "feel" of the Scottish Tartan Museum's Lewis kilt hose. I have a pair - and I don't remember even thinking about my feet! The cuffs are very stylish; based on Matt's recommendation on the website, I bought the tie garters and would agree that they look sharp with the Lewis hose. Rob

[Riverkilt]

I love 'em. Only hose I buy now. Have 20 pair! Ten different colors. Like two pair in the same color in case its a long day and I need to change or back to back days where I need the same color hose and haven't had a chance for the first pair to dry after hand washing.

Then there are about a dozen of them traditional garter ties in various colors to go with the Lewis kilt hose.

What addiction....?

[NewEnglander]

I agree they are a fine quality item. Unfortunately my legs seem to be too short for them to fit properly. When I fold down the tops to the correct height the beautiful pattern on the cuffs gets turn inside-out and doesn't show the same. Just a heads-up to to the more modestly elevated (5'7") members of the Rabble.

[auld argonian]

Sort of unusual for me to spend $72 (with garters) on a pair of socks that isn't for moose hunting, but we only live once.
.

I hope the moose don't find out...they'll be very hurt....

Best

AA

[bchunter]

They are fine hose, indeed. And after trying the hand-tied garter ties, I've not worn the old elastic flashes since.

[mookien]

I have a pair of Lewis Hose in Ecru along with a couple of pairs of "standard" hose. The Lewis are noticeably better - softer, easier to don and shed, and a plushed cuff.

I prefer them enough that I just bought 4 pair from the STM (two for me and two for my son), along with a garter tie in order to exceed $200 and get free shipping! :-)

My Ecru pair was great this winter in outside jaunts. I'll find out this summer how cool they are in warm weather. By the way, I hand wash them in cold water using Woolite Extra Delicate Care followed by three cold rinses - in the last of which I put a slosh of white vinegar (after an idea from someone on XMTS).

[Cygnus]

I just bought my first pair.

Not surprisingly, yellow is not a colour that they had in stock. Looks like the jones will be a bit longer than I had hoped...

I'm still very much looking forward to them!