Hose: just the bare essentials

[CDNSushi]

I've seen all sorts of hose threads recently... Unfortunately all they've done is confused me to pieces. I'm going try asking this very specifically in hopes that it will clear things up for me.

Here's the guidelines for responses that I'm after:

Let's just say that I were going to strand you on a desert island for 6 months (not a tropical one) lol with only 3 of your favourite kilts. Then, let's say that I allowed you to bring 2 pairs of hose per kilt. (That's a total of 6 pairs oh hose for those of you who failed math in school).

1. Which hose would you consider to be "essential" enough to take with you?

2. Where would you buy them? (Budget-wise, assume you're so tight you squeak! So no $50/pair ideas please... Also, choose just 1 retailer so as to consolidate shipping costs)


Why am I asking this? I need to buy some hose but I'm on a very strict budget. I'd like to have at least a couple pairs that I can use with each of my kilts. Being able to mix & match is a good thing, although I COULD deal with having a couple pairs that go with one specific tartan or outfit...

[McMurdo]

On a budget I'd go here
http://stores.ebay.com/WB-SOCKS_KILT...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

As for colour I'd say if I only had six pair of hose, I'd go for the following
1. Black
2. Bottle Green
3. Lovat Green
4. Oatmeal/Stone
5. Lovat Blue
6. Maroon

[ChattanCat]

On a budget I'd go here
http://stores.ebay.com/WB-SOCKS_KILT...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

As for colour I'd say if I only had six pair of hose, I'd go for the following
1. Black
2. Bottle Green
3. Lovat Green
4. Oatmeal/Stone
5. Lovat Blue
6. Maroon

This is where I got my new christmas kilt hose
Black
Lovat green
Lovat blue
Navy
Beige
Bottle green

Total price with shipping $45

[Zardoz]

I wouldn't even need 6 pairs,

the kilts and hose I would take (at this time) would be;
Irelands National - paired with Bottle Green, Black or Beige

American Heritage- Black, Lovat Blue or Dark Red

Saffron - Bottle Green

Only 5 pairs of hose, I'd get them from W. Brewin http://stores.channeladvisor.com/wbsocks/Kilt%20Hose/
They are resonable and fit my fat calves!

[cavscout]

The ones mentioned above are probably the best deal out there right now.

Normally I would have recommended Hamilton Dry Goods but they appear to not be carrying the selection they used to. Would not hurt to call them and see if they still have some that are not on their web site though. http://www.hamiltondrygoods.com/Kilt-Socks.html

The next step up for me would be Pipers Hose (don't let the name fool you, anyone can wear them ) They have a popcorn top and can be purchased from almost anywhere that sells Gaelic Themes Pipers Hose. Someone posted a link that had them for just over $20. Be careful though as they may be the acrylic version and not the 70% wool / 30% Nylon. Typically the wool/nylon socks run around $40. I love these hose and are my hose of choice for all occasions. Very comfortable and look great.

[GG]

I'd get them from W. Brewin http://stores.channeladvisor.com/wbsocks/Kilt%20Hose/
They are resonable and fit my fat calves!

I second that. They are affordable and make garter flashes unneccessary - on me, at least.

Greg

www.dress2kilt.eu

[beloitpiper]

All I'd need is green, navy, and my gray kilt hose, and I'd be aaaaaall set.

[Jock Scot]

If we really are talking bare essentials, then, bottle green.

[Philip S. Tibbetts]

How about cream? Ok I'll get my coat!

[ForresterModern]

I would hit scottishlion,com for a collection of their pipers hose at $29 a pair (just went up from 22)---navy, charcoal, black, stone (tan), lovat blue, lovat green. Solid heavy weight, nice popcorn top turnover. 80%wool.