The case against white kilt hose

[RichardtheLarge]

Pipe bands are an unusual mix of dress traditions and ideas, and have a huge impact on the wearing of Scottish National Dress. Pipe band uniforms may represent a number of things including band history / traditions, uniformity, economy and points on the dress judge's score card. Bandsmen are also 'performers', meaning that their dress is expected to be a notch or two above the 'audience'; so while the audience is wearing tweed and brown leather, the bands will be wearing a Crail and more formal leather. And, in the eyes of many Pipe Majors and band managers, white hose look more formal.

In this country, where we have more pipe bands than Scotland, most kilt-wearers will be influenced by what they wear / wore in a band or what a bandman friend wears. It is rare to see a kilt-wearer 'correctly' turned out, much less stylishly dressed. White hose abound and evening sporrans are often worn during the day. Black leather is the norm, leather sporran straps are almost absent and, at most Games, at least one peacock will be striding around in Prince Charlie with dirk sparkling at his side.

Returning to the OP, I think well-textured ecru hose are fine for daywear, particularly if they pick out colours in the kilt. It looks very well, too, with brown leather.

I certainly agree with you that one seldom sees anything approaching THCD in the States. Curiously enough, the closest thing might be people appearing at Burns Suppers in their Prince Charlies!

The last time I visited a Highlandwear shop, the attendant appeared in a pirate shirt and a chrome/fur evening sporran! Without any prior exposure, one might well expect visitors to the store to emulate its employees.

I’ll keep wearing my ecru hose with daywear.