A Hose too long

[chrisupyonder]

I purchased 2 pairs of hose, 1 pair bottle green and the other pair navy blue. They are 80% wool 20% nylon. I picked the correct size 8+9 but they are too long by about 3 inches. How can I fold the top so the detail in the top looks correct with garter and flashes. I have tried various ways such as folding right down first over the garter then back up again but then the top is wrong way round. Any other suggestions?

http://www.mcallans.com/images/produ...arge_14734.jpg

http://www.mcallans.com/images/produ...arge_14737.jpg

[Jock Scot]

Yep, you have got it. With plain(ish) tops no one notices.

[AKScott]

Maybe I need to learn to do this. How many fingerwidths (about) should I (usually) be able to fit between the bottom of my kneecap and the top of my hose? Three-ish?

[chrisupyonder]

Yep, you have got it. With plain(ish) tops no one notices.

Thanks Jock. That was so quick a reply its almost like instant messaging.

[Jock Scot]

Maybe I need to learn to do this. How many fingerwidths (about) should I (usually) be able to fit between the bottom of my kneecap and the top of my hose? Three-ish?

I notice that kilt hose tends to be worn rather too high these days, so I would go 4+(ish) large fingerwidths.

[Jock Scot]

Thanks Jock. That was so quick a reply its almost like instant messaging.

[AKScott]

I notice that kilt hose tends to be worn rather too high these days, so I would go 4+(ish) large fingerwidths.

My hose are definitely long enough to fit someone much taller than me. I shall commence practice directly.

[OC Richard]

I notice that kilt hose tends to be worn rather too high these days

Yes indeed!

In this as in so many other aspects of Highland Dress, the Army tends to preserve the older ways.

Note how much knee is showing in this photo of Army Pipe Majors (and Drum Major) from the 1960s:



Contrast this with a modern civilian pipe band, with low kilts and high hose and little or no knees:

[robbiethepiper]

This may not be relevant but specific "Pipers Hose" are designed to be folded over twice leaving the edge up inside. IMHO The bulkier look is not unattractive.....

[Tobus]

I notice that kilt hose tends to be worn rather too high these days, so I would go 4+(ish) large fingerwidths.

I find the finger-width measurement to be sort of misleading, since everyone has a different thickness of fingers and not everyone has the kind of knee that makes for a good reference point.

A more understandable guideline (for me) is that the hose should come just high enough to allow the garter to be tied above the widest part of the calf. Looking at the military pipers above, this seems to be the rule they follow.

*edited to add: I have the same problem with most hose being made for someone way taller than me, even if I get the foot size correct. And finding an attractive way to fold it over is difficult, depending on the type of hose top. This is why I'm really liking custom-made hose more and more, where I can specify not only the foot size but the overall height.