Tartan Kilt Hose

**Art Busbey** · 13th January 16, 01:27 PM

Can anyone recommend a reliable place that has kilt hose in specifiable (in this case MacLaren) tartans?
Thanks

**Father Bill** · 13th January 16, 01:30 PM

Not cheap, but John Hart (Keltoi above) in Canada (small looney) can get 'em done, and Rocky at USA Kilts (also above) can get em done in the states in Argyle style. You'll need to supply a small swatch of threads for colour matching.

**RockyR** · 13th January 16, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Not cheap, but John Hart (Keltoi above) in Canada (small looney) can get 'em done, and Rocky at USA Kilts (also above) can get em done in the states in Argyle style. You'll need to supply a small swatch of threads for colour matching.

Link to them on our site: http://www.usakilts.com/argyll-hose.html

**OC Richard** · 14th January 16, 05:10 AM

Rocky I assume those are "seamed fully-fashioned Clan hose" (as they said in the old days)?

I got mine from a local Highland Outfitter, they said they're made in Northern Ireland. The fit and colour-match was great. They cost $200.

Having size 14 feet, 18" calves, and being 6'4" tall I'm used to things not fitting, but the Drummond Of Perth (Muted) hose I got fit quite perfectly.

Since Highland Dancers all wear full tartan hose there's an established "industry" (though a small one) of making these and matching unusual tartans.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 14th January 16, 07:17 AM

I'd suggest speaking with John Hart at Keltoi, with the favourable exchange rate of the American dollar to the Canadian dollar it reduces the price substantially. It's like a30-40% discount!

**argyle24** · 14th January 16, 07:44 AM

As a highland dancer who has purchased custom argyle hose, my preferred maker is Dennis Henderson of Henderson Highland Hose in Berwick Upon Tweed. Also popular with dancers are Kilkeel in Ireland and Bonnie Toes (Kathy Park) here in the US. These are all makers who will make your hose specifically to your tartan and your custom measurements.

**JohntheBiker** · 14th January 16, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by MacCathmhaoil

I'd suggest speaking with John Hart at Keltoi, with the favourable exchange rate of the American dollar to the Canadian dollar it reduces the price substantially. It's like a30-40% discount!

I stand to be corrected, but I believe that John's source is in the U.S. so his existing pricing will be under real pressure given the current exchange rate. However, I like dealing with John and have bought two pairs of tartan hose from him and have been delighted with the outcome.

**Katia** · 14th January 16, 08:29 PM

Bonnie Tartan also does argyle kilt hose; I don't think they exclusively do dance tartans, but I'm not 100% sure. I've heard of people happy with them.

I've not bought hose from Kathy at Bonnie Toes, but I've communicated with her and know she's a nice lady, and I've heard good things about her work.

Kilkeel is usually the go-to, but I've been hearing about problems with them lately (orders not delivered, orders done incorrectly, customers having to jump through hoops to contact them or have issues resolved), so I'm a bit hesitant to recommend them (unless you perhaps buy from them through a supplier that uses them, as I've seen recommended to do if you want Kilkeel hose-- I assume they deal with stores beyond those that sell Highland dancewear). It's possible Kilkeel's issues are over; it's been a few months since I've heard much about it. But without knowing for sure, I'd advise caution in going that route. (Unfortunately, because a lot of people were very happy with them in the past.)

And then, of course, if you know any ambitious knitters, there are patterns out there as well.

**OC Richard** · 15th January 16, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by Katia

Kilkeel is usually the go-to, but I've been hearing about problems with them lately... so I'm a bit hesitant to recommend them unless you perhaps buy from them through a supplier that uses them, as I've seen recommended

That's who made mine (in the photo above). The firm I ordered them through evidently is a regular customer of theirs, and the hose came surprisingly quickly and they did a very good job at matching the odd colours of my kilt.

Sorry to hear about their customer service woes.

Here's their site

http://www.kilkeeldancinghose.co.uk/

They're in the UK, in Northern Ireland.

**Luke MacGillie** · 17th January 16, 08:11 AM

I realize its 2016 and all, technology progresses. But it seems downright silly to have a knit pair of hose, with seams up the back, why not just make actual cut from the cloth on the bias bag hose? Its traditional even

Im an oddball, I know it, and the totality of my kilt wearing is rooted way in the past.