Kilt hose observations

**Nanook** · 24th February 08, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Keeney

Back to Kilt hose - All kilt hose look thin and only barely turn over when they are stretched around my huge calfs. I have knitted a pair myself and they look good but without buying hanc knitted they all look thin.

I don't agree. Have you tried House of Edgar or Hawick? Unless you are sized like Ronny Coleman (23 inch calves) I can't see them stretching to be "thin".

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 25th February 08, 02:53 PM

Not sure what people mean when they say "cheap hose" since you can pick them up at the mill for fairly inexpensively (£4). Bought online and shipped to the US, 4 pair will run you roughly $13 a piece postage included. They aren't hand woven or anything, but they are the real deal. Decent Hose in the States cost around $20 at most retailers.

Of course, some snobs might scream that there are synthetic fibres in these hose, but the manufacturer does sell them under a brand name. Which can't be mentioned at those prices.

So, I am not sure why people wear everyday dress socks under these circumstances, or even the crappy rental hose out there.

On the other hand, you don't need to blow £200 for hose. US$20/£10 can pick up some decent hose that will last.

**McMurdo** · 25th February 08, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Nanook

Harwick seems to be a mixed bag. I have some pairs of heavy cashmere/silk (50/50) hose and socks from them that are absolutely wold class. Most of the socks I've more recently seen in shops, by contrast, seem nice but common polywool (and vastly inferior to my "more common" hose from Hose of Edgar). At the other end , however, I've heard that they've taken to make some socks of out Vicuna wool-- not that I've ever buy a pair. Corgi is another company that have made some fine kilt hose over the years but today seems to offer a mixed bag (from high end to mass market).

Nanook
Do you recall what it is that you write up? First you reply to me by saying that in your experience Hawick hose are a "mixed bag", then a few pages later you are recommending them to someone...

Originally Posted by Nanook

I don't agree. Have you tried House of Edgar or Hawick? Unless you are sized like Ronny Coleman (23 inch calves) I can't see them stretching to be "thin".

I think there are times when you are contrary just to be so, if in fact, as I have stated Hawick Hose are some of the best on the market for the price point why would you disagree with what I had to say about them?

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 25th February 08, 04:24 PM

Because some people like being contrary. I'm glad you like Hawick, but you're going to have to dig to find the manufacturer's outlet!

**gilmore** · 25th February 08, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by Dukeof Kircaldy

Because some people like being contrary. I'm glad you like Hawick, but you're going to have to dig to find the manufacturer's outlet!

I wrote them and received this reply:

<<<We have an agent in the USA who will be able to help you, his details are:

Jeff Robertson
Caledonian Fine Arts
12 Hatchetts Hill Rd
Old Lyme
Connecticut CT 06371

Tel 860 434 8899>>>

**McMurdo** · 25th February 08, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Dukeof Kircaldy

Because some people like being contrary. I'm glad you like Hawick, but you're going to have to dig to find the manufacturer's outlet!

Cairngorm, Hector Russell in Toronto carries them, they are about 15 minutes drive from my home, I purchased a pair of gold Hawick hose from them last week.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 25th February 08, 04:41 PM

I'm talking about the actual mill that manufactures the hose for most of the retailers. The price is closer to 12-14 bucks a pop with postage.

**Monkey@Arms** · 25th February 08, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Dukeof Kircaldy

I'm talking about the actual mill that manufactures the hose for most of the retailers. The price is closer to 12-14 bucks a pop with postage.

Why are you being cryptic? Are you talking about W. Brewin & Co.? They've been discussed on X-Marks before.

Best regards,

Jake

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 25th February 08, 05:43 PM

You've got it. First off, you can hunt for the posts. Second off, they do make mostly wool blends. For the money, Brewin can't be beat.

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Why are you being cryptic? Are you talking about W. Brewin & Co.? They've been discussed on X-Marks before.

Best regards,

Jake

**TatterDel** · 25th February 08, 09:37 PM

From an American lassies perspective:
We are looking at your 'bonnie knees' and we see hose/socks or footwear that distract from the view... we quit looking. Also, like the rest of attire it should co-ordinate and look good together. Let your whole outfit accent your manliness not distract from it and make you look bad. I've seen soccer socks and running shoes at highland games on non-athletes and I ask... 'Why?" Handsome man, nice kilt, sharp shirt.. don't forget where are eyes will end up.

Aidmheil, Mòralach, Misneach