tights ?

[Ranald]

On looking at the web site www.rkilts.com/ and browsing the photos section I came across three photos of a chap named Lar, he's wearing a rkilt obviously but also wearing dark coloured tights !
Never crossed my mind before, but what does everone think about men wearing tights with a kilt?
To my mind I think he looks quite good and it looks quite a good ensemble.
I'm told Scotland will get very cold and I'm worried I may have to revert back to trousers for the cold periods!
cheers all.

[Dreadbelly]

On looking at the web site www.rkilts.com/ and browsing the photos section I came across three photos of a chap named Lar, he's wearing a rkilt obviously but also wearing dark coloured tights !
Never crossed my mind before, but what does everone think about men wearing tights with a kilt?
To my mind I think he looks quite good and it looks quite a good ensemble.
I'm told Scotland will get very cold and I'm worried I may have to revert back to trousers for the cold periods!
cheers all.

You should ask Graham that question when he's back :razz:

[Canuck]

I wear my kilt year round and you do so as well you will find that it adapts to temperatures rather well. If you wear traditional kilt hose pulled up to the traditional hieght and your kilt you will find you will be rather warm even with the knees exposed. Another alternative, for a funky look is coloured long johns giving you a more rugged look than tights.
I suppose cycling tights or skiers silk tights will work just as well. But frankly I don't see the need.
Remember that trousers only provides one layer against the cold...a kilt a minimum of 2 layers on the front apron and as much as 6 layers with the pleats.
I speak from experience to -25C
Cheers
Robert

[James]

Whilst not sure about some of the 'new version kilts'; the traditional version is more than warm enough for any normal outdoor activity all year round. That includes winter hillwalking in snow and wet conditions UK & Scandinavia: so I doubt that there is any worry about cold weather. The kilt is also superb for river crossing-no need to draw a picture.

Regarding tights-I'd be more worried about bits that are best kept cool - overheating.

Too a decent pair of socks are warm, and if they get wet easily changed.

Having said all that, if a chap feels the cold and decides on a pair of tights/long drawers or whatever-really that should be his decision. Whilst a piper I know, one winter evening had to stand for ages doing nothing in a very windy/cold position, waiting for his one moment of glory: and he told me of borrowing a pair of tights, and what a great comfort they were on that occasion.

James

[Archangel]

myself, I'd put jeans on before I'd put tights on.
traditionally, kilted highlanders wore kilts all winter. I remember being required to wear shorts all winter in elementary school in Scotland. Is that still the case?
four winters of trench warfare, and the only real changes in kit would be greatcoat and hat. There's little literature on the cold vs non-kilted soldier. There's some on anti-frostbite salve for knees invented by the VC with bar doctor.
Some pictures of Red River valley, Alberta, settlers with kilts in winter.
Doesn't really tell you much, does it?

I understand Scotland has colder winters than it did in my childhood. I remember them as brighter because the "rain" was white and reflected light as opposed to the usual grey. But then I'm photophobic anyway, like the Douglas thing.

[macwilkin]

myself, I'd put jeans on before I'd put tights on.
traditionally, kilted highlanders wore kilts all winter. I remember being required to wear shorts all winter in elementary school in Scotland. Is that still the case?
four winters of trench warfare, and the only real changes in kit would be greatcoat and hat. There's little literature on the cold vs non-kilted soldier. There's some on anti-frostbite salve for knees invented by the VC with bar doctor.
Some pictures of Red River valley, Alberta, settlers with kilts in winter.
Doesn't really tell you much, does it?

I understand Scotland has colder winters than it did in my childhood. I remember them as brighter because the "rain" was white and reflected light as opposed to the usual grey. But then I'm photophobic anyway, like the Douglas thing.

There is some evidence that Highlanders stationed in North America during the French & Indian War wore Native American wool leggings under their kilts (these leggings are knee-high with braided "flashes" to hold them up); there is a picture of such an outfit in Stuart Reid's "18th Century Highlanders" by Osprey Publishing.

And then of course, George VI on his visit to Scotland in 1822 reportedly wore pink or flesh-coloured tight under his kilt! ;) (NOTE: TOUNGE FIRMLY PLANTED IN-CHEEK!)

I've worn my kilts through many winters with just traditional kilt hose, and really, I've never been that cold -- the knees are all bone anyway. :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

[Angus]

There is some evidence that Highlanders stationed in North America during the French & Indian War wore Native American wool leggings under their kilts (these leggings are knee-high with braided "flashes" to hold them up); there is a picture of such an outfit in Stuart Reid's "18th Century Highlanders" by Osprey Publishing.

And then of course, George VI on his visit to Scotland in 1822 reportedly wore pink or flesh-coloured tight under his kilt!

Would you happen to have any links that we could visit?

[Archangel]

There is some evidence that Highlanders stationed in North America during the French & Indian War wore Native American wool leggings under their kilts (these leggings are knee-high with braided "flashes" to hold them up); there is a picture of such an outfit in Stuart Reid's "18th Century Highlanders" by Osprey Publishing.

And then of course, George VI on his visit to Scotland in 1822 reportedly wore pink or flesh-coloured tight under his kilt! ;)

I've worn my kilts through many winters with just traditional kilt hose, and really, I've never been that cold -- the knees are all bone anyway. :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

Oh, I've seen the illustrations, I wouldn't be using GR VI as a fashion reference for anything. It's only because he was king that he got away with that, and barely.
Seriously, yes, I've seen pictures of the "leggings", and I am separating them from tights in my taxonomy. I think the Liverpool Scottish website has pictures from the trenches in winter, with leggings. (I think I can remember rolling my own socks over my knees to stay warm.)

Go with Robert's experience, he lives down the road but he's braver than me, and we've just gone through one of the coldest winters, (this summer's breaking records too).

[macwilkin]

Would you happen to have any links that we could visit?

Sure, Angus!

http://www.ospreypublishing.com/titl...ser=MAA~per=12

Click on the "view larger image" link & you will see the aforementioned Highlander with Indian leggings on the front cover!

(Be careful, Osprey books are ADDICITIVE! I have a rather large collection that I have amassed over the years!)

Cheers,

Todd

[Geoduck]

The leggings look great, though I'm sure I'll be happy to use the traditional hose more often next winter.

I've been thinking about the tights thing, too. My poly long underwear has served me well for years now and I'm wondering about football games at Martin Stadium being overly cold come November. I haven't decided what will come of that, but I"m not sure I'll go with a kilt for those games. Although, who knows? I might make sportscenter in a kilt out there!