New kilt! . . . New hose?

[A Robertson]

Dear Rabble,

(Happy Easter!)

I am pleased to tell you that I have bought a new kilt - medium weight (13 oz) 8 yarder, in my clan tartan - a Robertson Modern Hunting. At this moment in time, I prefer it to my Robertson Red Modern (but I might change my mind tomorrow!)
Anyway, I am pondering on buying matching tartan hose to compliment my new kilt.
As you all know, the cost of tartan hose is not cheap, and I have a limited budget.
There is a site that is selling surplus stock at a knock down rate of £50 (instead of the usual rate of £185 for custom made clan hose) - a BIG saving!
However, the site does not have Robertson Modern Hunting hose in their sale list.
(For those not familiar with Robertson Modern Hunting tartan, it is basically a 'Black Watch' tartan with a red and white line overlay - very similar to Mackenzie tartan.)
I have a choice: I can buy -
'Armstrong' tartan hose - 'Black Watch' with red stripe overlay.
'Forbes' tartan hose - 'Black Watch with white stripe overlay.
'Black Watch' - green and blue diced
or - I can continue to wear my Robertson Red hose.
I prefer either the 'Armstrong' or 'Forbes' hose, but I can't make up my mind which to buy.
Any help or suggestions would be truly appreciated.

[Liam]

Without knowing how often you intend to wear your new kilt to formal events, it is difficult to comment. Tartan hose are generally reserved for the most formal affairs. If you can't get the exact match then I would go with the diced hose....
Just my two bits worth....
btw...congrats on the new kilt!

[Tarheel]

As Liam points out with the types of events and frequency of wearing tartan hose, you might also consider your weather conditions. More thrifty woolen hose for winter and lighter "blended material" hose for summer may fit the budget now with the formal tartan choice put off until later. I suggest going for comfort first.