Argyll Hose with Day Wear

[Macman]

For me, argyll hose are formal wear. It's just the way I was brought up. If others like to wear them with tweed jackets, I won't get fussed about it. I like to pull mine on when I'm in formal rig, or, like Jock says, with a BBSB jacket for formal day wear. They are special to me and I don't like to wear them for non-formal occasions. But then, I'm the one who doesn't pull out the fine china very often, either.

[Nathan]

Thanks! I use "day wear" as a shorthand for "tweed Argyll + long tie aka informal day wear". I wasn't speaking about formal day wear or morning suit equivalent but Jock's clarification is useful and worth noting.

[Liam]

Thanks! As a point of clarification, I use "day wear" as a shorthand for "tweed Argyll + long tie aka informal day wear". I wasn't speaking about formal day wear or morning suit equivalent but the clarification is useful and worth noting.

I understood your meaning and use the term "formal" to include the "morning coat" day wear.

[Jock Scot]

I understood that as well, however, experience tells me to avoid ambiguity on these matters, particularly as some members are unaware that formal day wear even exists, or they think a black bow tie and accompanying evening attire is proper formal daywear, which of course it is not. These omissions can haunt one overtime, here.

[ASinclair]

I consider tartan hose and diced hose as part of formal wear. However, I think (like the Pirates' Code), our rules are more like guidelines. So if one chooses to wear tartan or diced hose with informal day wear, and it 'works', then it's personal flair.

[DyerStraits]

I consider tartan hose and diced hose as part of formal wear. However, I think (like the Pirates' Code), our rules are more like guidelines. So if one chooses to wear tartan or diced hose with informal day wear, and it 'works', then it's personal flair.

Aye, I'm with Allen and Liam. It's a more formal choice, and "formal implies "evening wear", but it depends on the occasion, and for the "right" type of day event, I say have at it. If it's a very "Gaelic-centric" occasion, e.g. St. Andrew's Day or Tartan Day, I do not hesitate to break out the Argyle hose. As mentioned elsewhere in this discussion, the Argyle Top hose from House Of Cheviot are an oherwise excellent, versatile compromise.

This is merely another instance of mastering the rules in order to (ponderously) break them, of which Highland Dress offers seemingly unending, uniquely challenging--and enjoyably debatable--opportunities, which in turn makes me, again, wish I had started kilting up long, long ago...

[Tomo]

If you don't feel comfortable wearing it - then it's probably the wrong option. Otherwise go for it.

Personally I'd reserve full argyle or diced hose for formal evening wear (not that I have any), plain for down the pub or at the match and either plain or patterned cuff for everything else. I think those worn by the Prince of Wales and IssacW are spot on for day wear and pretty versatile - I have something similar () but if you want to go with diced for day wear than something more muted like these in ancient green/blue might work:

[Spartan Tartan]

I would argue that although tending toward historical, diced hose are still appropriate for day wear and remain traditional. Certainly they are fine for formal evening wear, but I would not say they are limited to such.

Edited to remove unnecessary content.