Tying historical garters

[Matt Richards]

I have seen photos of 1700s reenactor/living history folks wearing the cadadh garters tied in a sort of big ornate knot that looks almost like a bow, with lots of loops, like this http://i55.tinypic.com/auftlf.jpg.

How do you tie these sorts of knots and is there historical provenance of such? Or was it more often wrapping it around the calf and tying it in a simple overhand knot?

[Nick the DSM]

I always thought they just tied it in a simple knot, maybe the bows are for when they somewhere nice to go to?

[figheadair]

I suspect that for practicality they were simply tied like the bow of a shoe lace for every day use.

There is a more elaborate garter knot which is tied to resemble a saltire that I use and which I suspect dates either to the Highland Revival or Victorian era. I keep meaning to post some pics or perhaps a video clip.

[Guinness>water]

I am also interested in this topic. I'd like to see more answers about Matt's question but would like to piggyback my own question in this thread.

I have seen several photos of others wearing their garter ties on the outside of the hose. Ancienne Alliance has several phots of himself wearing the ties on the outside of the cuff, not under as we typically see.








Whats is the history behind this and is it acceptable today?

Do the ties need to be extra long (or longer)?

Why dont most of us wear them in this fashion?

Thanks,

[BLHS209]

This link to the Scottish Tartan Museum may help explain the garter tying:

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/garter_howto.html

Chris Shepherd

(still need to order a pair or two....)

[Ancienne Alliance]

I am also interested in this topic. I'd like to see more answers about Matt's question but would like to piggyback my own question in this thread.

I have seen several photos of others wearing their garter ties on the outside of the hose. Ancienne Alliance has several phots of himself wearing the ties on the outside of the cuff, not under as we typically see.








Whats is the history behind this and is it acceptable today?

Do the ties need to be extra long (or longer)?

Why dont most of us wear them in this fashion?

Thanks,

" is it acceptable today? " Well... That's an odd question... I do it !
If you want I can give you my blessings to do it.

No, seriously, the whole thing is rather new but if you want to pull it out right, I think you simply need a little flair, a sense of taste and a good dose and self confidence.

"Why dont most of us wear them in this fashion?"
Hey ! Just do it ! Join the club !


Best,

Robert

[Guinness>water]

Thanks Robert,
I guess I could have worded it differently.

This, along with many other kilt related things, is new to me. Just trying to feel my way around.

I assume your ties are made out of the same tartan as your kilt?

How about solid colored ties, would those be ok also?(not asking permission, style advice wanted)

[JSFMACLJR]

How about solid colored ties, would those be ok also?(not asking permission, style advice wanted)

They'd be fine.