Piper's Hose

[Bryan]

I've always loved the look of the hose that members of Pipe bands wear. Is it a specific kind? They look thicker than most.

[McMurdo]

I think what you are talking about is Popcorn Top Hose:

[Bryan]

Those are exactly what I'm talking about! There is something attractive about them. Are they made for piper's only? I guess anyone could wear them, but would you want to?

[Casper]

I have those exact hose, but cream coloured. I just like the look of the beefy cuff.

Most hose is only folded once at the top, whereas piper hose is usually folded 3x.

[Bryan]

I have those exact hose, but cream coloured. I just like the look of the beefy cuff.

Most hose is only folded once at the top, whereas piper hose is usually folded 3x.

This is a stupid question, but I assume they make them really long then?

[Jock Scot]

If you like them,then wear them.Personally, I would prefer to see white hose being worn by pipers though.

[PiobBear]

If you like them, then wear them. Personally, I never wear white hose, especially popcorn hose, when I'm piping or otherwise.

[Bryan]

If you like them, then wear them. Personally, I never wear white hose, especially popcorn hose, when I'm piping or otherwise.

Any particular reason why? Is it a comfort issue?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

A lot of places can supply these hose, sometimes called "popcorn top hose" sometimes called "pipers hose." They can be had in colors other than plain white. I have two pair, one in bottle green and one in lovat green.

The Museum gift shop used to carry them but we don't any longer. If anyone is interested we still have ONE pair left in lovat green for $35. I can't recall the size right now but I can check in the shop when I get in this morning.

I beleive USA Kilts can also supply them. I'm pretty sure Scotland Yard can. Other places, as well, no doubt.

I've also seen some people wear popcorn hose tops -- just the top that they slip on over their regular hose of the same color. And I've seen some gents wearing hand-knit hose that were made with a very similar top.
~M

[PiobBear]

If you like them, then wear them. Personally, I never wear white hose, especially popcorn hose, when I'm piping or otherwise.

Any particular reason why? Is it a comfort issue?

No, I don't like the way they look. I strongly suspect that the only reason white socks are considered fashionable is because that's what kilt rentals and pipe bands use because they're cheap, so that's what many people are accustomed to seeing. I greatly prefer kilt hose in a color that compliments my tartan, or when going formal, Argyll or diced hose. I think that white socks with a black PC, waistcoat, & bow tie and white tux shirt gives an overall effect rather suggestive of a penguin.